The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society

Info / FAQ

Chances are someone else had the same question! Common questions we receive in the following areas: WOC Specialty ? WOCN Society ? Annual Conference ? Patient Queries ? Corporate Opportunities

WOC (Wound, Ostomy, Continence) Specialty

What is a WOC nurse?

Formerly known as Enterostomal Therapy (ET) nurses, Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurses are registered nurses who specialize in the care of patients with wounds, ostomies, or continence disorders. WOC nurses’ primary responsibilities are to direct, coordinate, and evaluate patient care in the area(s) of their expertise. Specific functions include direct patient care, consultation, staff and patient education, and maintenance of an evidence-based practice through use of and participation in research studies. Recommendations for care management are evidence-based, cost-effective, and individualized for the specific patient situations.

How do I become a WOC Nurse?

What unique expertise do WOC nurses bring to health care?

WOC nurses lead performance improvement projects that successfully reduce the percentage of patients who develop pressure ulcers and adverse events related to wound complications. They are committed to cost-effective, evidence-based, appropriate health care solutions. Their ability to provide optimal patient care and reduce costs at the same time is achieved through:

  • Program development and implementation
  • Implementation of programs toward litigation reduction
  • Expert witnessing and expert chart review
  • Education, writing, strategic planning or consultation about advanced therapies
  • Review and consultation of facility product formularies and equipment use
  • Telehealth development
  • Resource team development
  • Performance improvement in prevalence and incidence process through data tracking and analysis
  • Comprehensive patient management plans that have a dual focus on complication prevention and disease state management.
  • Appropriate resource allocation and individualized patient care is emphasized to optimize outcomes.
  • Guidelines for caregivers and education to ensure outcome-focused patient care in all care delivery settings.

WOCN Society

What’s the difference between the WOCN and the WOCN Certification Board (WOCNCB)?

The WOCN and WOCNCB are two separate and distinct entities that work collaboratively to support wound, ostomy and continence nursing practice. Each organization has its own unique mission and goals and is governed by a separate Board of Directors. Certification questions should be directed directly to the WOCNCB.

What membership benefits are offered?

How do I join?

Do I have to be certified or have graduated from a WOCN educational program to join?

Membership in WOCN is not limited to certified specialists or graduates of accredited programs but is open to any individual who treats patients with WOC-related issues and who support the purposes, mission and goals of the Society.
Annual Conference

When and where is the next Annual Conference?

How do I obtain past conference CEU’s?

Patients

Can the WOCN National Office answer medical questions?

The WOCN National Office provides administration and management for the WOCN Society. We do not have any medical personnel on staff in the office. We’ll do our best to put you in contact with a WOC nurse in your area who has chosen to be listed on our WOC Nurse Referral listing, or another organization that may be a good resource for you.

How do I find a WOC nurse in my area?

Does the WOCN Society offer patient care publications?

The Society offers a variety of publications for patients covering wound, ostomy and incontinence. Please visit our online store for a complete listing.

Corporate Opportunities

What corporate advertising opportunities are available from WOCN Society?

Visit our coporate opportunities page for more information.

Still have questions? Email the WOCN National Office.

The Society provides updates through evidence-based practice, link to leadership and Society forums where all members can access information and opinions.