Bullet wounds. Stab wounds. Burned by a scorching flame.
Name a wound, and Kim Hall can treat it.
The full-time student in Radford University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program has made wound care her specialty while working as a clinical nurse specialist at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Yes, she has treated her share of bullet and stab wounds – usually only if the wound has been open for a while – but Hall is more likely to find herself caring for patients with pressure ulcers (also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores), complex surgical or diabetic wounds, wounds caused by poor circulation, or skin breakdown caused by infectious disease.
Her patients, for certain, appreciate her gentle care and take notice of her expertise. Also taking notice recently were members of the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), which in February granted Hall certification as a wound care nurse – advanced practice (CWCN-AP).
The title is as impressive as it sounds. Because of the high level of expectations, stringency and difficulty in completing the requirements demanded, Hall is one of only six nurses in the United States to be granted the certification.
“That’s huge,” exclaimed RU Nursing Professor Lisa Onega, Hall’s faculty mentor.
It’s also fantastic news to patients treated by Hall, whose specialty at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital is the treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers. She’s also in the middle of a research study related to the effects of incontinence on patients’ skin and whether it contributes to the formation of pressure ulcers.
Being a practicing wound care expert and a full-time student seems exhausting enough, but Hall also stays busy assisting facilities and private agencies with developing comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention programs. She develops wound care treatment and prevention programs, develops clinical pathways as resource tools, plans staff education and provides consultation on complex chronic wound care patients.
Sounds exhausting. But wait; there’s more.
“I am also interested in pursuing some legal nurse consulting work focused on pressure ulcer litigation,” the energetic Hall added.
Having already earned her master’s degree from Radford University, Hall enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, which began in fall 2010. The program is the first of its kind in Virginia to be offered in an online, distance-learning format. She enrolled in the program to “bring my CNS practice to a higher level and grow my skills in my specialty and profession,” she said.
Being a Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) is “the gold standard for certification for nurses practicing within the specialty. It requires those certified to complete high level didactic, clinical practicum experience, and a national examination to obtain the certification,” the Radford native noted.
As for her recent certification by the WOCNCB, Hall said she, with Onega’s help, applied for advanced practice status using a portfolio process known as the Professional Growth Program.
“Obtaining this certification is truly an honor and a point of pride. I am thankful for a great mentor who helped me prepare for this process by encouraging me to strive for high professional standards,” Hall said.
Onega said Hall’s certification is an incredible achievement, one that is a source of pride for her and Radford University.
“This is a huge accomplishment for Kim, the university, the region and the patients she serves,” said the professor, who has worked with Hall for three years. “Kim exemplifies the scholarly thought process that ultimately serves the public well. I am proud of her, and I think Radford University is proud of her, too.”
Proud, indeed.
But one question remains: What makes Hall such a wound-care whiz?
“I think she really likes it and has an incredible passion for it,” Onega said. “She has the scholarship and the science, but she also has the art, which includes thinking about what a particular patient needs in a particular situation. While there are protocols and general principles, Kim knows how to tailor those to each individuals needs. That comes from being compassionate and caring about patients.”
