Practical Nursing Job Description: Dressing a Wound
In training, practical nurses learn to dress wounds and will perform this task many times throughout their career. They will also tell you that while you must never try to care for a deep, numb or inflamed wound without seeking the help trained medical professional, minor cuts and abrasions can be safely and easily cared for at home. For this, a practical nursing professional may tell you to follow steps similar to the ones below.
Caring for a Minor Cut/Abrasion
Blood naturally flushes particles and you can pinch a minor cut lightly to encourage bleeding. Then you should:
- Rinse the minor cut/abrasion under running water.
- Clean the skin around the minor cut or abrasion with soap and warm water.
- Remove stubborn particles with tweezers, if necessary.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide.
Minor cuts and abrasions can be kept uncovered but must be kept clean. If you run the risk of coming in contact with dirt or clothing, use a bandage.
Dressing a Minor Cut/Abrasion with a Bandage
When covering a minor cut or abrasion, you can find your container of antibiotic ointment in the medicine cabinet. Then you should:
- Apply antibiotic ointment by cotton ball, clean tissue or cotton swab, if using
- Open an adhesive bandage by removing outside paper
- Avoid touching the gauze of the bandage by carefully peeling back the adhesive paper on the back of the bandage and exposing the pad
- Position the pad on the wound
- Hold gently in place while removing one side of the adhesive paper and then the other side, while at the same time pressing the bandage to the skin.
Want to learn more about practical nursing training and/or their job description, such as dressing wounds, taking vital signs and giving injections? Visit HealthCareers.net today.
