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Wound care nursing belongs to a specific nursing sphere in which various wounds, including cuts, punctures, surgical incisions, pressure ulcers, ostomies, diabetic ulcers, and other skin disorders, are assessed and treated. These nurses frequently encounter patients with complex wounds that take a long time to heal. If you are considering wound care as your future specialty, this overview is intended to enlighten you about the career’s role, requirements, and benefits and challenges that it may pose.
Wound care nurses are crucial to the patient’s recovery, especially someone with chronic skin conditions. Duties vary by the setting; however, they most commonly include:
Wound care nurses work in many types of healthcare settings, including:
The working hours are determined by the practice area. Some nurses may work 12-hour shifts, while others keep regular 9-to-5 hours. Typical personality traits in successful wound care nurses include:
Wound care nursing requires an advanced set of skills outside of nursing common training:
Education:
Both Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) can pursue specializations in wound care. A high school diploma is essential for both LPN/LVN and RN programs. LPN/LVN programs usually last 1 year and are available at community colleges and technical schools. RNs may choose to earn a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing (BSN).
Licensure:
LPNs/LVNs must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and RNs must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once they pass their chosen exam, the application for licensure must be made within the state in which they would want to work.
Certification:
Owning a certification in wound care is not always a work requirement, but it attests to skill and can prove invaluable. There are several such certifications which in most cases require a BSN, clinical experience, and continuing education. Some certifications are:
Employers usually prefer wound care applicants with experience. Working with a wound management team in a skilled nursing facility could be a good experience for future wound care nurses.
Continuing Education:
While the needs in different states might vary, continuing education is crucial in wound care. Certifications often require further education for renewal.
Time and Cost
The total time that it takes to become a wound care nurse differs according to the route chosen. The LPN/LVN programs will always take lesser time in contrast to the RN programs. Added certification takes further time. Costs will depend on the program and certification chosen.
Career Development
LPNs/LVNs can move on to register as RNs. RNs can enter into advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles as well as seek other specialty certifications.
Pros:
Cons:
Wound care nursing is a satisfying career choice for those willing to work with the healing of patients. It requires specialists, expertise, and personal qualities, but wound care may be the best option for some dedicated nurses.
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