Nursing Competency & Training Process
Initial & Annual Nursing Competencies
RNs and LPNs complete wound care nursing competencies initially and annually. They may complete additional competency requirements based on other responsibilities, such as if they will be an HBO Chamber Operator.
All HBO competencies require the completion of a 40-hour nurse-specific HBO training course prior to beginning the HBO competency. See below for a list of course options.
Nursing Initial Competencies
All nurses must complete Wound Care Nurse Initial Competencies, a comprehensive set of self-paced, online training on core wound care topics.
HBO Chamber Operator Initial Competency
Nurses who will also be HBO Chamber Operators must complete a 40-hour course followed by the HBO Chamber Operations Initial Competency.
Nursing Annual Competencies
Once per year, RNs and LPNs receive Wound Care Nurse Annual Competencies, a brief refresher of the skills they learned in their initial competencies and day-to-day role.
HBO Chamber Operator Annual Competency
Nurses who are HBO Chamber Operators complete a brief HBO Chamber Operations Annual Competency once a year.
40 hr. Nurse Courses
Nurses who will also be HBO Chamber Operators must attend a 40-hour course appropriate for their role and approved by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. Below, you will find descriptions for each of the course options. Please use the link at the bottom of the section to request training, and someone from our team will reach out to confirm your course assignment within 1-2 business days.
Virtual 40 hr. Nurse & HBO Training
The Virtual Nurse Course is a 5-day, 40-hour introductory hyperbaric medicine training course approved by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine for nurses new to wound care and HBOT or for those who wish to update their knowledge and skills in caring for wounded patients.
This course includes daily participation in required Zoom calls led by the course instructor and completion of self-paced assigned activities that meet the 40-hour requirement to be an HBO Chamber Operator.
Learning Outcomes
After attending this program, you should be able to:
- Perform in the role of a wound care nurse using advanced wound care management.
- Apply the principles and processes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to provide safe care to patients with chronic wounds and other appropriate indications.
- Provide comprehensive care in a wound care center.
Satisfactory Completion
- The Virtual Nurse Course meets every day, Monday – Friday, 10:00 am EST– 6:00 pm EST
- Participants must be on camera each morning for the entire session. See the time schedule for Zoom calls based on your time zone in the course preparation materials.
- To receive credit for the course, you must participate fully in every assigned activity. Partial credit is not available.
Live 40 hr. Nurse & HBO Training
The Live! Nurse Course is a 2-day course held in Jacksonville, FL including in-depth online pre-work and participation in face-to-face group discussion and interactions that meets the 40 hour requirement for a nurse to be an HBO Chamber Operator.
The primary purpose of this live two-day course in Jacksonville, FL is to educate nurses on the principles and practices of caring for the patient with chronic wounds and/or patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Emphasis is placed on the multidisciplinary approach and the application of clinical practice guidelines in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Nurses participate in a variety of educational activities, which prepare them for their roles in the Wound Care Center (WCC).
Combination of online and live education:
- In depth pre-work online curricula
- Two days of highly interactive skills stations and discussion
Ideal audience:
- New nurses working in the Wound Care Center
- Nurses needing initial competency skill sign off on wound care skills
- Nurses needing initial competency skill sign off on HBO chamber operations
Live 40 hr. Nurse & HBO Training for Nurse Leaders
The Live! CNM Plus Course is a 3-day course held in Jacksonville, FL including in-depth online pre-work and participation in face-to-face group discussion and interactions that meets the 40 hour requirement for a Clinical Nurse Manager to be an HBO Chamber Operator.
The LIVE! CNM Plus course is an interactive 3-day session in Jacksonville, Florida that focuses on the roles and responsibilities of a newly hired Clinical Nurse Manager. This course will incorporate managerial essential elements with application from home center processes/metrics, as well as, clinical practice guideline application in wound care and hyperbaric medicine necessary for all nurses. Prior to the live portion of the course, Clinical nurse managers will complete approximately 30 hours of in-depth pre-work online which includes interactive modules, videos, online activities, discussion forums and 12 – week orientation validation classes with Nursing Support onboarding Director.
Combination of online and live education:
- In depth prework curricula
- Three days of highly interactive skills stations and discussion
Ideal Audience:
Intended for Clinical Nurse Managers who work in Wound Care and HBO treatment centers. This 48 hour course meets expectations of validating Clinical Nurse Managers Roles & Responsibilities; and meets/exceeds the 40 hour requirements for nurses preparing to function as an HBO Chamber Operator.