In this edition of the WOCN® Society Member Spotlight meet Lu Ann Reed, DNP, RN, LNHA, CRRN, BC-GERO, WCC, DWC, CNE, an assistant professor who is a passionate advocate for wound, ostomy, and continence care in the Ohio area. With 12 years as a member of the WOCN Society, Lu Ann has made significant contributions to the field and continues to inspire others with her commitment to patient care and education.
Why Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care?
Lu Ann’s journey into wound care began somewhat pragmatically. Initially, she took a class to secure her job. However, she quickly discovered that wound care was much more than just a clinical task. “Wound care to me is an art of science,” she explains. The challenge and the reward of improving patient outcomes in this specialized field have been deeply fulfilling for her.
Passion for Healthcare
Lu Ann’s passion for nursing began at the age of 12, after receiving excellent care during a hospital stay following a fractured leg. Despite being two hours away from home, the nurses’ compassionate care made a lasting impact on her. “It wasn’t until about 10 years ago I found out that the nurses were actually students,” she shares. Inspired by that experience, Lu Ann chose to pursue a career in nursing to give back the same care and compassion she received.
Joining the WOCN Society
A close friend introduced Lu Ann to the WOCN Society, and she quickly realized the value of joining a community of professionals dedicated to improving the field of wound care. “I joined the WOCN Society as a way to improve what we did as an organization,” she says.
For Lu Ann, the most rewarding part of being a WOCN member is the ability to network with other professionals in her area of expertise. The opportunity to learn from others and exchange ideas has helped shape her career and elevate the care she provides to her patients.
Pride in Her Work
One of Lu Ann’s proudest moments as a WOC nurse was when she served as the Program Manager of Wound Care at Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care. With the support of her CEO, Lu Ann had the freedom to get creative in the treatment of wounds, trying different methods to find the best approaches. “Our CEO supported the program and encouraged us to be creative and trial different ways of treating wounds,” she recalls. This innovative approach helped improve patient outcomes and shaped the center’s wound care program.
Impactful Patient Stories
Lu Ann also fondly remembers her first day as Program Manager, assisting in a challenging dressing change. “This specific patient’s dressing took five people an hour to do the dressing,” she recalls. Initially, she wondered if she had taken on too much. But after seeing improvement in the patient’s wound during the next dressing change, Lu Ann knew she had made the right choice in taking on the role.
Looking Ahead
In the next five years, Lu Ann sees herself continuing to teach undergraduate and graduate nursing students. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of nurses, helping them grow in their careers.
Outside of Work
When she’s not working, Lu Ann enjoys spending time in her garden and creating large holiday villages during Halloween and Christmas. “I do a large village (Department 56 and Lemax),” she shares. Though she loves to travel, her busy schedule keeps her close to home—at least until the summer of 2025, when she plans to travel to Switzerland for a family reunion.
Thank You, Lu Ann
Lu Ann’s dedication to her profession and her patients is truly inspiring. Her willingness to push the boundaries of wound care and her passion for teaching others continue to make a significant impact on the field. Thank you, Lu Ann, for being an invaluable member of the WOCN Society and for all the incredible work you do!