WOC Nursing: A Career, A Calling

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2 WOC Nursing: A Career, A Calling How many times have you heard someone say, I m searching for a career where I can make a difference. Wound, ostomy and continence nurses often say, I ve found a career where I do make a difference. Why? Because embarking on the journey to become a WOC Nurse lets you make a tremendous difference in the lives of patients. Whether your focus is wounds, ostomies, continence, or a combination of the three, all practice areas offer opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment in a variety of healthcare settings.

3 Why Specialize in WOC Nursing? Millions of Baby Boomers are joining the ranks of America s burgeoning aging population. While medical advances prolong life, they have also created new health issues. Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses fill an important niche in our society, and they are educated to address the needs presented by patients with special health issues, including those related to aging. Currently, more than 5 million Americans suffer from chronic wounds. Half a million Americans have ostomies requiring teaching, counseling, and supportive care. Approximately 11 million Americans endure urinary and fecal incontinence. As the population ages, the demand for WOC Nurses continues to increase. Becoming a WOC Nurse: The Right Stuff WOC Nurses are Registered Nurses who hold a Baccalaureate Degree or higher and complete a formal, accredited WOC full-scope or specialty education program WOC Nurses demonstrate a high degree of knowledge, leadership, and commitment to caring The Practice Environment Approximately 5 7 million wounds are reported in the United States annually Nearly 120,000 people undergo urinary or fecal diversion (ostomy) surgery annually There are an estimated 750,000 individuals in the U.S. with ostomies Approximately 11 million men and women currently suffer from urinary or fecal incontinence in the U.S. alone. When you choose a career in WOC Nursing you choose: Hope Whether you practice in a hospital, rehabilitation facility, long-term care facility, outpatient care facility or home health care setting, your commitment to improving the lives and well-being of patients with WOC conditions gives them hope for a better tomorrow. Satisfaction When WOCN Society members were surveyed in 2008, 44% reported they were very satisfied with their job, and 86.3% indicated they are at least somewhat satisfied with their job. Security On average, certified WOC Nurses earn an annual salary of more than $75,000. Commeraderie WOC Nurses, especially those who join the WOCN Society, enjoy a special bond allowing them to draw strength from others in the same career in order to enhance their personal and professional development. Diversity WOC Nurses are also involved in a wide range of activities outside of direct patient care in the legislative, legal, and educational arena.

4 Becoming a WOC Nurse Checklist The following minimum prerequisites are common for every WOCN Accredited Education Program. Individual programs may have additional criteria. Applicants must: Comply with degree requirements RN with a Baccalaureate Degree or higher degree with a major in nursing or RN with a Bachelor s Degree in another field and one year of RN clinical nursing experience following RN licensure Meet clinical experience requirements Current clinical nursing experience within five years prior to application to a WOC Nursing Education Program. Documentation of currency of clinical nursing experience within last five years: current, active practice; completion of a nurse refresher course or a clinical performance examination. Remember: One year of experience is required to be accepted into a program. Choosing a WOC Nursing Program The structures of the WOC Nursing Education Programs are diverse, but applicants are encouraged to choose from 10 WOCN-accredited WOC Nursing Education Programs (WOCNEPs) offered in the United States. Accreditation by the WOCN Society guarantees the program meets established criteria regarding admission requirements, course content, clinical experience, qualified faculty and student/faculty ratio. Many programs offer grant, scholarship and loan programs. There are also specific scholarships offered through the WOCN Society. Individual programs have varied structures/formats and students can choose programs to match their learning style. Program types include: traditional on-site, split-option, distance learning, Web enhanced and online learning courses. All programs contain both a didactic and clinical component. View complete list of WOCNEP s at wocn.org in the Education section.

5 Making the Most of the Credential Upon successful completion of a WOCN-accredited WOC Nursing Education Program, the nurse is awarded a certificate designating WOC Nurse or specialty status. This qualifies the nurse to take national board examinations to become certified in wound, ostomy and/or continence nursing. Certification candidates should sit for the exam as soon as possible after compleing the program and supplement exam study with refresher courses. The WOCN Society has developed specific courses designed to assist those preparing for the examinations, both online and on-site during the WOCN Annual Conference. WOCNCB Board Certification Graduates of accredited WOC nursing full scope or specialty programs are eligible to become Board Certified by taking the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) Examination(s). Credentialed WOC Nurses have successfully met rigorous criteria and passed a national board examination to be certified in the area(s) of wound, ostomy and/or continence nursing. A brochure and application for Board Certification can be viewed at or requested from the WOCNCB National Office at (888) The WOCNCB stands firmly in its belief WOC certification improves the level and quality of patient care by defining and maintaining competency within t he WOC specialties. Furthermore, certification provides a competitive advantage for employment and promotes job satisfaction. The nurse who chooses to certify demonstrates a commitment to WOC nursing practice and patient protection. Credentials are awarded for a five-year period. Recertification can be achieved by means of examination or a portfolio process through the Professional Growth Program (PGP). Please be aware of other certification programs offering week-long or weekend certificates they are not to be considered a substitute for a WOCNCB certification. The WOCN Society strongly endorses and supports the credentialing program for WOC specialty nursing practice offered by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board. WOC Nurses are committed committed to listening, growing in their specialization, making a difference, and advancing the profession. As You Embark On Your Career Path, Choose Your Friends and Mentors Wisely. Choose the WOCN Society WOCN s Web site: A comprehensive resource for all issues related to WOC Nursing, including an Image Library, free Best practice documents and online networking forums. Numerous CEU opportunities through the WOCN Global Learning Center to promote professional excellence Discounts on attending the WOCN Conference, which is the premiere conference on wound, ostomy, continence and professional practice education. Discounts on evidenced-based or Best Practice products developed by Society volunteers. Opportunities to develop a mentorship with a WOC Nurse professional Unlimited networking opportunities to facilitate your growth in your new career For more information visit

6 Founded in 1968, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society is the only national organization for nurses who specialize in management and rehabilitation of persons with wounds, ostomies and continence disorders. With more than 4,500 members, the Society s mission is to support its members by promoting educational, clinical and research opportunities to advance the practice and guide the delivery of expert health care to individuals with wound, ostomy and continence disorders. WOCN National Office Commerce Parkway Suite C Mt. Laurel, NJ , toll free wocn_info@wocn.org