In this edition of the WOCN® Society Member Spotlight, meet Tatjana Smith, BSN, RN, CWON. Learn about her journey into WOC nursing, the patients who have shaped her perspective, her passion for creative problem-solving, and how she’s preparing for the next chapter of her career.
WOC Nursing Journey
Tatjana has been a nurse for 26 years and has dedicated the last 16 years to wound, ostomy, and continence care. Her journey into the specialty began while working as a floor nurse, where she found herself drawn to the wound care team.
“I loved to follow and assist the wound care nurses,” she shares. “I was drawn to their independence and creativity, and I also really liked seeing the progress of the wounds.”
That early interest grew into a rewarding career centered on helping patients heal while developing lasting relationships throughout their care journeys.
Since becoming a WOCN® Society member in 2018, Tatjana has continued to grow professionally while embracing new opportunities. Most recently, she made the transition from an inpatient hospital WOC nurse role she loved to a VA wound and ostomy clinic—a significant change that has opened new doors while allowing her to continue doing the work she’s passionate about.
Passion for Healthcare
For Tatjana, healthcare is about much more than treating wounds. “I like to see things heal and improve,” she says. “I also like the relationship aspect of healthcare, especially as it relates to wound and ostomy care.”
She values partnering with patients through some of their most difficult moments, combining compassion with creativity to solve complex clinical challenges. Whether she’s finding the right treatment to promote wound healing or figuring out how to make an ostomy appliance stay in place, Tatjana enjoys thinking outside the box to improve her patients’ quality of life.
She jokes that these experiences are just some of the reasons she’ll probably work in healthcare “until I’m 80.”
Joining the WOCN Society
Tatjana joined the WOCN Society to access trusted resources and connect with other professionals in the specialty. “The WOCN Society is a great place to find resources to help me grow and find answers to my many questions along the way. It’s also been a great way to network.”
She says the conferences, educational resources, and opportunities to connect with fellow WOC professionals are among the greatest benefits of membership. She also considers receiving a WOCN Society scholarship to be one of the highlights of her professional journey, calling it “such an honor.”
Proud Moments and Meaningful Connection
Throughout her career, Tatjana has experienced countless moments that remind her why she chose WOC nursing. One patient, in particular, stands out. He arrived with a severe bilateral lower extremity maggot infestation and was being told he would likely require amputations of both legs. Believing there was another option, Tatjana proposed trying daily Dakin’s wet-to-dry dressings. The physicians agreed.
Within four days, the maggots had completely cleared, the patient’s hyperkeratosis had significantly improved, and he was ultimately able to return home with both of his legs.
Just as meaningful are the patients who have changed Tatjana’s perspective. She recalls an outpatient ostomy patient with peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) who once shared that the hardest part of having an ostomy wasn’t the appliance—it was “the uncertainty” of living with it. Those words have stayed with her throughout the years.
She now approaches patients facing similar challenges with an even deeper appreciation for the emotional side of healing. She also remembers the kindness, trust, and gratitude shown by the patient and his wife, a reminder that compassionate care is built through partnership.
How Her Journey Shapes Her Approach to Care
Tatjana believes some of the best outcomes come from combining evidence-based care with creativity and persistence.
She enjoys solving difficult clinical problems, building trusting relationships with patients, and never giving up on finding solutions that improve healing and quality of life. Returning to her personal mission and values keeps her motivated, even during challenging days.
“When it gets tough,” she says, “I just go back to the ‘why.'”
Looking Ahead
Tatjana is pursuing her nurse practitioner degree and hopes to continue working in wound, ostomy, and continence care as an advanced practice provider. Working within the VA system may provide an opportunity to continue serving patients as a WOCN/APRN, but she’s keeping an open mind.
“I love the idea of being able to do more for my patients, wherever I end up.”
While graduate school has been both overwhelming and fascinating, she says the most rewarding part has been seeing everything she’s learning come together during clinical rotations.
Life Beyond Nursing
When she’s away from work and school, Tatjana enjoys taking advantage of the beautiful Colorado outdoors. Hiking, running, and mountain biking around Colorado Springs help her recharge, but her greatest joy comes from spending time with her husband, five children, their spouses or fiancés, and her grandson.
Words of Wisdom
Tatjana believes nursing offers opportunities for nearly everyone. “I do believe there can be a place for almost anyone in the field of nursing. You can work as much or as little as you’d like, any shift you would like, and there are so many options for what kind of nursing you can do. I say go for it if it sounds like something you might like!”
Thank you, Tatjana
From helping save a patient’s legs through creative wound care to supporting individuals as they navigate life with an ostomy, Tatjana exemplifies the compassion, innovation, and dedication that define WOC nursing. As she continues pursuing advanced practice while remaining committed to patient-centered care, she continues to make a lasting impact on both her patients and the profession.
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