Advanced wound, ostomy and continence care

VNS Westchester’s wound, ostomy and continence program is a unique, certified American Nurse Association-credentialed nursing specialty. The program addresses the needs of patients with selective disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and integumentary systems, such as stomas, draining wounds, fistulas, stasis ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, prevention and management of pressure ulcers and incontinence issues.  

OSTOMY

Our wound, ostomy and continence Nurse (WOCN) will develop and implement a plan of care that returns the patient to a level of maximum functioning. All new ostomy  patients are seen and evaluated by the WOCN for the design of an ostomy product system that meets the specific needs of each patient and his/her particular stoma, and for assessment and management of peristomal skin problems. The patient, family member or caregiver is taught how to administer the ostomy care until independence is achieved.

WOUNDS

Employing the latest in wound care technology, our nurses use digital cameras to transmit images to wound care specialists and to the patient’s physician to accelerate evaluation and treatment and promote timely wound healing. Our wound care guidelines are evidence-based and utilize an advanced wound product formulary of over 30 wound products that implement the principles of moist wound healing. Such modern dressings promote patient comfort and ease the burden for families who often participate in patient care in the home.

All wounds are assessed on admission and reassessed with each dressing change. We stay in close contact with the patient’s physician for recommended changes in management for any wound without change after two weeks or sooner, as necessary. Each wound and each patient is unique and a visiting nurse will assess all factors that impact wound healing, e.g., nutrition, external environment, the need for a hospital bed and pressure-relief mattress.

Our WOCNs provide on-going education to continuously upgrade the skills of our entire nursing staff in the assessment and management of all wounds, with growing emphasis on the care of the venous stasis ulcers and diabetic foot wounds that plague our elderly population. 

INCONTINENCE

Incontinence management is provided via recommendations for containment devices/garments and skin care, plus instruction in measures to restore continence.

For more information on our Advanced Wound, Ostomy and Continence care program, call 914-682-1480.