
Practical Nursing is a profession related to healthcare that concentrates on delivering basic and primary nursing care. They provide basic and specialised medical care to a wide range of patients. PN’s play a significant role in taking care of the patients, such as monitoring vital signs, generating assessments on patients, helping patients in doing basic activities, assisting physicians, and maintaining patient documentation. PN’s serve in different areas of patient care. One of the aspects where PNs provide primary and basic care is wound care. PN’s focus is on the prevention and management of the wounds. They manage different types of wounds and also face many challenges in providing wound care. PN’s should acquire proper knowledge and certification to improve their wound care skills.
PN scope of practice in wound care
Wound care is a very critical element of patient care. PNs are allowed to provide wound care to the patients under the administration of registered nurses and doctors. They provide a wide range of wound services to the patients. They provide wound care by cleaning wounds, applying dressing, and monitoring the healing process. However, some complicated wound care tasks, such as managing deep or highly infected wounds, may be monitored and handled carefully by RNs or specialised healthcare providers like wound care nurses or doctors.
Types of wounds PN’s can manage
PNs handle different types of wounds and provide primary and basic care to the patients. These wounds may include:
Surgical wounds
When surgical procedures are done, patients may require dressing changes or the application of any ointment. PNs provide this service to the patient when needed. PNs also regularly monitor the healing of the wounds. PNs provide care to the surgical wounds under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
Diabetic ulcers
Diabetic ulcers occur in patients with diabetes when they don’t take proper care of small wounds. Diabetic patients develop ulcers on different areas of their body, especially on their feet. PNs make sure they provide proper wound care to these patients. They also guide these patients on how to take care of ulcers and avoid any further complications.
Pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers are usually found in those patients that are facing mobility problems. These pressures develop in mostly bedridden patients. PNs make sure that they assist these patients properly in taking care of themselves. They assist them by regularly changing positions of the patients, applying appropriate dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection.
Burns
PNs provide immediate and basic care to the minor burns. They provide care by changing the dressing of the patients. They can apply suitable ointments to the wounds. PNs also make sure that they regularly monitor the recovery of the burns in order to avoid any infection or other complication. Complex and severe burns are handled by registered nurses or doctors as they require specialised care.
Traumatic wounds
Traumatic wounds include cuts and injuries. PNs provide care to the traumatic wounds by applying medicine and monitoring the healing process of the injuries.
Limitations and supervision

Every wound requires different levels of care. PNs can provide care to wounds, but it is limited by their education requirements and the rules and regulations of providing wound care. The level of wound care that an PN can provide may be limited by the complexity of wounds, supervision requirements, medications and treatments, and state regulations.
Education and certification
A wound care PN requires completion of an accredited practical nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After that, obtaining a state licence, and meeting the specific requirements of the employer. This may include having experience in wound care or related fields, like geriatrics, diabetes, or surgery. Wound care nurses also require enhanced knowledge and skills in wound care. There are many organisations that offer specialised courses in wound care, including online and in-person classes. They provide advanced curriculum and also clinical hours. For PNs to enhance their wound care expertise is by obtaining certification as a Wound Care Certified (WCC) nurse, which is offered by organisations such as the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO). Another certification that may be available to PNs is the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA), which is also offered by NAWCO. This certification focuses on the fundamentals of wound care and is designed for PNs who work in settings where wound care is a significant part of patient care, such as long-term care or home health environments.
How PNs can be successful in wound care nursing
PNs can become successful in wound care nursing by:
- Improving patient outcomes by learning updated and innovative techniques.
- Acquiring expertise with advanced wound care certification courses and training.
- Developing effective communication skills for interactions with patients and healthcare teams.
Importance of continuing education and collaboration in wound care
New techniques and different products are developing related to wound care. It is very important for the PNs to stay updated with advanced techniques in order to provide safe and effective wound care to the patients. Collaborating with other healthcare members can allow LNs to provide appropriate care to the patients. PNs should collaborate with registered nurses and physicians in order to make sure quick, safe, and effective wound care is given to the patients.
Conclusion
PNs can provide wound care to patients in different healthcare settings. They take care of wounds by using safe and effective techniques. PNs should stay updated with developing and innovative techniques for providing effective wound care to the patients. PNs can also communicate with patients to make sure that proper care is given. PNs with their best wound care techniques can help in the healing process of the patients and avoid any further complications.