Relive the best moments of WOCNext® 2023 in this highlight roundup! WOCNext® 2023 took place in Las Vegas in early June, showcasing the latest developments in wound, ostomy, continence, and foot and nail care. Hosted by the WOCN® Society, WOCNext® is the only WOC educational event of the year hosted by healthcare professionals for healthcare professionals. This year, the event drew 1,450 professionals online and to the CAESARS Forum in Las Vegas for three value-packed days of evidence-based research, professional development, and community networking.
Whether you attended live or virtually or were unable to attend, we’re here to recap the most memorable moments, key highlights, and important announcements from WOCNext® 2023:
Best Moments, Highlights & Announcements
- Grand Opening Keynotes
WOCNext® 2023 began with an energizing welcome address by Dea Kent, DNP, RN, NP-C, CWOCN, President of the WOCN® Society, who set the stage for an exciting week ahead. She encouraged attendees to renew their commitment, rejuvenate their spirits, and engage in the most up-to-date, evidence-based education. Ryan McCarty, CEO of Culture of Good, followed with a captivating keynote that inspired attendees to rediscover their passion for WOC care. - WOCN® Quality Improvement Project
The WOCN® Society sparked excitement and engagement by announcing a significant initiative, The Value of a WOC Nurse: a WOCN® Quality Improvement Project, which aims to demonstrate the holistic value of WOC care. Attendees and WOCN® Society members were called upon to participate by contributing and sharing data that correlate the value of WOC nurse care to national quality measures used to reimburse facilities for patient care. - Inaugural Mikel Gray Lecture
Mikel Gray, PhD, FNP, PNP, CUNP, CCCN, FAANP, FAAN, WOCNF, delivered an engaging inaugural lecture that emphasized the impact WOC nurses have on their patients’ lives and their role in shaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Gray discussed the ongoing challenges faced by WOC nurses, particularly during the pandemic and resulting staff shortages. He highlighted the urgent need to increase the number of newly trained WOC nurses by at least 500% and shared strategies to improve healthcare professionals’ resilience and balance in their profession. - Latest Evidence-Based Education
WOCNext® 2023 presented cutting-edge research and hands-on workshops in wound, ostomy, continence, and foot and nail care. Renowned speakers showcased their research-based abstracts, selected through a rigorous peer-review process. Topics covered in the sessions included ostomy surgery and post-operative care, diversity, equity, and inclusion in skin health training and care, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, abdominal fistula, and more. - Barbara Braden Lecture
The highly anticipated Barbara Braden Lecture, titled “Where Are We with Repositioning for Pressure Injury Prevention?” drew a packed audience. Tracey Yap, PhD, RN, WCC, CNE, FGSA, FAAN, Associate Professor at Duke University, delivered an exceptional speech discussing her study on updating current nursing home protocols to enhance patient treatment through turning and positioning, thereby improving pressure injury prevention. - WOCN Fellow Program Induction
The inaugural class of the WOCN Fellow Program, the highest and most prestigious award offered by the WOCN® Society, was inducted into the program at a ceremony held Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at WOCNext® 2023. - Largest Exhibit Hall & Poster Hall
WOCNext® boasts the largest exhibit hall among all events, featuring over 100+ exhibitors. The poster hall showcased over 100 posters, offering new evidence and concepts for WOC professionals to apply to their own practice.
These highlights represent just a few of the standout moments from WOCNext® 2023. From networking opportunities to the latest healthcare advancements, WOCNext® 2023 provided an inspiring platform for attendees to enhance their professional growth and advance patient care.
Reminder to All Those Who Registered…
All registrants have on-demand access to the event’s content through the end of 2023. Take advantage of the session recordings, material downloads, and more by logging into your event portal.
Didn’t Get to Register or Attend This Year?
WOCNext® 2024 is just around the corner! Save the date for June 9-12 in Cleveland, Ohio, the birthplace of WOC nursing. Join us for an enlightening exploration of the origins, history, and future of WOC care. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover what’s new, what’s needed, and what’s next for our patients and profession. Here’s a sneak peek of what WOCNext® 2024 has in store:
- The latest evidence-based education and standards of WOC care
- Actionable strategies to close gaps and disparities in WOC care
- The driving forces that will shape the future of our field
Learn more about WOCNext® 2024.
Thank you to all who joined us this year—your education, participation, and engagement is what WOCNext® is all about!