President's Message

Hello everyone and happy summer!
I was so excited to see so many of you at the most recent WOCN conference, sharing your stories and sometimes your frustrations.  It was wonderful to be able to get to know so many of my colleagues from those who have been doing this just for a few months to those who have been practicing 30 years or more; what an honor it was to meet all of you.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again give a shout out to the winners of our employer award, Christiana Care Health System from Newark, Delaware.  We had the opportunity to present some wonderful news such as 8900 certificants - OUTSTANDING!  And of course the mobile app… Starting with the CWCN and the COCN, wonderful innovations which came as a result of hard work and strategic planning.

There will now be a section on foot care in the JWOCN -our colleagues at the WOCN have been working hard to ensure that this specialty is getting the recognition it deserves.

So many of you took the time to take a photograph in our booth so please enjoy some of the photos we share with you now. As always do not hesitate to contact me with questions or comments email me directly.

Thank you,
Jill Trelease, DNP(c), FNP-BC, CWON, CFCN
WOCNCB® President

  What's New

2019 Employer Recognition Award Congratulations to

Christiana Care Health System!

Pictured above are staff present to represent Christiana Care Health System in Nashville, TN, to receive the award: Lois Dixon MSN, APRN, AGNP-C, RN-BC, CWOCN – Wound, Ostomy, & Continence Nursing Clinical Leader and Jennifer Murr MSN, RN, CWCN, COCN, CCCN.

WOCNCB Board Members presenting award to Lois Dixon and Jennifer Murr from Christiana Care Health System. Above from left to right: Melayne P. Martin, Cathy Wogamon, Jill Trelease, Clay Collins, Lois Dixon, Holly Hovan, Jennifer Murr, Kathy Kump and Jessica Simmons. Click here to learn more and read the winning 2019 nomination essay.

WOCNext 2019 Conference Highlights

Public Policy Committee on Capitol Hill

Public Policy Committee members on Capitol pictured above from left to right: Sarah Sloan, Ferne Elsass, Teresa Totino, Phill Botham, Colette Allen, Valerie Kneece Harris and George Salamy. The Public Policy Committee met June 10th with Chris Rorick, MPH, Director of Government Relations for the WOCN Society who arranged for the committee to meet with North Carolina Senator Richard Burr's Health Policy Director Angela B. Wiles an advocate for support of the Disability Integration Act (S.117) and the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act (S.668).  The group was very fortunate to have met with such a senior leader in Senator Burr's office, as she was very familiar with the issues the committee was discussing and asked for our assistance as the Senator moved forward with legislation he had been working on related to disposable Negative Pressure Wound Therapy technology.  The committee anticipates great outcomes for our certificants and their patients through this work.

If you’d like to receive updates on public policy issues, sign up for the Public Policy Committee’s email list here.

  Did you Know?

New 12 month Professional Growth Program (PGP) Submission Window

In June, WOCNCB expanded the submission window for PGP submission to 12 months.  A portfolio may now be submitted as early as 12 months prior to certification expiration. Portfolios must be submitted no later than 3 months prior to certification expiration date.

New Wound & Ostomy Mobile Flash Card Apps Available

Be Better Prepared for WOCNCB Certification Exams!

Get the CWCN or COCN mobile apps to practice questions anywhere, anytime! Each mobile app features 200 questions and answers, detailed rationale, and references to help you prepare for the exam and track your progress. 

Customize your studying to meet your needs! The app provides detailed results tracking and quiz builders to flag your weak areas for further review.

• $19.95 for 6 month subscriptions
• $39.95 for 12 month subscriptions

Visit www.wocncb.org to purchase the CWCN® or COCN® mobile apps. Then install the apps and start preparing today! Continence and Foot Care mobile apps will be launched later in 2019!

Printed flash cards sets for Wound, Ostomy, Continence and Foot Care also available click here to purchase.

CE opportunity for WOC Nurses @Desert Foot!

Earn an estimated 20 CEs! The conference is focused on evidence-based and best practices to improve: limb salvage techniques advanced wound care skills treat surgical & medical disorders of the lower limb

Interactive workshops focus on advanced technologies that provide attendees with hands-on practical experience and training on surgical procedures, advanced wound care, and new techniques in healing the lower extremity. Learn more by visiting Desert Foot.  

  Helping Hands

Give Back to Your Profession & Apply to Become a WOCNCB® Committee Volunteer!

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB®) is seeking interested individuals to volunteer their time to participate on one of six committees focused on the growth and success of the Board and its certificants. The new term will begin January 1, 2020.

Volunteering is a great opportunity to give back to your profession and network with other certified nurses. Service on a committee is also a way to earn points for your Professional Growth Program portfolio.

A variety of WOCNCB® Committees have openings:

•     Advanced Practice
•     Foot Care
•     Item Review Committee
•     Marketing Committee
•     Professional Growth Program
•     WOC Exam Committee

Click here for Committee descriptions and more details. Individuals must have solid computer skills, access to email and telephone. Term lengths vary depending on the committee.

If you are interested, please submit the volunteer application along with your CV/resume no later than August 31st. We will be in touch with you personally to discuss the opportunity.

   Save The Date!

Look for WOCNCB^® at these upcoming events:

• ANCC National Magnet Conference: October 10-12, Orlando, FL Learn more to register
• NOVA Annual Meeting: October 24-25, Miami, FL. Learn more to register

If you do not wish to be included in our mailing list, please forward this message to info@wocncb.org.