Wound Care Nurse

Within the field of nursing there are many different and unique subspecialties. Wound care is considered to be one of the fastest growing subspecialties in health care today due to the “increasing size of the elderly population as well as changes in health care policies.” (GraduateNursingEdu. (n.d.). Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse Job Description, para. 1). Wound care nurses can typically be found within acute, long term, and in home care facilities.

Just as registered nurses, wound care nurses are required to obtain advanced education and certifications. To become a Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) “most WOC programs require, at minimum, that nurses be baccalaureate prepared with current RN licensure.” In addition, most wound care nurses will often have certificates in wound, ostomy, and continence care.

The responsibilities and tasks of a wound care nurse are often interchangeable. Upon meeting with a patient it is the wound care nurse’s responsibility to work with the attending physician to assess the wound and develop a treatment plan that compliments and accommodates the patient’s needs and physical abilities. Once a treatment plan had been developed, the nurse will provide the patient with education and instruction as to how to manage their condition in-between scheduled treatment appointments. At the time that the wound is healed the nurse will then work with the patient to develop a management care plan, including suggested preventative measures to reduce reoccurring incidents.

The current job outlook and available opportunities for a CWCN nurse are very promising. Salary can vary depending on level of experience, education, and location of practice. Within the Milwaukee area the average salary of a CWCN nurse is $56,000. (Indeed. 2014. Wound Care Nurse Salary in Milwaukee, WI, para. 1)

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