CNS combats pressure ulcers with skin and wound assessment team (SWAT)

Today's patients are sicker, and wound care management continues to be a challenge to healthcare professionals. With the era of patient-focused care, staff need to establish effective models for patient care. A multidisciplinary team approach to wound care was established for medical-surgical and critical care nursing units at Broward General Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, utilizing the primary roles of the CNS. Sample roles of the CNS as expert clinician, consultant, educator, and researcher are described. The CNS conducts patient rounds, completes wound care consultations, educates and empowers nursing staff, and participates in research projects. Positive financial and patient outcomes are noted, including improved nursing documentation, improved wound care management, and decreased acquired wound rate with cost savings. The CNS's involvement in quality assurance monitoring and medical center district leadership is also illustrated.