In this edition of the WOCN® Society Member Spotlight, meet Lydia Corum, MSN, RN, CWCN. Lydia shares her journey through wound care nursing, her passion for improving patient outcomes, and how her dedication to continuing education shapes the field. Read below to learn more about Lydia’s experiences, inspirations, and insights.
WOC Nursing Journey
“My road to becoming a certified wound care nurse was a journey put before me,” Lydia explains. After becoming a registered nurse, she worked in various areas of healthcare and, in 2000, transitioned from psychiatric nursing to home healthcare. She joined a specialized wound care team trained under two WOC nurses. “I faced the state surveyor for the first time and was chosen to have her go on visits with me. When our patient load was low, the agency had each nurse critique documentation with a checklist, and this was my first exposure to assuring my documentation was as accurate as possible.”
Lydia then joined a wound clinic, attending a two-week education program and subsequently enrolling in classes to become a Certified Wound Care Nurse. She completed clinicals while working at a clinic where nurses were treated on equal footing with doctors. “This is where I saw many miracles in the world of healing patients. The published statistics accurately described what was happening in the clinic and how the physicians viewed each patient as a human needing to continue life.”
Her career expanded to a nursing home, where she served as assistant director and wound care nurse. There, she conducted in-services for staff, collaborated with floor nurses and CNAs, and finally passed the certification exam. “I was proud and happy to finally be genuinely certified. I learned I was just an infant in wound care and pushed myself to learn. I attended as many classes as possible and forced myself to learn from everyone.”
Lydia then pursued a master’s degree, where she was encouraged to engage with government and policy. She attended state sessions, met the head of the state health department, and worked as a Medical Review Nurse in home health agencies and the Center for Medicare/Medicaid. “I learned about LCDs and Medicare Fraud. I will use this for the rest of my working life. The lessons learned were of great value in writing documentation for durable medical equipment, especially NPWT.”
Later, Lydia moved to California as a traveling wound care nurse, working closely with state surveyors, participating in prevalence studies, and collaborating with physicians. She expanded her expertise in diabetic wounds and continued her professional development by attending conferences and writing for publications and blogs.
Even after she could no longer perform bedside wound care, Lydia found ways to continue contributing from home, using her knowledge and passion to create change. “I have been told all kinds of bad points and that this would not happen, give up, and waste time. A WOC nurse is just as important behind the scenes as an expert witness.”
Passion for Healthcare
“I am passionate about healthcare because I believe each patient is me or a family member,” Lydia shares. She emphasizes the importance of balancing patient care with the costs of treatment to ensure quality care is available to everyone. Her work has always focused on maximizing outcomes while conserving resources, ensuring hospitals and agencies can continue serving their communities.
Joining the WOCN Society
Lydia joined the WOCN Society because of the mentorship she received from WOC nurses early in her career, encouragement from medical directors, and her desire to continue learning. “Most importantly, I will continue to learn, and the WOCN organization will give me that chance. Patients and doctors feel comforted that you took the time and experience to join an organization that supports evidence-based care.” Lydia likes being part of a group that supports and encourages each other, offers a chance to share knowledge, and encourages one another to learn.
Proud Moments
Every day as a Certified Wound Care Nurse brings Lydia pride. “A patient looked at my name badge and asked what a certified wound care nurse was. I explained, and he said, ‘I am glad you are taking care of me.’” Lydia also recalls moments when physicians expressed appreciation for her expertise in wound care, reaffirming her impact on patient outcomes.
Patient Stories
One unforgettable patient was a young man with a challenging foot wound who had faced a potential amputation. Through careful assessment, HBOT, and antibiotic therapy, Lydia and her team were able to heal his wound, sparing his leg and bringing joy to his family. Another patient had necrotizing fasciitis with a fistula from the colon to the bladder. Lydia’s quick assessment and use of a wound vac helped him recover and return home in a month, able to walk and regain his appetite.
Looking Ahead
In the next five years, Lydia plans to continue using her expertise as a Legal Nurse Consultant and help other wound care nurses transition after retirement.
Life Outside Nursing
When not working, Lydia enjoys writing, meeting new people, watching television, and attending conferences to stay up to date on wound care advancements.
Final Thoughts
“I have always been happy to be a Certified Wound Care Nurse, and there is nothing I would change about my life. The places I have been and the things I have learned only make me a better person and supporter to show what is all good about my education.”
Thank you, Lydia
Lydia’s incredible journey and experiences in wound care remind us of the impact dedication, expertise, and compassion can have on patients and the profession.
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