We Invite You to Join the WOCN ® Society

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ What is the WOCN Society? The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN ® ) is a professional, international nursing society founded in The WOCN Society is a nonprofit organization that develops and elevates standards of education and practice for the profession of wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nursing.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ What is the WOCN Society? WOCN members include:  More than 4,800 individuals with expertise in the care of patients with wound, ostomy and/or continence issues.  Fifty-five corporate, nonprofit, and/or small business member partners who support the mission of the WOCN Society.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ Our Mission “WOCN [Society] is a professional nursing society, which supports its members by promoting educational, clinical and research opportunities to advance the practice and guide the delivery of expert health care to individuals with wounds, ostomies and continence concerns” (WOCN, 2012a, p.6).

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ History of the WOCN Society Historical Highlights (WOCN, n.d.-a; 2010)  1958, Norma Gill, who had an ileostomy, became the first professional enterostomal therapist.  1968, 12 stomal therapists formed the American Association of Enterostomal Therapists.  1969, Name changed to the North American Association of Enterostomal Therapists.  1971, Name changed to the International Association for Enterostomal Therapy.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ History of the WOCN Society Historical Highlights (continued…)  1976, Bylaws required RN license for admission into educational programs and certification.  1985, BS required for admission into educational programs and certification.  1986, Established/incorporated a separate certification board.  1992, Name changed to Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN), reflecting the expanded scope of practice to include wound and continence care.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ History of the WOCN Society Foundation  Founded in 1978 to oversee two of the WOCN Society’s most important elements: Research and education (WOCN Foundation, n.d.).  1999, Established the Center for Clinical Investigation (CCI) to promote the generation and dissemination of research and evidence-based practices to support WOC nursing care and the value of the WOC nurse specialist (WOCN, 2010).

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Why join the WOCN Society?  Membership provides multiple benefits to support YOU!

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Education  The WOCN Society is the premier provider of WOC nursing education. Online continuing education opportunities in the Continuing Education Center (CEC). National and regional educational conferences (discounted member pricing). Access to the WOCN-endorsed, Wound Treatment Associate Program, which must be delivered under the direction of wound care certified, WOCN Society members (WOCN, n.d.-b). Access to the Members-only Library and Image Library.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Publications  WOCN Society branded publications/products (discounted member pricing). Evidence-based, Clinical Practice Guideline Series. Best practice documents for clinicians and patients. In It For You magazine.  Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN)-bimonthly.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Publications (continued…)  Examples-evidence-based and best practice documents:

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Publications (continued…)  Position statements, white papers, fact sheets, and quick reference guides.  Guidance on OASIS-C documentation.  Professional Practice Manual.  Business Plan Template.  Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Scope & Standards of Practice.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Career Advancement  Grow as a WOC nurse with support and resources from the WOCN Society: Salary & Productivity Survey. Online Members’ Empowerment Center. Research and scholarship opportunities through the WOCN Society Foundation:  Member’s research grant.  Financial awards to attend a WOCN-accredited WOC nursing education program or pursue advanced nursing degrees.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Public Policy and Advocacy: Leadership Opportunities  WOCN Society’s Health Care Agenda (WOCN, 2012b) : Guiding Principle: The purpose is to promote public policy and advocacy activities related to the WOCN Society’s mission, vision and strategic goals. Priorities:  Patient access to WOC supplies.  Payment reform.  Nursing workforce and education.  Quality of care initiatives.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Public Policy and Advocacy: Leadership Opportunities (continued…)  Resources. Access to public policy updates (online). Access to the Advocacy and Grassroots Toolkit. Fact sheet: Reimbursement of APRN services.  Opportunities to facilitate/advance legislative activity that promotes the benefits of WOC nurses.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Public Policy and Advocacy: Leadership Opportunities (continued…)  Opportunities to help shape legislation to protect patients and strengthen the profession: Example: WOCN Society developed Ostomy Resolution HR 152, 112th Congress (WOCN, 2012b).

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Networking Opportunities  Access to more than 4,800 WOC professionals: WOCN Society website ( Discussion forums. Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. National and regional conferences. Regional and affiliate meetings. Membership Directory. Member Center.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society LOCAL REGIONAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society Today! Benefits Networking Opportunities (continued…)  WOCN Society’s Region and Affiliate Objectives (WOCN, n.d.-c) : Provide support and encouragement for the new WOC nurse and all members of the WOCN Society at a local level. Foster leadership qualities through participation in the professional organization. Promote the WOCN Society among interdisciplinary health care professionals. Promote the philosophy of the WOCN Society to its members.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ WOCN Society’s Regions and Affiliates

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ Join the WOCN Society Today!

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ Join the WOCN Society Today! Various memberships are available:  Active (RN).  Associate (Non-RN).  Retired (active, associate).  Student (full-time to become a RN).  Corporate (regular for profits).  Corporate (nonprofit/small business). For information about memberships, visit:

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ Join the WOCN Society Today! Fill out a membership application at and join WOCN Society members from around the globe to advance the practice and guide the care of individuals with WOC concerns. (Clip Art, Microsoft Office 2010)

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ References WOCN Foundation. (n.d.). What is the Foundation? Retrieved May 2013, from Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (n.d.-a). The History of the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Society (WOCN). Retrieved May 2013, from /history_of_wocn.pdf /history_of_wocn.pdf Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (n.d.-b). Wound Treatment Associate (WTA). Retrieved July 2013, from

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ References Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (n.d.-c). Region and Affiliate Information. Retrieved May 2013, from Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (2010). Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Scope & Standards of Practice. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Author. Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (2012a). WOCN Society’s Policy & Procedure Manual. Retrieved March 2013, from ym.com/global_engine/download.asp?fileid=13567F43- 11CB-4DAB-8BC4-1962C &ext=pdfhttps://wocn.site- ym.com/global_engine/download.asp?fileid=13567F43- 11CB-4DAB-8BC4-1962C &ext=pdf

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ References Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (2012b). Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Health Care Agenda. Retrieved May 2013, from ym.com/resource/resmgr/files/wocn_health_care_agend a_%28201.pdf ym.com/resource/resmgr/files/wocn_health_care_agend a_%28201.pdf

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ Additional Resources Carlson, C. A., Wallman, C., & Witt, C. (2012). Why join a professional organization? Retrieved July 2013, from Assn_PPT_Jan_2012.pdf Assn_PPT_Jan_2012.pdf

PowerPoint presentation developed by the WOCN Membership Committee Commerce Parkway Suite C Mt. Laurel, NJ WOCN (9626) This PowerPoint presentation was developed by the WOCN Membership Committee. Copyright© 2013 by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. Date of Publication: 9/9/13. No part of this PowerPoint may be reproduced, photocopied, or republished in any form, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society.