Christian Health Care Center has taken a big step forward in its commitment to top-quality care.
Heather Lewis, CHCC’s director of nursing, recently earned Wound Care Certified status from the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO).
With a nationally certified wound care nurse on staff at its Lynden skilled nursing facility, CHCC remains at the forefront of wound care in Whatcom County, providing top-quality service to our many wonderful residents and patients.
Heather leads the healthcare team at CHCC and directs all aspects of our 24-hour nursing team. A registered nurse, Heather helps ensure that caregivers are properly trained and by making sure that CHCC complies with state and federal guidelines. Her new certification not only helps her be a better leader in the nursing department, it also enables her to better train and educate those around her.
The Wound Care Certified credential is a leading wound care certification in the United States, and it is highly respected in the field. NAWCO has been certifying licensed healthcare professionals in wound care for more than 15 years.
With a certified wound care pro on staff, CHCC can perform wound care with a holistic, comprehensive approach that considers all factors affecting the way a wound heals.
And that’s not all. Heather’s training and certification also leaves her better equipped to understand the causation — etiology, in medical speak — behind skin and wound problems.
“I am better able to identify the etiology of both chronic and acute wounds, which in turn assists in determining the most appropriate treatment plan, including products and dressings,” she says. “In addition, I am able to provide education for residents, patients, families and staff regarding treatment and prevention of wounds.”
Wound Care Certified certification formally recognizes healthcare professionals who demonstrate mastery of the essential skills, knowledge and expertise in skin and wound management above and beyond what is required for basic nursing licensure.
And when those skills and knowledge are put to use caring for patients and long-term care residents while also providing better education to others? Well, that’s a win in our book.