In this WOCTalk episode, we chat with Alicia Perez Varela, MSN, RN, PHN, CWCN, and Maura Callahan, BSN, RN, as they reflect on their first-time experience attending WOCNext® 2024 in Cleveland. They share insights on being first-time poster presenters, the value of the WOCNext Buddy Program, and their favorite parts of the conference. Alicia and Maura also offer advice to those considering WOCNext and highlight what made them choose this event. Tune in to hear why they would eagerly attend again!
Episode Resources:
For resources mention in this article, visit the links below:
Maura’s Abstract & ePoster: Skin Care Champion Program at a South Jersey Teaching Hospital’s Progressive Care Unit
Alicia’s Abstract & ePoster: An Educational Intervention Differentiating Between Pressure Injuries and End-of-Life Wounds
WOCNext 2024 Pictures
WOCNext website
About the Guests:
Alicia Perez Varela has been a registered nurse since 2017 and earned her wound care certification in 2021. She attended WOCNext® for the first time in 2024. Alicia currently works at an outpatient advanced wound care and hyperbaric clinic and is also a member of the inpatient wound care team.
Maura Callahan has been a bedside nurse for 8 years, with experience in Long Term Care, Home Care, and Acute Care in the Progressive Care Unit as a Charge Nurse and Training Preceptor. She is passionate about Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care and completed the Rutgers University-Camden Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Education Program. This training has enabled her to support various units with care and education for patients, families, and caregivers. Maura is actively involved in her facility’s Skin, Wound Assessment Team, leads the Skin Care Champion Program, and recently joined the Hospital System’s Pressure Injury Reduction Council.