WHY YOU DESERVE A WOC NURSE

 

If you or a loved one is suffering from a wound that won’t heal, facing ostomy surgery, or having problems with incontinence, you deserve a Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) nurse. Evidence shows that patients in facilities with WOC nurses, had significantly better outcomes, compared to those without WOC nurses.1

 

WOC nurses are expert clinicians who treat complex wounds, ostomy issues, and incontinence. WOC nursing is one of the few specialties recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA), signifying that WOC nursing adheres to the high standards cultivated by the ANA.

1. Westra, B. L., Bliss, D.Z., Savik, K., Hou, Y., & Borchert, A. (2013). Effectiveness of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses on Agency-Level Wound and Incontinence Outcomes in Home Care. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs, 40(1), 25-33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/WON.0b013e31827bcc4fp

SERVICES FOR PATIENTS

Are you looking for a WOC nurse in your area and/or specialty services? Check our services provided by industry partners by clicking on below links.

 

PRODUCTS FOR PATIENTS

Are you in need of a specialty product? The following organizations may be able to help.

 

PUBLICATIONS FOR PATIENTS

Are you looking for helpful publications and resources? These are free downloadable resources produced by the WOCN Society.

 

OTHER Programs FOR PATIENTS

Do you need help additional help? These educational resources are not offered through the WOCN Society but may be able to assist you.

 

RELATED ORGANIZATIONS

Are you interested in learning about patient organizations similar to the WOCN Society?

Patient Testimonials

Wonderful WOC Specialty Nurses | Thomas S.

As one who found himself facing health issues and life altering changes that needed careful consideration, when I needed calm reassurance and knowledgeable and caring support, that support came in the form of two wonderful Wound/Ostomy/Continence specialty nurses. Frankly, I could not have been treated better by my surgeon and his support staff, but the ability to spend time with these two fine professional nurses enabled me to learn what I needed to become self-sufficient and confident in my abilities to move forward. Because of them, living with a stoma is as natural as my life was prior to my surgery. I have the opportunity to undergo surgeries to reverse and reconnect, but honestly, I don’t believe that is necessary to enhance the quality of my life.

From Ostomate to WOC Nurse | Joanna Joy Burgess, BSN, RN, CWOCN, CMLDT

Diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer at the age of three, Joanna Joy Burgess, BSN, RN, CWOCN, CMLDT, courageously underwent both chemotherapy and radiation. Treatment also included the removal of Joanna’s bladder and the creation of a urostomy, a way to divert urine by connecting the ureters to a conduit made out of the small bowel which is then brought to the outside of the abdomen through a surgically created opening called a stoma. A bag is worn over the stoma to collect the urine.

Read more of Joanna’s story to discover how her illness lead her to a career as a WOC nurse.

How a WOC Nurse Made a Difference | Dr. Salisz

In November 2010, urologist Joseph Salisz underwent surgery for bladder and prostate removal. With a family history of prostate cancer and increased symptoms, Dr. Salisz sought a surgical attempt at a cure, and an aggressive University of Michigan urologist performed the surgery that resulted in urinary diversion through ureteroileostomy. Shortly after surgery, Dr. Salisz experienced trauma when he was not given the proper care that he required when faced with his newly acquired ostomy bag.

Discover how a WOC nurse made a difference in the care Dr. Salisz received. Learn more

Veteran Responds to Rare Genetic Mutation with Positivity | Daniel Shockley

Faced with a diagnosis of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli, a condition which increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer, Daniel Shockley underwent a total proctocolectomy with ileostomy surgery in July of 2012. The surgery removed portions of his large intestine including the colon, rectum and anus.

Learn how Daniel stays positive and advocates for ostomy patients across the US.

SHARE YOUR STORY

 

Do you know a patient with a remarkable story about the care they received from a WOC nurse? Are you a nurse who would like to showcase outstanding outcomes or a personal experience with a patient suffering from a wound, ostomy, or incontinence?

 

Email share@wocn.org and we’ll help share your story.

 

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