About the WOCN Society

The History of the WOCN Society

Founded in 1968, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) is a professional, international nursing society of more than 5,000 health care professionals who are experts in the care of patients with wound, ostomy and incontinence.

• WOCN Society's history [pdf]
  
• Bylaws (Amended and Restated June 16, 2016)
  
• Past Presidents

Mission

Vision Statement

Be the trusted global authority and leader in WOC care.

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) is recognized world-wide for the promotion of safe and effective wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) care. Leading health care organizations recognize the WOCN Society as the premiere nursing specialty organization to affect change to improve WOC patient outcomes. Cutting-edge education guides the practice of members and other health care practitioners dealing with WOC conditions. Nursing associations, policy makers, regulatory agencies, payers, institutions of higher learning and the public look to the WOCN Society for guidance, research and resources about the prevention and care of WOC conditions.

WOCN members are sought out as experts and advocates for WOC care. Because prevention and effective treatment is proven to be cost-effective, WOC nurses are employed in a variety of healthcare systems. WOCN members serve as content experts, educators, and advisers in collaborative health initiatives to assure access to a WOC specialty practice nurse. Industry partners recognize the WOCN Society as a model for all organizational partnerships. 

With your assistance, our vision will become a reality and the WOCN Society will strengthen and grow. We welcome your insight and participation, and look forward to succeeding together!