In this edition of the WOCN® Society Member Spotlight, meet Sarah Yount, BSN, RN, CWOCN, a dedicated WOC nurse based in Cleveland who has been a proud member of the WOCN® Society since 2017. With a passion for wound, ostomy, and continence care, Sarah’s journey into the field was shaped by her love for problem-solving, patient advocacy, and the art of healing.
A Unique Path to WOC Nursing
Sarah has always been fascinated by the human body—she was that kid who wanted to see every scrape and scar up close and never turned away from a surgery scene on TV. But she never imagined this curiosity would lead to her career. With a love for arts and crafts and a passion for helping others, she believes God combined all her passions and skills to use in the WOC nursing specialty.
Sarah began as a float nurse, gaining experience across various healthcare settings, and quickly became known for her interest in wound care. She didn’t even know the WOC nursing specialty existed! When her Director of Nursing offered to send her to a WOC school to get ready for the certification, she jumped at the opportunity. Though her initial role didn’t allow her to practice WOC nursing full-time, fate stepped in. A series of events led her to the Cleveland Clinic, where she now works with an incredible team of over 20 WOC nurses.
Passion for Patient Care
Sarah’s drive comes from making a real difference in her patients’ lives. Whether helping a patient with an ostomy regain confidence or preventing complications before they happen, she finds fulfillment in every aspect of her work. “Having an ostomy or chronic wound can be scary and frustrating, and has the potential to really limit someone’s quality of life,” says Sarah. She finds it rewarding to be able to intervene and equip patients to regain control and better care for themselves.” She’s passionate about making preventative interventions for patients. She also loves the science behind healing, witnessing firsthand the body’s ability to recover when given the right care and conditions.
The Value of WOCN Society Membership
For Sarah, being part of the WOCN Society is essential. She takes full advantage of the many educational benefits, including continuing education opportunities, the annual WOCNext conference, and access to the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®) for the latest research. She’s collaborated with colleagues to submit a poster presentation for the first time at WOCNext—an experience that strengthened her commitment to advancing WOC care.
Moments That Matter
Sarah has had many proud moments as a WOC nurse, especially when her work has prevented additional surgeries for patients. One memorable case involved a patient with a dehiscing facial flap on the jawline and neck. Her team applied negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), carefully navigating the challenges of limited space and adherence to moist, oily skin. The primary team initially anticipated further surgery, but the wound improved significantly thanks to Sarah’s and her team’s expertise and intervention, ultimately eliminating the need for another procedure.
Another standout case involved a patient with severe pseudoverrucous lesions around her stoma. The lesions extended 1–2 inches, making pouching incredibly difficult. Sarah and her team developed a creative solution, finding a system that adhered effectively and was easy for the patient to replicate. Not only did it work, but the patient’s lesions healed so well that surgery was no longer necessary. “…her lesions healed to the point where she did not need surgery of any kind. We were all blown away!”
The Power of Simple Solutions
Sarah recalls one patient who was struggling with ostomy leakage and skin irritation. Her frustration and distress made daily life—and work—feel impossible. Sarah quickly identified the issue and made a simple adjustment: switching from a flat pouching system to convexity. The difference was life-changing. “In the moment I felt like I had done a small, routine thing, but it literally changed everything for this patient;”
Beyond Nursing
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys running, cycling, crocheting, and spending time outdoors. She is deeply involved in her church community and cherishes time with her family and housemates. Whether traveling to visit loved ones or simply enjoying the company of those around her, she embraces life with the same passion and dedication she brings to nursing.
Thank you, Sarah
Sarah’s journey is a testament to the power of WOC nursing and the profound impact of compassionate, patient-centered care. We’re proud to highlight her incredible contributions to the field! Thank you, Sarah, for your commitment to advancing WOC care.