Conservative sharp wound debridement: state boards of nursing positions

Nursing expertise in the area of wound care has expanded dramatically. Because of this rapid expansion, the scope of nursing practice is difficult to define and often creates practice overlaps with medicine. Conservative sharp wound debridement is an advanced-practice skill that falls into this practice overlap. Individual State Boards of Nursing were asked by questionnaire whether conservative sharp wound debridement was within registered nurse scope of practice in each state. Many replied affirmatively but outlined necessary requirements. Often education, competency validation, policy and procedures, and physician order were specified as necessary components of conservative sharp wound debridement performance by registered nurses. As experts in this field, it is our responsibility to ensure quality of wound care services and credibility of the practitioners who offer those services. To accomplish this, we must clearly define scope of practice. This definition should include an outline of the appropriate educational preparation and clinical practice necessary to ensure safe care. Policies, procedures, and protocols must be in place. Maintaining close working relationships with the individual State Boards of Nursing is important in this endeavor.