Job Description
Western Massachusetts Hospital, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a talented and dynamic Wound Care Nurse (RN) to provide essential care to patients with chronic medical conditions. As a member of our dynamic healthcare team, you will play a crucial role in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating direct and indirect care needs. Your responsibilities will encompass providing hands-on nursing care, directing and supervising staff in wound care procedures, and ensuring adherence to hospital guidelines for optimal patient outcomes.
In this role, you will be at the forefront of patient care, utilizing your expertise to assess and recommend wound treatments in accordance with our hospital's guidelines. Your contributions will extend beyond individual patient care as you collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and stay aware of the latest advancements in wound care practices. Additionally, you will have the opportunity for professional development through ongoing training and certification maintenance, ensuring you remain at the forefront of your field. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients with chronic medical needs and seeking a supportive environment for professional growth, we invite you to join us in this rewarding journey!
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Please Note: The schedule for this position is 7AM - 3:30PM, 24 hours a week with every weekend coverage and rotating week day.
Employees in this position will be required to perform Mandatory overtime.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
• Provide direct nursing care to patients with chronic medical conditions, assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating individualized care plans based on established standards of practice.
• Supervise and direct staff in wound care procedures, ensuring compliance with hospital guidelines and protocols.
• Assess and recommend appropriate wound treatments following Hospital's Wound Care Guidelines, documenting assessments and follow-up as necessary.
• Remain informed and knowledgeable about patient needs, strengths, and potentials through regular review of patient data.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
• Participate in quality improvement activities at hospital, nursing, and unit levels to enhance patient care outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with physician orders and hospital protocols while providing patient care.
• Assist in the orientation of new personnel, sharing expertise and promoting a culture of excellence within the team.
• Utilize hospital supplies, equipment, and services efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Engage in professional development activities, including attending educational seminars, workshops, and in-service programs to maintain licensure and stay abreast of new trends in wound care.
Required Qualifications:
• Knowledge of the standard nursing policies, procedures, methods, and techniques.
• Comprehensive understanding of the principles of physiological, psychological, and emotional growth and development.
• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of drugs used in diagnosing, treating, and controlling physical, mental and/or emotional disorders.
• Ability to effectively utilize diagnostic equipment employed in nursing practice.
• Excellent problem-solving techniques.
DPH Mission Statement:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high-quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. According to comparative analyses, Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states, but we still face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious diseases, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
More information can be found at: www.mass.gov/DPH
About Western MA Hospital:
The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured residents in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as:
• Cardiac and pulmonary disease
• Chronic neurological disorders
• Complications of strokes
• Dementia with major behavioral issues
• End stage terminal illnesses of various diagnoses
Consider joining our dynamic team of health care professionals in a work environment that provides high staff to patient ratio and delivers high quality care to all patients on all units. Enjoy the opportunity to provide quality services in a long-term care setting where familiar faces are the norm rather than the exception.
Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/locations/western-massachusetts-hospital
About the Department of Public Health:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions, please contact Human Resources at 413-784-9339.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience as a registered nurse in a recognized hospital, clinic or medical facility, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I . A Graduate degree with a major in Nursing may be substituted for the required experience .
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS IN SERIES: Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
*Recent graduates from an approved school of nursing must have applied for the first available registered nurse examination.
Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.