In this edition of the WOCN® Society Member Spotlight, meet Coty Zacharias, BSN, RN, CWOCN, a dedicated WOC nurse from Seaford who has been making a difference in patients’ lives. Her journey into wound, ostomy, and continence care was fueled by a passion for education, patient advocacy, and improving quality of life.
A Passion for WOC Nursing
Coty’s interest in WOC nursing developed while working in home healthcare. Many of her patients were dealing with wounds, adjusting to new ostomies, or managing continence issues. Seeing firsthand how these conditions impacted their daily lives, she sought to expand her knowledge to better support her patients. “When a patient allows you into their home, they allow you into their life,” Coty shares. “I wanted to better educate myself in these areas so that I could be more equipped to help my patients with the goal of them becoming more independent or maybe having a better quality of life.” Now, working in acute care, she has gained a new perspective—understanding what patients will face at home after discharge and how to better prepare them for that transition.
Her passion for healthcare extends beyond clinical care—she finds fulfillment in educating and empowering patients through their medical journeys. “Being able to help someone navigate through a difficult time or regain control of their health can make a tremendous difference in their life,” she says.
Additionally, Coty and her colleague have authored multiple posters that were presented at various conferences, contributing to ongoing learning and research in WOC nursing.
The Power of Community and Education
Coty originally joined the WOCN Society as a student to deepen her knowledge, but she quickly found that membership offered much more. “My favorite part of being a member is meeting so many wonderful colleagues who share their knowledge, support, and encourage one another,” she says. “The Society provides an immense amount of education and support—I feel like I have an army of members willing to assist me if I need.”
A Life-Changing Patient Encounter
One of Coty’s most impactful moments as a WOC nurse came while working in home care. She was called to help a patient struggling with a leaking ileostomy, severe skin irritation, and a growing sense of helplessness by not being able to keep a pouch on for more than 12 hours. Coty used her newly gained WOC knowledge to create a secure pouching system, treating the patient’s skin and ensuring her ostomy care was manageable at home so they didn’t run out of supplies. The result? A pouch that stayed intact all weekend, giving the patient and her husband newfound confidence and peace of mind. “This validated that I made the right choice pursuing my WOC certification,” Coty reflects.
Looking Ahead & Beyond Nursing
Currently pursuing her degree as a Nurse Practitioner, Coty envisions herself as an advanced practice WOC nurse in the next five years. She hopes to mentor novice WOC nurses and contribute to the continued growth of the specialty.
Outside of work, Coty enjoys spending time with her family and baking—a well-deserved creative outlet after her busy days improving patients’ lives.
Thank you, Coty
Coty’s journey is a testament to the power of education, compassionate care, and the impact WOC nurses have on their patients every day. Thank you, Coty, for being a WOC nurse and advancing the practice.