2024 Career Planning Guide
NURSING SPECIALITIES KEY : n Minimum Education required n Certifications required n Experience needed n Certification credential n Possible employment n Professional Organization n References / Resources
Wound , Ostomy and Continence Nurse
Wound , ostomy , and continence ( WOC ) nurses are experts in caring for patients with wounds , ostomies , and incontinence . WOC nurses respond to the acute and rehabilitative needs of people with select gastrointestinal , genitourinary , and integumentary systems disorders . They provide direct care to people with abdominal stomas , wounds , fistulas , drains , pressure injuries , and / or continence disorders and can serve as educators , consultants , researchers , and administrators .
n RN , BSN n Wound , Ostomy , or Continence ( WOC ) certification exam
n Experimental Pathway : 50 Contact Hours ( CEs or the equivalent college coursework ) in each specialty within 5 years of applying to a WOC Nursing Education Program ( WOCNEP ). 1,500 clinical hours with at least 375 clinical hours in the past year . Sit for the certification exam in each of the three areas . Traditional Pathway : 1 year of clinical experience within 5 years of applying to a WOC Nursing Education Program ( WOCNEP . Complete WOCNEP program . Sit for the certification exam in each of the three areas .
n Varies – see www . wocncb . org
n Hospitals ( acute cared settings ), continuing care ( e . g ., long term and assisted living center ), ambulatory care centers , out-patient surgery centers , home healthcare , military service n Wound , Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society ( www . wocn . org ) n Resources : www . wocn . org / page / become _ a _ woc _ nurse
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