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Assessment and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers
This nursing best practice guideline contains recommendations for Registered Nurses (RNs)
and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). Although these guidelines are written for the nurse,
venous leg ulcer care is an interdisciplinary endeavour. Many settings have formalized
interdisciplinary teams and the panel strongly supports this structure. Collaborative assessment
and treatment planning with the client is essential. The recommendations made are not
binding for nurses and should accommodate client/family wishes and local circumstances.
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It is the intention of this guideline to identify best nursing practices in the treatment of
venous leg ulcers. It is acknowledged that the individual competency of nurses varies
between nurses and across categories of nursing professionals (RNs and RPNs) and is based
on the knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment enhanced over time by experience
and education.
It is expected that individual nurses will perform only those aspects of venous leg ulcer
assessment and management for which they have appropriate education and experience.
Further, it is expected that nurses, both RNs and RPNs, will seek consultation in instances
where the client’s care needs surpass the individual nurse’s ability to act independently. It is
acknowledged that effective client care depends on a coordinated interdisciplinary approach
incorporating ongoing communication between health professionals and clients, ever
mindful of the personal preferences and unique needs of each individual client.
Guideline Development Process
In February of 2001, a panel of nurses with expertise in the practice and research related to
venous leg ulcers, from community and academic settings, was convened under the auspices
of the RNAO. At the onset the panel discussed and came to consensus on the scope of the
best practice guideline.
A search of the literature for systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, relevant articles
and websites was conducted. See Appendix A for a detailed outline of the search strategy
employed.