Staff RN Case Manager – ECHN – Manchester, CT

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Clinical Manager, performs the primary function of an RN in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care of patients in the Wound Healing Center.# Is responsible for meeting the established WHC Standards of Nursing Practice in the management of all assigned patients. Assists physicians with the development and implementation of wound treatment plans and participates in performance improvement review activities. Acts within the guidelines of federal and state laws, JCAHO Standards and professional and ethical practice. # EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Registered Nurse, graduate from an approved School of Nursing.

Current state licensure. # EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two (2) years med-surg experience. Wound Care experience preferred. # ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.# They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position.# These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.

# # ########### Job-Specific Competency 1. ASSESSMENTS: Initiate a nursing assessment of patient#s condition upon admission. Assess and interpret reports communicating findings with the assigned physician. Recognize and assess initial alterations in the patient#s body systems and verbalize this to other members of the health care team.

Organize assessment data for accuracy, completeness and confidentiality. Record assessment data in an orderly fashion and communicate, revise and verbalize pertinent information to other health care team members. Assess, stage, and measure wounds accurately and in accordance with policy. Photograph wounds according to policy and procedure.

Complete in an accurate manner all admission nursing chart forms. Assess compliance to the clinical pathway and be instrumental in bringing to the attention of the physician or health care team missing components. Identify patient care situations that require intervention, implement nursing actions and evaluate responses. Identify patient/family education and discharge needs and implement a teaching plan of care.

# 2. PLANNING: Document a plan of care accurately for all assigned patients. Identify the patient#s present and potential problems from the assessment. Determine patient#s health status and incorporate into the plan of care.

Collaborate with physician to develop a plan of care based on assessment data. Develop and implement a teaching plan. Prioritize problems according to impact on health status. Formulate desired outcomes specific to patient#s problems and WHC protocols.

Ensure desired outcomes that are mutually agreed upon by the patient, family (when appropriate) and the nurse. Formulate desired outcomes that are specific and measurable within a certain time frame and consistent with other health provider#s expectations. Identify home health care needs, evaluate support systems, and identify patient teaching needs from admission to discharge. Participate in implementing planned changes and activities to improve care.

Hold self and staff accountable for the delivery of quality nursing care. Promote harmonious relationships and favorable attitudes among the team members. Assess whether the plan of care is effective with the physician and is instrumental in initiating changes as necessary. Implement wound care and HBO protocols when clinically indicated.

Individualize care according to age specific population. Assist physician with wound therapy. Accurately complete the superbill and ensure that all orders and charges are initiated accurately. Coordinate activities with other disciplines (rehab, nutrition, diabetic education, home health, DME, nursing homes and other ancillary services).

3. EVALUATION: Evaluate achievement or lack of achievement of desired outcomes. In collaboration with the physician and other health care members, revise the plan of care and continuously reassess and evaluate until desired outcome is obtained. Complete the 4 week reviews in a timely manner and ensure all recommendations to the plan are activated in the physician orders.

Participate in quality improvement/staff meetings. 4. GENERAL: a. ##Function as a case manager for a defined patient population.

b. ##Coordinate office visits, pre-procedure work-ups, and patient education with the multidisciplinary team. c. ##Foster continuity of care between WHC and care taker (home, hospital, HH etc) d.

##Coordinate the use of clinic staff, exam room space, and supplies. e. ##Prepare for clinic to enable accurate and complete updates to the physician. f.

###Assist others within the clinic. g. ##Triage telephone calls and assist with scheduling. h.

##Maintain an open, professional communication line with patients, physicians, and staff. i. ###Safely operate all clinical equipment in the clinic. j.

###Maintain appropriate infection control procedures. k. ##Maintain skills and knowledge through training and continuing education. l.

###Monitor condition of equipment and report malfunctions to Clinical Manager. m. #Adhere to time and attendance policies. n.

##Support and adhere to NHC and Hospital policy and procedures. #