The Role of Hyperbaric Nurses in Advanced Wound Care

What Is Hyperbaric Nursing?

Hyperbaric nursing is a specialized field that supports patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—a specialized treatment modality used in comprehensive wound care settings, as well as for conditions such as radiation injury, carbon monoxide poisoning, and certain infections or compromised grafts and flaps. Hyperbaric nurses play a critical role in ensuring patient safety, treatment effectiveness, and coordinated care inside and outside the chamber.

Why Hyperbaric Nurses Are Essential to Patient Care

Patients undergoing HBOT span a wide spectrum—from stable outpatients to critically ill inpatients—and range in age from pediatric to geriatric. Many patients are being treated for complex, non-healing wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), venous leg ulcers (VLUs), pressure injuries, surgical wounds, and wounds complicated by osteomyelitis or radiation tissue damage. This diversity demands that hyperbaric nurses possess a broad clinical skill set and remain adaptable across a variety of care scenarios. They apply the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care tailored to each patient's needs in a pressurized environment.

Key Responsibilities of a Hyperbaric Nurse

Patient Assessment and Nursing Diagnosis

Hyperbaric nurses begin with a thorough nursing history and physical assessment. This process includes input from the patient and, when possible, their loved ones. Collected data is documented, shared with the care team, and used to formulate a nursing diagnosis based on North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) standards. Each diagnosis includes three parts: the identified problem, its cause, and observed symptoms. These diagnoses guide care priorities and treatment goals.

Care Planning and Coordination

Using the nursing diagnosis as a foundation, hyperbaric nurses develop individualized nursing care plans. These plans establish patient-centered goals, outline interventions, and serve as the framework for continuous evaluation. The care plan also facilitates team coordination and ensures all members are working toward shared outcomes.

Monitoring and Safety in the Hyperbaric Environment

Hyperbaric nurses monitor vital signs, observe patient responses during treatment, and ensure adherence to safety protocols within the chamber. They understand how oxygen at increased pressures affects pharmacology, wound healing, and patient physiology. Their vigilance plays a key role in identifying and managing complications early.

Standards of Care and Professional Guidelines

As this specialty evolved, so did the need for formal standards. The Baromedical Nurses Association (BNA) published the first textbook, Hyperbaric Nursing, in 2002, along with the Nursing Standards of Care—a document based on the American Nurses Association’s standards, Joint Commission expectations, and guidance from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). These standards ensure consistency in patient care, reinforce quality improvement, and highlight the professional accountability of hyperbaric nurses.

The Impact of Hyperbaric Nurses on Wound Healing Outcomes

Wound healing and hyperbaric therapy outcomes rely on an interdisciplinary approach. Hyperbaric nurses are at the center of this team—coordinating care, guiding patient education, and continuously evaluating responses to treatment. Their ability to blend clinical knowledge with compassion has a lasting impact on patient recovery, satisfaction, and safety.

How Shared Health Services Supports Hyperbaric Nursing Excellence

With more than 25 years of experience in wound care and hyperbaric program development, Shared Health Services equips hospitals and healthcare providers with the resources, tools, and peer-to-peer expertise needed to build successful, sustainable HBOT programs. We work directly with center staff—serving as trusted liaisons—to provide clinical guidance, compliance support, and training aligned with the highest standards of care. Our goal is to empower teams, elevate outcomes, and strengthen local wound care efforts through proven strategies and hands-on collaboration.

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