The Value of Becoming Wound Care Certified

The incidence of nonhealing wounds is on the rise, owing to longer survival rates for patients with conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. This situation has led to the need for specialists in wound management. To meet this growing need, several organizations have emerged that provide certification in wound care to nurses, physicians, physical therapists, and other specialty groups. There are many advantages to certification for healthcare professionals, administrators, and consumers alike.

Advantages for Wound Care Certified Practitioners

As a certified wound care specialist, providers demonstrate to themselves and others their interest and knowledge in a specialized area of patient care. Professionals who have achieved such specialization report a sense of personal satisfaction, pride, and confidence in their ability to manage complicated wounds. In addition, professionals also earn the respect of their employers, colleagues and patients. Becoming wound care certified may also provide the professional with some degree of legal protection, reducing the risk of litigation in an environment where nonhealing wounds can lead to serious disability and pain for the patient. A specialist who is wound care certified may also enjoy certain advantages in the workplace, such as the opportunity for advancement and an increased earning potential. Employers will often recognize the fact that certification requires strict and rigorous continuing education and practice requirements. Above all, becoming wound care certified will bring greater job satisfaction.

Advantages for Wound Care Certified Administrators

In this day and age of competition and increased consumer awareness, supporting healthcare professionals to achieve wound care certification offers several advantages. Many employers in home health care agencies, hospitals, and wound care centers are now requiring their practitioners to achieve wound care certification. Ensuring that employees become wound care certified brings a competitive advantage. Patient outcomes can be improved by using certified wound care specialists, as these professionals are able to recognize symptoms and complications before they arise, which can improve legal liability issues, leading to fewer malpractice claims. Investing in wound care certification can improve staff retention, as committing to hiring certified wound care specialists can make a healthcare organization unique from competitors. Supporting professionals to become wound care certified shows that they are valued as professionals and leads to increased job satisfaction and staff retention. Most importantly, consumers will receive the highest quality care from professionals who are the most knowledgeable in wound management.

Advantages for the Consumer

Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable in regards to their own care, and are also more cognizant that they have choices in healthcare. Certified wound care specialists are current on best-practice standards and are able to provide teaching and management techniques to their clients. Today’s consumers are taking more interest in learning about their own healthcare needs. Certified wound care specialists have completed many hours of classroom and clinical experience and are in a unique position to be able to provide in-depth teaching and expertise to their clients. The Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step”. Taking the Online Wound Management Training course can be the first step in a more rewarding and enriching career, providing the opportunity to achieve wound care certification.

Learn More With Our Wound Care Education Options

Interested in learning more about wound care and certification? Browse through our wound care certification courses for information on our comprehensive range of education options to suit healthcare professionals across the full spectrum of qualifications and experience.