Time and proper care are essential for healing wounds. If a wound is not tended to or dressed properly, infections can occur, and the healing process can be prolonged. Wound Care is a critical step of the healing process and may require the help of a Registered Nurse (RN) that specializes in Wound Care.
Caring for a wound is not as simple as changing the dressing or covering the wound in Polysporin. Depending on the type of wound, treatment will vary. If you are concerned about the healing of your wound, always seek professional medical advice.
Here are the most important things you should know about Wound Care.
What Does a Wound Care Nurse Do?
A Wound Care Nurse will assess and treat the wound throughout the healing process. They will determine the proper course of treatment and create a care plan to help you heal as quickly as possible. This includes choosing the proper dressing and changing the wound dressings as needed. Wound Care Nurses will also work with the doctor or other members of the care team to determine if other forms of treatment are necessary for the healing process.
Integracare, a company specializing in home health care services in Mississauga, Toronto, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA,) says that “a Wound Care Nurse can also help you learn how to prevent infections or future wounds, such as pressure sores.” Wound Care Nurses also educate their patients on how to care for wounds at home.
Who Can Benefit from Wound Care?
Most people will require Wound Care after surgery; however, this is not the only reason why someone may need assistance from a Wound Care Nurse. Common types of wounds include:
- Ulcers
- Pressure injuries
- Skin tears
- Arterial wounds
- Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD)
- Ostomies
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Surgical wounds
- Puncture wounds
Some wounds take a long time to heal. Because of this, Wound Care may become an ongoing treatment in an individual’s life. Controlling the wound and ensuring it is always sanitary is extremely important in these specialized cases.
How to Help the Healing Process
Many things go into the healing process of a wound. While proper Wound Care is extremely important, it can only do so much if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking, and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can all prolong the healing process. It’s also extremely important to follow any additional instructions your Wound Care Nurse provides you with. This could be ensuring your bandages stay dry or monitoring the wound for signs of infection.
What Is Involved with Wound Care?
Wound Care will look different from person to person depending on their needs. Some individuals will have stitches closing their wounds, whereas others may not. Some common supplies needed in Wound Care include:
- Gauze
- Medical tape
- Alcohol pads
- Bandages
- Dressings
- Medical Drapes
- Non-woven sponges
Where Can You Receive Wound Care?
Where you receive Wound Care will depend on the type of wound and other possible treatments that you are receiving. Wound Care can take place in the Operating Room, Critical Care, Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Room, or even in the comfort of the patient’s home with at-home Wound Care services.
