The role of the clinical practice educator in tissue viability nursing.

Tissue viability nursing has expanded and developed considerably in recent years. Julie Trudigan discusses a unique post which combines the role of the clinical practice educator with that of a specialist practitioner in tissue viability. This role focuses on practice development, which involves supporting and educating staff caring for patients with tissue viability needs, the development of multidisciplinary policies, protocols and procedures, audit of tissue viability services and product evaluation. The development of tissue viability link nurses and educational strategies such as self-directed learning and continued professional development are also examined.