President's Message

I would like to thank you for your continued dedication to your patients during the ongoing pandemic. While confirmed cases are trending down in many parts of the country, we know many facilities are contending with more patients and fewer staff. WOCNCB has several options for certified nurses who are unable to recertify their credentials by their expiration dates. Please reach out to our office at info@wocncb.org if you need assistance.

As we head into spring, WOCNCB has some exciting changes to announce. In 2020, we conducted a job task analysis for our Advanced Practice credentials. The new exam content outlines have been used to update exam questions, and new questions have been added to the system. The new exams will launch on May 2. In addition to updated content, we have also increased the AP exams to 120 questions, so it is in line with our other certification exams. The time to complete the exam has been increased from 90 minutes to 2 hours.

We are also launching new self-assessment or practice exams. These exams let you experience the testing environment while answering practice questions. These exams were 40 questions, but we have increased the number of questions to 55. This will provide an experience equivalent to half of the exam, which will help you judge how long it takes to get through the exam questions. The price remains the same at $45. Practice exams are purchased through Scantron, our testing company.

Finally, WOC Nurse Week is coming up on April 17-23. Take some time that week to celebrate the important work you do every day. WOCNCB will be celebrating on social media all week: #wocncb #WOCNurseWeek2022.

Warm regards,

Jessica Simmons, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CWON, DNC
WOCNCB® President

Spotlight!

They join the ranks of individuals who hit the mark previously. To view the list of previously WOCNCB® 30-year continuous certifications since 2013 click here.

Did you Know?

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO WOCNCB® ADVANCED PRACTICE EXAMS!

Effective May 2, 2022 the Advanced Practice Wound (CWCN-AP®), Ostomy (COCN-AP®), and Continence (CCCN-AP®) certification exams will increase from 90 items to 120 items. These exams will be administered in a two-hour testing period, which is an increase from 90 minutes.

Exam candidates who have already applied will have two scheduling options to choose from:

• Schedule to take the current 90-item exam and complete by April 29, 2022.

OR

• Schedule the 120-item exam to be taken starting May 2, 2022.

Recertification by AP Portfolio IS NOT affected and all portfolios are due 3 months prior to your expiration date.

In 2020 the WOCNCB® completed a role delineation/job analysis study for Advanced Practice. This study collects information on the work activities that Advanced Practice WOC nurses perform in practice. The outline will go into effect with the exams on May 2, 2022 at the same time as the expanded item exams. The new outlines are available on the WOCNCB website.

If you have any questions or comments contact WOCNCB via email at info@wocncb.org or call us at 1-888-496-2622.

New & Improved Self -Assessment Exams!

COMING SOON!

The new self-assessment exams (SAEs) have more questions and mimic the look and feel of the WOCNCB exam you will take on your test day. The content areas of the self-assessment exam are comparable to those of the actual certification exam. The SAEs are a great tool for preparing for the exam and provide explanation of the answers. The SAEs allow you to study at your own pace! More questions, for the same price $45.00. The new SAEs will be launched in May.

WOCNCB offers SAEs through Scantron, the testing company that facilitates the certification exams.  Learn more and find links to purchase a SAE by specialty here.

Thank you WOCNCB^® SAE Volunteers!

WOCNCB^® is thankful for all those who donate their time to committee service. There are so many that contribute to the success of this organization. We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to those volunteers on this SAE project:

Helping Hands

WOC Nurse Week is April 17-23, 2022!

Thank you to all our certified nurses for all you are doing each and every day. We appreciate your dedication to patient care, as leaders in your specialty and in all roles you are asked to fill during this COVID-19 pandemic. As a WOCNCB Certified nurse, share your experience and how you are responding during this crisis. Download signs to promote being WOCNCB Certified and share your photos and stories via social media  #wocncb #nurses #prevention #certification #WOCNurseWeek2022. 

The WOCN^® Society has created a WOC Nurse week toolkit to help you celebrate.  Visit the WOCN^® Society website for additional resources to help you make the most out of your celebrations this year!

Youth Rally will take place VIRTUALLY July 13th-16th, 2022

Nurse Volunteers Needed

Youth Rally is a summer camp for youth ages 11-17 living with congenital birth defects, chronic illness, and others who have been victims of physical trauma, many of whom wear ostomies or other surgical openings as a result of life-saving surgery. In 2022 the program will once again be shortened to a 4-day virtual program in light of many considerations affecting the needs of the community served. The Youth Rally promotes independence, wellness, and FUN! and would like your help is spreading awareness to others who have never met another someone “like me”. Additionally the Youth Rally is seeking virtual volunteers (counselors and medical staff) for the event so please share with your patients of all ages – your colleagues too!

Applications for nurse volunteers and campers are due June 1st.  Visit Youth Rally website to learn more. For brochures please submit a request to Abby at: brochures@youthrall.org.

UOAA Educational Award for Ostomy Nurse Certification!

Do you know someone interested in becoming a Certified Ostomy Care Nurse? UOAA is offering a NEW Educational Award to encourage more RNs to pursue a career specializing in ostomy care! WOCNCB will provide a complimentary application exam fee (value $395) to the award winner! Learn more and share opportunity.

All WOCNCB^® official announcements are sent via email

Update us with your contact information in one simple step!

Remember your certifications are with WOCNCB®. Don't risk a certification lapse!  All WOCNCB® official announcements are sent via e-mail only. If you have changed your e-mail address in the last 5 years, please contact the WOCNCB® office at info@wocncb.org. Help us help you to keep your contact information up-to-date to receive recertification reminders! 

The WOCN Society and WOCNCB^® do not share contact databases to prevent any perceived or actual conflict of interest on the part of the certification board.

To learn more regarding the WOCN Society and the benefits of membership please visit wocn.org.

Please keep your email address Up-to-Date!

Save The Date!

Look for WOCNCB^® at these upcoming 2022 conferences:

• AONL: April 11-14 San Antonio, TX Learn more to register
• WOCNext 2022: June 5-8 Fort Worth, TX Learn more to register
• ANCC National Magnet/Pathway Conference: Oct 13-15 Philadelphia, PA Learn more to register

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