Jennifer Bruns is the new Wound Ostomy Continence (WOC) nurse at Brodstone Memorial Hospital. With the retirement of Michell Harris at the end of the month, preparations for the handoff have taken more than a year.
Bruns has been in a web-based, year-long WOC program through Emery University, Atlanta, Ga., traveling to Atlanta for a week long skills
check off. Bruns also attended 120 hours of clinical rotations at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. A series of three board exams, one in each discipline, must be taken to achieve certification in the WOC specialty. This is in addition to working closely with Harris over the last 9 months. "I was looking for a way to advance my skills and a WOC nurse fit the bill for me," said Bruns. "Working with Michell has been a great experience and the transition has been seamless."
Bruns started her career at Brodstone as a high school student, working as a certified nurse assistant. She graduated from the Creighton University program at Mary Lanning with her bachelor's of science in nursing in 2010. She has been employed at Brodstone for 16 years.
"I look forward to working with Sue Guilkey, diabetes educator. Diabetes is becoming more prevalent and I'll work with Sue to make sure patient's needs are met," said Bruns. "I will continue to be a resource for diabetic foot care." Dr. Blackburn, a podiatrist who holds clinics at Brodstone monthly, is also a great partner with wound care.
Wound care is one aspect of a WOC nurse. Bruns will also be working with patients who have ostomies and continence issues. Dr. Waller, a urologist who has clinic hours at Brodstone's Specialty Clinic every other Monday, also works with these conditions. Together Bruns and Dr. Waller will be caring for the patients with continence and urology concerns, and Bruns will be available for education and support. "If patients have concerns related to continence, they shouldn't be afraid to reach out for help," says Bruns.
Michell Harris retires with 34 years of service at Brodstone Memorial Hospital, 11 of those years as a WOC nurse. Harris started her career at Brodstone as a nurse aide, then became a registered nurse. She received her bachelor's of science degree in nursing in 2002. Harris was Brodstone's first WOC nurse and started the program. "Michell has been a great asset to Brodstone," said Treg Vyzourek, CEO. "Best wishes to Michell in her retirement. We are confident that Jen will do a great job as our new WOC nurse."
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