In this edition of the WOCN® Society Member Spotlight, meet Jennilee Bigl, BSN, RN, CWCN. Learn about her journey into WOC nursing, what inspires her practice, her impactful patient stories, and the passion that continues to shape her career.
WOC Nursing Journey
Based in Bradford, Vermont, Jennilee Bigl has been a nurse for 20 years and has spent the past 9 years immersed in wound care. She first discovered the specialty early in her career after working alongside “an incredible wound care NP” whose knowledge and dedication sparked Jennilee’s interest. She joined a pressure injury prevention committee, became a unit NPWT expert, and carried that passion forward until the opportunity finally arose to join a wound care team—an opportunity she eagerly embraced.
“It’s been a fulfilling journey, and I’m grateful to have found my passion in this field,” she shares. Jennilee recently expanded her expertise by obtaining her ostomy certification and has also begun working as a per diem ostomy RN.
Passion for Healthcare
Jennilee is driven by the meaningful balance of human connection and scientific precision. She explains that nursing allows her to support people during some of their most vulnerable moments while also applying evidence-based practice. For her, healthcare offers “the best of all worlds”—intellectual challenge, continuous learning, and the creativity to design individualized care plans.
Joining the WOCN Society
Jennilee joined the WOCN Society out of pride for her certification and a desire to be part of a dedicated professional community. She remains a member of the Society’s “valuable resources,” opportunities for connection, and access to education through conferences, the WOCTalk podcast, and peer networking. One podcast episode even led her to connect with a nurse at another VA to discuss skin tear protocols.
The best part of membership, she says, is belonging to a community that enriches and challenges her practice. She enjoys learning from respected leaders in the field—including Dorothy Doughty, Joyce Black, and Mikel Gray—describing the experience as “meeting celebrities in the wound care world!”
Proud Moments and Inspiring Patient Experiences
Jennilee often feels proud to be a WOC nurse, especially when serving as a knowledgeable resource for patients and staff. A standout moment occurred during her ostomy training when she met a patient who was struggling emotionally and physically with a new ostomy. After adjusting his care plan, she helped resolve his leaking issues, heal painful peristomal breakdown, and rebuild his confidence—so much so that within two weeks, he was planning his return to work.
She also recalls the profound connection formed during a long admission with a patient experiencing pressure injuries and emotional isolation. She visited not only for wound care but also to connect—talking about his drawings, bringing puzzles, or picking up snacks. “His wounds eventually healed, but the relationship we built felt like it made an impact on his stay.”
Another experience early in her transition to a new role deeply influenced her career path. Supporting a young patient with a newly created colostomy—while having limited ostomy experience—left her feeling she couldn’t provide the comprehensive support he needed. The experience stayed with her and ultimately inspired her to pursue her ostomy certification so she could offer stronger guidance to future patients.
Looking Ahead
Wound care will always be part of Jennilee’s future. She and a WOC colleague have often talked about opening their own wound care business someday. No matter what comes next, she hopes to keep growing, evolving, and making a meaningful impact in the specialty.
Life Outside of Nursing
Outside of work, Jennilee embraces an active, outdoors-oriented lifestyle. She loves hiking, running, skiing, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family (including signing up for races with her running buddies). She also enjoys planning new adventures and exploring new parts of the world.
One unique part of her lifestyle: she lives off-grid in a solar-powered home, blending her love for the outdoors with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Advice for Future Nurses
Jennilee encourages aspiring nurses to embrace learning, seek mentorship, ask questions, and stay open to growth. Nursing is challenging, but “incredibly rewarding when you see the impact you can have on someone’s life.”
Most Rewarding Part of Her Education
For Jennilee, the greatest reward has been continuous growth. Through wound care, she has gained specialized knowledge, learned to advocate more effectively, and stepped into leadership roles such as co-chairing her IPIP and skin champion committees. Educating others has become a highlight of her career.
Staying Motivated & Shaping Her Views
Jennilee stays motivated by her integrity, desire to provide comprehensive care, and the real-world struggles she sees patients and families face while navigating healthcare. These insights fuel her drive to advocate for patients and ensure they understand their options.
Her experiences have solidified her belief that patients need strong advocates—especially those who may feel intimidated or unsure about speaking up. Education, she explains, plays a central role in WOC nursing, and opportunities to teach, lead, and share evidence-based practices have strengthened her commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Thank you, Jennilee
Jennilee Bigl’s journey reflects the heart of WOC nursing—passion, advocacy, continuous learning, and meaningful connection. Her dedication to improving patient care, expanding her expertise, and uplifting others in the profession is an inspiring reminder of the impact WOC nurses make every day.
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