In this WOCN® Society Member Spotlight edition, we’re thrilled to introduce Mandy Spitzer, MBA, RN, CWOCN, CFCN, current President of the WOCN South Central Chapter! Based in Cincinnati, Mandy has dedicated 14+ years to the WOCN Society. Her passion for WOC care and her commitment to chapter growth and member engagement make her an inspiring leader for the South Central Chapter. Discover Mandy’s unique career journey, her insights as a WOC nurse, and her vision for the chapter’s future—and be sure to visit the South Central Chapter’s new website for the latest resources and opportunities.
A Journey into WOC Nursing
Mandy’s path to WOC nursing began unexpectedly. She recalls working in a Progressive Care Unit just a few years after nursing school when she started assisting her hospital’s certified WOC nurse, Nergis Blood, with wound care. Mandy enjoyed it but hadn’t thought about specializing. When a certified WOC nurse position opened, her mentor urged her to apply, offering to train her and support her journey toward certification. Mandy shares, “I never could have anticipated how much I would grow to also love the ostomy, continence, and foot care components of the role. I’m so grateful for the opportunity Nergis gave me.” She also jokes that her path to WOC nursing may have started earlier than she realized. “When I was 6 or 7 years old, I wanted to start a collection,” Mandy recalls. “Other kids collected Beanie Babies or Pokémon cards. What did I choose? Scabs! I developed a plan to collect my scabs in a baggie.” Though the collection didn’t last long, Mandy laughs at the memory, saying it might have been a sign that WOC nursing was her calling from a young age.
The Passion and Inspiration Behind the Profession
Mandy points to her mother as a role model of compassion and care, even though she wasn’t a healthcare professional. Mandy describes nursing as “the perfect meeting point of science, creativity, and social/emotional intelligence,” and as a career that challenges and interests her daily. Mandy’s early mentor also encouraged her to join the WOCN Society and attend conferences to continually learn and connect with others. “She made a great case to me from the start for the need for ongoing community and education,” Mandy adds, grateful for the guidance that led her to such a supportive professional network.
Building a Community in the WOCN Society
For Mandy, the best part of WOCN Society membership is the community aspect. “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or what setting you work in,” she says. “We always have something in common to talk about.” Mandy values learning from every WOC nurse she meets, whether they’re new to the field or seasoned veterans.
Proud Moments and Connections
Throughout her career, Mandy has led impactful programs, like her hospital’s SWAT Team (Skin & Wound Assessment Team), which trained nurses in wound care practices and advanced patient care. “I loved teaching and supporting nurses,” Mandy recalls. “Leading SWAT made me very proud of the impact of the WOC nurse at a broader level.”
Her role also offers unique connections with patients, including a memorable experience with a patient’s husband after her passing. Mandy recalls attending the patient’s funeral and staying in touch with her husband over the years. One Thanksgiving, he even attempted to send flowers to Mandy’s home, but they accidentally went to another nurse with the same name in the same town! The two nurses had a good laugh over the mix-up, and Mandy cherishes the gesture as a reflection of the meaningful connections she builds with patients and families.
Professional Growth and Personal Time
In the next five years, Mandy envisions herself pursuing further education, potentially a Clinical Trials Design and Research Graduate Certificate program in 2025. She says with a laugh, “Oh no! I said it out loud!” True to her commitment to growth, Mandy sees advanced learning as an ongoing part of her career. Outside of work, Mandy enjoys cooking and sharing meals with family and friends.
A Vision for the South Central Chapter
As the current Chapter President, Mandy leads a large, geographically diverse chapter covering Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Despite its size, the South Central Chapter has yet to form official local networking groups, which Mandy sees as an opportunity for future growth. She’s particularly proud of the chapter’s increasing engagement through social media, which has boosted awareness, scholarship applications, award submissions, and event participation. Looking ahead, Mandy envisions the chapter exploring new ways to provide education, community, and networking to meet members’ evolving needs.
Encouraging New Leaders in WOCN
Reflecting on her chapter leadership, Mandy shares a valuable lesson for those considering similar roles. She recalls how her position as Communications Officer stood out in her interview for the role of President. “It was one of the first questions my interviewers asked about,” she says, illustrating how engagement with a professional society can make your resume stand out. Beyond career benefits, Mandy appreciates the chance to hone her service and leadership skills through her chapter board. “Our chapter board is full of passionate and generous volunteers who create a space where we all gain so much from our efforts. Though it’s not monetary, the benefits are invaluable.”
Looking to the future, Mandy envisions continued progress toward aligning the chapter’s operations with the national WOCN Society while meeting members’ needs. She foresees important discussions on advancing education, community, and networking opportunities to support members in the years ahead. If she had to sum up her chapter in one word, it would be collaborative. “Our chapter is unified around a shared goal of exchanging skills, experiences, and expertise. I love seeing how everyone supports one another—we have a lot of fun and camaraderie along the way!”
Visit the South Central Chapter’s new website to discover upcoming events, resources, and opportunities to connect with peers in your area.