RN, Wound, Ostomy, and Continence

Department Overview

The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (WOCN) serves as a clinical expert and consultant, providing specialized assessment, prevention, intervention, and guidance to support safe, effective, and evidence‑based care across the organization. This role partners with nursing and interprofessional teams to improve patient outcomes, reduce variation in practice, and advance standards related to skin integrity, wound management, ostomy care, and continence management.

 

This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care plans. Covered at 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
• Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid – included in vacation accruals)
• Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
• Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources

Function/Duties of Position

The WOCN provides consultation for complex patients across care settings, supports the implementation and sustainability of evidence‑based practices, and uses clinical data to identify trends and guide quality improvement efforts. The role includes responsibility for staff education, competency support, and development of clinical resources to strengthen nursing practice.  

 

The WOCN collaborates in the development and evaluation of policies, standards of care, and clinical guidelines, and participates in product evaluation and value analysis to ensure clinically appropriate and cost‑effective care. This role functions as a key resource to support consistent, high‑quality care delivery and improved patient outcomes across the system.  

 

Job‑Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Competencies)  

• Demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge in wound, ostomy, and continence care, including assessment, prevention, and management across the care continuum  

• Provides expert consultation to support clinical decision‑making and care planning for patients with complex needs  

• Applies evidence‑based practice and WOCN standards to guide care delivery and support practice improvement  

• Uses outcome data (e.g., pressure injuries, device‑related skin injury) to identify trends, inform improvement initiatives, and evaluate effectiveness of interventions  

• Influences and supports standardization of practice across units through collaboration, education, and clinical leadership  

• Develops and delivers specialty education; supports staff competency, skill development, and adoption of best practices  

• Collaborates effectively with interprofessional teams, including nursing, providers, therapy services, and care management  

• Participates in product evaluation and value analysis to support safe, effective, and fiscally responsible care  

• Communicates clearly and professionally, translating specialty knowledge into clinical practice  

 

 

Required Qualifications

• 6 Months Experience as an RN  

• BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
• ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
• Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
• BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

• Current Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN®) certification through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), or certification must be obtained within 18 months of hire and maintained thereafter.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with complex patients requiring wound care.  

Additional Details

Length of Orientation – Experienced Nurse

• External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
• Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area.

 

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]