Description

Position Summary
The Wound Ostomy Continence Registered Nurse (RN) / Enterostomal Therapist (ET) is a specialized clinician responsible for the assessment, education, and management of patients with ostomies, complex wounds, and continence-related conditions. This role provides expert care across the inpatient and outpatient settings, supporting colorectal surgery, general surgery, urology, oncology, and other relevant service lines.  The ET plays a critical role in optimizing patient outcomes, enhancing recovery, reducing complications, and improving patient experience through comprehensive pre-operative education, post-operative management, and longitudinal follow-up care.

This position functions as a key clinical and programmatic resource within MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, contributing to the development of best practices, standardization of care pathways, and program growth initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Patient Management
   - Perform comprehensive assessments of patients requiring ostomy, wound, or continence care across inpatient and ambulatory settings
   - Provide pre-operative stoma site marking in collaboration with surgical teams
   - Deliver post-operative care, including ostomy management, pouching systems, and complication prevention
   - Manage complex wounds utilizing evidence-based practices and advanced therapies as appropriate
   - Provide continence-related assessment and non-invasive management strategies
   - Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams

Patient & Caregiver Education
   - Provide structured education to patients and families regarding ostomy care, wound management, and long-term self-care
   - Develop patient education materials and standard teaching protocols
   - Ensure patients are equipped for safe discharge and transition of care

Care Coordination & Program Support
   - Serve as a clinical resource for colorectal surgery, general surgery, oncology, and urology services
   - Collaborate with inpatient units, outpatient clinics, case management, and home health agencies to ensure continuity of care
   - Support transitions of care, including discharge planning and outpatient follow-up coordination
   - Participate in multidisciplinary clinics and case discussions where appropriate

Quality, Outcomes & Program Development
   - Track and monitor clinical outcomes related to ostomy complications, wound healing, and readmissions
   - Identify opportunities for process improvement and standardization of care pathways
   - Support development and implementation of enhanced recovery protocols and best practices
   - Contribute to accreditation readiness and compliance with regulatory standards

Education & Staff Support
   - Provide education and training to clinical staff on ostomy, wound, and continence care best practices
   - Serve as a subject matter expert for product selection, equipment, and supply standardization
   - Support onboarding and competency development for staff involved in patient care

Requirements

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
   - Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (e.g., allied health, rehabilitation sciences, or related discipline)
   - Completion of an accredited Enterostomal Therapy (ET) or Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) training program
   - Minimum of 2–3 years of clinical experience in wound, ostomy, or related patient care
   - Demonstrated competency in ostomy management, wound care, and patient education
   - RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in the District of Columbia required
   - CWOCN - Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse by the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board required
   - (Will consider applicants who are in the process of completing WOCN certification with the expectation that it will be completed within 1 1/2 years)

Preferred Qualifications
   - Experience in surgical or acute care settings, particularly colorectal surgery
   - Experience in both inpatient and outpatient clinical environments
   - Familiarity with quality improvement initiatives and data tracking

Core Competencies
   - Strong clinical assessment and problem-solving skills
   - Excellent patient education and communication abilities
   - Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
   - Organizational and program development skills
   - Commitment to patient-centered care and continuous improvement