It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a… WOC nurse!
When you think of who typically comes to saves the day, you may think of a fictional superhero from comic books or movies. The reality is that Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) nurses are our everyday heroes! They come to save the day for millions of people living with wound, ostomy and continence care needs. WOC nurses may not have movies or television shows dedicated to them (yet!), but they possess many of the same traits as superheroes. If you are a WOC nurse, if you know a WOC nurse, or if you have been a patient of a WOC nurse you know the truth.
Here are reasons that prove WOC nurses are real life superheroes:
1. They have healing powers
WOC nurses use their clinical expertise to provide intensive physical and emotional care. They help patients return to their normal lives by:
Treating and preventing chronic wounds, pressure ulcers (injuries), venous leg ulcers, diabetes mellitus and surgical wounds.
Helping to select pre-operative stoma site marking to ensure post-operative independence, identifying and treating common peristomal skin problems, providing nutritional support, implementing moisture management interventions and teaching individuals how to use pouching systems.
Assessing physical, psychological and social aspects of urinary and fecal incontinence, preventing and treating catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and providing support treatment to help restore continence.
2. They are selfless
To be a nurse, you must love it. WOC nurses are one-of-a-kind. They are dedicated to their patients. Patients honor WOC nurses for the care, kindness, guidance and support they provide. WOC nurses take the time to really get to know their patients to better help understand care for their individual needs. WOC nurses are always there if you ever need anything!
3. They are brave
The healthcare field is not for the faint of heart, and WOC nurses show courage and bravery in many aspects of their career and daily lives. Many of the situations that WOC nurses face include bleak medical conditions, fast-paced decisions that could affect the life of another, hospital protocols and helping soothe scared patients.
4. They are strong
Being a WOC nurse requires both physical and mental strength. They often spend a lot of time on their feet performing physically demanding procedures. WOC nurses remain mentally strong for their patients. WOC nurses constantly provide reassurance and knowledge to help patients become confident and independent in their abilities to move forward with a new way of life.
If you or a loved one are suffering from a wound that won’t heal, facing ostomy surgery, or having problems with incontinence you deserve a Wound, Ostomy and Continence nurse!