Nurse Leaders Drive Change With Wound Care Training

When wounds linger, so do the costs. By advocating for wound care education, nurse leaders can be the difference between chronic problems and lasting solutions.

With chronic wounds impacting millions and driving up healthcare costs, the need for well-trained clinicians has never been more urgent. Nurse leaders can lead this charge by cultivating teams prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based wound care.

Why nurse leaders must take the lead

According to recent data, around 2.5% of the U.S. population is affected by chronic wounds, which results in an estimated annual cost of $126.8 billion to the healthcare system. Add to this the regulatory shifts from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and it’s clear how necessary wound care training is.

In nursing school, wound care doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. That leaves new nurses underprepared for the complexity of real-world wound management. By advocating for more in-depth training, nurse leaders bridge this critical gap while reinforcing safe and quality care.

Understanding CMS changes

Starting in January 2026, CMS is rolling out several policy changes that will directly impact wound care services:

• Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM): Selected hospitals will be held accountable for outcomes of surgical procedures, including ostomy surgeries, and the 30-day post-discharge period.
• New classification of skin substitutes: Now categorized as cellular and tissue-based products (CTPs), these materials are subject to stricter usage criteria and documentation standards. In addition, there is also a delay in local coverage determination (LCDs). LCDs related to diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers are postponed until 2026.

Understanding the drawbacks

Chronic wounds carry a substantial burden, clinically and financially. Pressure injuries are a significant example. Between one and three million Americans are affected by pressure injuries each year, with between 5% and 15% of hospitalized patients developing this injury. This can result in costs ranging anywhere from $20,900 to $151,700 per case, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Without certified wound care nurses, patients are more likely to experience delayed healing, infections, and longer hospital stays. Lack of specialized care can also lead to inconsistent treatment and increased complications.

The ROI of wound care training

Certification ensures evidence-based, efficient wound management that improves outcomes and reduces risks, where skilled, wound-certified nurses make a measurable difference.

A 2016 study found that wound care-certified RNs could save facilities up to $120,000 per injury through improved assessment and earlier intervention.

In addition, wound care training enhances:

• Clinical decision-making
• Documentation accuracy
• Healing rates and patient outcomes
• Reimbursement and regulatory compliance

Educational programs, such as the Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI), help prepare nurses and other healthcare professionals for advanced wound and ostomy certifications, such as Wound Care Certified (WCC) through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy and Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) through the American Board of Wound Management. These credentials demonstrate specialized knowledge and align with current CMS guidelines and evidence-based best practices.

Showing a commitment to continuous learning

Nurse leaders have the power to inspire lifelong learning and professional growth. Here’s how they can actively support their team members in pursuit of wound care education.

1. Be an example

Nurse leaders with wound care certifications model the importance of specialized knowledge. By sharing their personal experience and showcasing the impact of evidence-based interventions, they can inspire confidence and interest.

2. Link certification to broader goals

Help staff understand the connection between wound knowledge and outcomes like improved Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores, Magnet recognition, or decreased hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI). Seeing how wound care training contributes to big-picture success can help motivate staff.

3. Encourage guidance from peers

Unit-based champions can guide peers in wound assessment, support onboarding, and share best practices. This peer-to-peer model encourages consistent knowledge sharing and builds resilience.

Overcoming barriers

Despite the benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that many clinicians face challenges when considering wound care certification. Here’s how nurse leaders can help:

Time

Studies have shown that nurses report a lack of time as one of the biggest hurdles in completing continuing education (CE). To help, nurse leaders can integrate wound care into a unit’s education, protect education hours, and promote online, self-paced learning options.

Finances

Cost also discourages clinicians who want to pursue education. Nurse leaders can research partnerships for discounted group training and advocate for tuition reimbursement and CE stipends.

Confidence

Encourage staff by sharing experiences with certification, offering mentorship, and celebrating educational milestones during huddles or team meetings.

Building high-performing teams through education

Wound care education does more than enhance individual competency. It transforms teams and helps with organizational success. Facilities that invest in education see:

• Fewer HAPIs due to earlier and more accurate intervention: Pressure injuries result in 60,000 deaths annually. However, with wound-certified clinicians at the helm, organizations can see enhanced quality ratings, improved outcomes, and reduced complications.
• Stronger documentation for optimal reimbursement: Wound-certified clinicians are trained to provide detailed, accurate assessments and documentation. This supports appropriate coding, substantiates medical necessity, and maximizes reimbursement potential under CMS guidelines.
• Higher staff satisfaction and retention: Organizations that invest in the professional growth of their staff see more value and trust from employees. A study from the International Council of Nurses showed that organizations that supported nursing staff pursuing specialty certifications saw a 15% to 25% increase in retention.
• Proactive, safety-focused culture: Properly trained staff are more adept at recognizing wound issues early and advocating effectively for patients at risk.

Final thoughts

When nurses and other healthcare professionals are empowered through ongoing education and supported by confident, knowledgeable leadership, they’re better equipped to advance their practice, protect patient outcomes, and lead meaningful change. At WCEI, we believe that when wound care training is prioritized across the team, it cultivates a strong and adaptable workforce ready to meet clinical challenges head on.