Debridement Certification

Nurses, and in some states physical therapists, have a special ability and responsibility to care for their patients' wounds. Hospitals in particular see many surgical and trauma related-wounds which sometimes require debridement to promote their healing and to prevent infection, further complication and even possibly gangrene. Knowledge and skill in sharp debridement can be a real asset for a clinician's career. As a result, many take courses and want certification in sharp debridement.

Certification

• The real story of sharp debridement certification is that there is no certification. No body, neither governmental nor organizational, oversees the course requirements and standards to be considered proficient in debridement. However, there are numerous courses on debridement with proficiency tests from the educator. Some educators may say the clinician is certified by their programs.

Debridement

• Sometimes significant wounds may result in dead, necrotic tissue. This may occur because of the severity of the wound or conditions such a diabetes that can impact circulation. Wounds need live tissue capable of repairing in order to close. Therefore, a nurse, or in some states, a physical therapist, can carefully remove the necrotic tissue.

Education Units

• Despite the lack of official certification, most courses result in continuing education units which count for state license maintenance and professional association membership. Many states require nurses and therapists to acquire a certain number of CEU's per year. Usually the length of the course determines the number of units. Check with the course provider and your state licensing board for the specifics on the course which interests you.

Wound Care Certification

• A clinician can become certified in wound care. Certification courses include debridement as part of their overall curricula. Nurses should look for courses accredited by the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board. Courses for physicians and physical therapists are overseen by the American Academy of Wound Management. These result in Certified Would Care Specialist and Certified Wound Care Associate titles.

Scope of Practice

• Everyone across the country gets the same basic education in debridement and wound care. Curricula are rarely state specific. However, laws on the scope of practice for nurses and physical therapists vary from state to state. Clinicians are responsible for knowing what procedures and interventions they may legally perform under their licenses. Be sure to check with your state nursing or physical therapy board before beginning debridement practice.