How to Become a Wound Care Nurse

Wound care nurses care for patients with surgical, pressure, and traumatic wounds. The steps to become a wound care nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which wound care nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a wound care nurse, and where to start.

Become a Wound Care Nurse in 6 Steps

To become a wound care nurse, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education and certification in a specialty.

Schooling Requirements for Wound Care Nurses

Wound care nurses may work as RNs, or they may pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While most positions don’t require high-level degrees, they may offer higher compensation and more opportunities for professional advancement.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future wound care nurses a well-rounded education experience. Typically done over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.

A BSN prepares future wound care nurses to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.

Master of Science in Nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.

Wound Care Nurse Licensing

Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Wound care nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.

NCLEX-RN

The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:

1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity

Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.

Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal

Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.

In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.

Specialty Certification

Some wound care nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additionally, wound care nurses may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy® (NAWCO), or the American Board of Wound Healing.

Where Do Wound Care Nurses Work?

Wound care nurses can find employment in a wide range of settings. These may include:

• Medical-surgical units
• Intensive care units (ICUs)
• Specialty wound care units
• Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)
• Telemetry units
• Patient’s homes
• Skilled nursing units
• Rehab facilities

FAQs: How to Become a Wound Care Nurse

   1. What education is needed to become a wound care nurse?

Wound care nurses must graduate with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university.

   2. How many years does it take to become a wound care nurse?

The time it takes to become a wound care nurse is four years for an undergraduate degree and one to two years of bedside experience.

   3. What are the steps to become a wound care nurse?

To become a wound care nurse, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school with a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps and a few years of bedside experience, they may apply to wound care nursing positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.

   4. How much do wound care nurses make an hour?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wound care nurses earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.