In this edition of the WOCN® Society Member Spotlight, meet Sydney Conrad, BSN, RN, CWOCN, an instructor with the Emory University Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Education Center—a WOC Nursing Education Program accredited by the Society. Sydney has made a meaningful impact on patients’ lives through education, advocacy, and specialized care. Read below to learn more about Sydney’s nursing journey, passion, and accomplishments.
Passion for Patient Care
Sydney knew she wanted to become a WOC nurse early in nursing school. During her second semester, she encountered a patient with complex wound care needs. While others struggled, Sydney was drawn to the challenge, and her preceptor arranged for her to shadow the WOC nurse at the facility. That experience confirmed her passion for the specialty and set her on the path toward certification.
For Sydney, nursing is about more than medical care; it’s about compassion, advocacy, and education. “We often see people at their worst, so it is fulfilling to know we can make it a little bit better for them,” she explains. Helping patients regain independence and confidence after hospitalization to set them up for success is especially rewarding.
Why She Joined the WOCN Society
Sydney appreciates the wealth of resources available through the WOCN Society, from educational opportunities to online Communities for chatting with other WOC nurses. “It’s a valuable resource when you have a tricky patient situation or are trying to improve your workflow,” she notes. Her favorite perk is Society’s journal, the JWOCN®, which keeps her informed about the latest research being done by other WOC nurses and uses it to evolve her practice.
Making a Difference
Sydney has helped patients regain independence and confidence through specialized WOC care. One patient with severe ileostomy leakage and peristomal skin breakdown had been to a hospital without a WOC nurse and had no local support. Sydney identified a new pouching system that improved wear time, healed his skin within two weeks, and allowed him to live without fear of leakage.
Another patient faced multiple new diagnoses, large wounds, a new ostomy, and limited resources. Over a two-month hospitalization, Sydney coordinated community support, educated her on self-care, and helped her become largely independent by discharge. This care earned Sydney a DAISY Award and remains a highlight of her career!
Looking Ahead
Sydney is pursuing her Master’s in Nursing Education and hopes to continue advancing in wound care, focusing on staff education and research. She’s already collaborated with her hospital’s nurse scientist and looks forward to future research opportunities.
Outside of work and graduate school, Sydney balances life with her toddler, baking, reading, home projects, and outdoor adventures with her husband. Camping and hiking new trails are favorite ways for the family to recharge.
Thank you, Sydney
Sydney’s journey exemplifies the impact of WOC nurses in empowering patients and advancing the field through compassionate care, education, and research.
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