Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN Society)

The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1968, dedicated to advancing the practice and delivery of expert healthcare for individuals with wound, ostomy, and continence care needs. As the largest and most recognized professional community in this field, the WOCN Society plays a critical role in supporting over 5,000 members through education, advocacy, and research initiatives.

Mission

The Society's mission is to improve patient outcomes by equipping healthcare professionals with the resources necessary for the effective practice of wound, ostomy, and continence care. This is achieved through advocacy for the specialty, ongoing education, and the dissemination of evidence-based research to practitioners in the field.

Vision

WOCN envisions being the preferred community for advocacy, education, and research in wound, ostomy, and continence care, recognized globally for promoting safe and effective healthcare practices.

Core Values

The WOCN Society is guided by three core values:

• Integrity: Commitment to providing unbiased, reliable, and evidence-based information in the nursing community.
• Leadership: Fostering an environment of mutual respect and lifelong learning among members.
• Knowledge: Prioritizing education and research to enhance patient outcomes and professional practice.

Membership

Membership with the WOCN Society offers various benefits, including access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and participation in advocacy efforts. Members can belong to a supportive community that actively promotes best practices in wound, ostomy, and continence care. The Society offers different membership types, including options for general professionals and students.

Programs and Resources

The WOCN Society provides several valuable programs and resources, including:

• Educational Opportunities: Online and in-person training focused on current best practices in WOC nursing.
• Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN): The official journal that publishes the latest research and clinical guidelines relevant to wound, ostomy, and continence care.
• Scholarship Programs: Initiatives to fund education for individuals pursuing a career in WOC nursing.
• Communities: Support networks and forums for members to share resources, events, and best practices in care.

Advocacy

Since its inception, the WOCN Society has been a strong advocate for the wound, ostomy, and continence nursing specialty. It works to influence public policy and enhance awareness of the importance of skilled nursing care in these areas. The Society also seeks to improve the quality of care for patients through various advocacy initiatives.

Conclusion

The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society is a vital organization committed to the advancement of nursing practices related to wound, ostomy, and continence care. Through its extensive educational offerings, advocacy efforts, and supportive community, the Society continues to make significant contributions to both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.