Clinical Nurse, Ostomy & Wound

Location: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301

Department: Wound and Ostomy

Position Type: Full Time, 36 hours/week

Schedule: Rotating schedule of 5 days/week and 4 days/week, Tuesdays off

Your role with us

At Salem Health, the wound and ostomy nurse serves as a clinical expert and consultant, collaborating with nursing staff and interdisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based care for patients with complex wounds and ostomies. This role includes direct patient care, staff education, discharge planning, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance outcomes and ensure continuity of care. The nurse also leads performance improvement efforts, supports policy development, and contributes to hospital-wide education and clinical practice advancement.

What you'll do

• Collaborates with nurses and interdisciplinary teams to develop and revise care plans for wound and ostomy patients, serving as a clinical resource and expert consultant.
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  Assesses wounds, recommends topical treatments, manages VAC therapy, and guides staff in evidence-based wound prevention and treatment strategies.
  
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  Provides pre- and post-operative education, stoma site selection, appliance fitting, and ongoing support for ostomy patients, including discharge planning and outpatient follow-up.
  
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  Leads clinical orientation, in-service education, and training for staff on wound and ostomy care techniques, products, and best practices.
  
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  Conducts outcome evaluations, leads NDNQI Pressure Ulcer Prevalence studies, and contributes to process improvement and evidence-based practice implementation.
  
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  Orders and manages specialized wound and ostomy care supplies and ensures staff competency in equipment use.
  
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  Participates in policy and protocol revisions, serves on key committees, and supports the development of patient education materials.
  
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  Provides emotional support and education to patients and families coping with ostomy surgeries, including connecting them with peer support resources.
  
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  Delivers age-appropriate care across neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations in accordance with Salem Health policies.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BSN) or Bachelor of Arts degree in nursing, or non-nursing bachelor's degree with a Master of Science in nursing (MSN).
• Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Current unencumbered licensure to practice nursing as a Registered Nurse in the State of Oregon.
• Three years of general surgical nursing experience is required.

• Membership in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses' Society recommended.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you'll find more than a job, you'll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org.