Purpose: The purpose of this abstract is to review the role of a part time WOCN with home health. Digital photographs are taken on admission, for wound changes, and at discharge by the home health nurse. A wound assessment tool with a numerical score and standardized format is utilized to provide for optimal wound documentation. Weekly the WOCN reviews the client record and photographs. Suggestions are made to the physician particularly when an advanced wound care product can be more effective than “BID wet to dry NS.” The WOCN phones the nurse case managing the client if there are questions and to identify progress towards goals of independence. The WOCN completes the communication form that includes the numerical score and the client's progress or lack of and any changes in the plan of care. The WOCN may make a home visit for challenging wounds that are not progressing. New nurses are checked off on the basic competencies of wound care by the WOCN. By being on site weekly, the WOCN is able to serve as a resource for clients with an ostomy, also.

Outcome: 100% nurses at one home health branch office report that the wound program and role of the WOCN has improved their wound care skills. The home care nurses feel that the client's wounds are better managed because of the part time WOCN.