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PURPOSE: We implemented/restructured a Skin/Wound Resource Nurse Program to train nurses to serve as wound/ostomy experts or mini-WOCNs for their units in order to improve patient care outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: Because WOC nurses juggle many responsibilities, a resource team may bolster the implementation of a comprehensive skin/wound/ostomy/continence program. UNC Health Care has implemented a Skin/Wound Resource Nurse Program. This program initially prepares RNs through a 2-day, instructional course supplemented with 5 hours of clinical preceptorship. These RNs receive continued education and collaboration through monthly forum meetings. They serve as wound/ostomy experts or mini-WOCNs for their units as well as participate in educational initiatives and performance improvement initiatives – mainly – the quarterly, house-wide, pressure ulcer prevalence surveys.
In 2007, we restructured this group with a more specific role description and quarterly expectations for “active” participation and accountability. We integrated this accountability through a quarterly report of Skin/Wound Resource Nurse activities submitted to the nurse managers for review/action. We recognize these nurses’ participation with “prestigious” awards. We support these nurses with further resources through a comprehensive WOCN website. In keeping with the Shared Governance Model, we’ve further organized this group under a leadership team of Skin/Wound Resource Nurses – representing each patient service line (acute care, critical care, medicine, surgery, adult, peds) – who plan/run the monthly forum meetings.
OUTCOMES: We’ve noticed that our educational infrastructure and initiatives as well as house-wide survey results have dramatically improved. We’ve also noticed that our restructuring has improved RNs’ ownership and participation in the group.