During this compelling episode of WOCTalk, we speak with Paula Erwin-Toth and Kristin Knipp to explore their unique journeys, living with an ostomy, and the profound relationship between WOC nurses and patients.
Paula shares her remarkable ostomy experiences with Norma Gill and her inspiring connection with Kristin. Paula also offers valuable advice for new WOC nurses. Kristin recounts her journey from undergoing ostomy surgery to receiving care from Paula, facing ongoing health challenges, and ultimately becoming a nurse. Kristin also shares insights and encouragement for patients navigating their own health journeys.
Pictured left to right: Kristin and Paula at WOCNext® 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Episode Resources:
Journey of WOC Nursing through the Decades
United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA)
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
Kristin’s blog: Gutless Wonder Woman
About the Speakers:
Paula Erwin-Toth, MSN, RN, FAAN, has over 40 years of experience as an RN specializing in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. She is a well-known author, lecturer, and patient advocate dedicated to improving the care of people with wounds, ostomies, and incontinence in the US and abroad. Paula completed her basic nursing education in 1978 at the Akron City Hospital’s Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing, she received her (WOC)ET education at the Cleveland Clinic’s RB Turnbull, Jr. School of Enterostomal Therapy in 1982; her BSN and MSN were awarded in 1986 and 1990, respectively, by the University of Akron in Ohio. Paula served as the Director of WOCN Nursing Education at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1990-2012 and served as Director Emerita of that program. In 2012, Paula received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the WOCN Society. In 2013, Paula was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Paula is also President and CEO of PETprojects, a firm specializing in wound, ostomy, and continence care, education, and advocacy. In June 2024, Paula was surprised and honored to receive the WOCN Society’s President’s Award from Vicky at the WOCNext conference in Cleveland.
Kristin Knipp, LPN, is a veteran in the ostomy and IBD communities. She received her ostomy for Crohn’s disease at age 15, and she’s been advocating for patients for over 28 years. Kristin has worked for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, served as president of the United Ostomy Associations of America, and volunteers as a nurse for Youth Rally (a camp for teens with bowel & bladder disorders and diversions). She frequently speaks locally and nationally to physicians and her nursing colleagues about patient experience, engagement, and education. Kristin currently works as a clinical care coordinator at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Swallowing and Esophageal Disorders, and her unique insight as both a patient and nurse helps her meet the needs of her patients at every stage of life.
