What is a Wocn consult?
A WOCN is an independent consultant specially educated, experienced, and certified in the areas of wound, ostomy, and continence care. A WOCN’s training includes not only knowing the standard of care, but applying that knowledge to assist the facility in patient management with cost-effective positive outcomes.
What does a Wocn do?
A wound ostomy-continence nurse (WOCNs) cares for patients who have active wounds or the potential to develop wounds. They also care for patients who have ostomies. Wounds may be surgical in nature or may be the result of skin breakdown, disease or injury.
Is ostomy care considered wound care?
An ostomy is a surgical procedure and needs to be understood and treated as such, and wounds need to be seen as what they are, no matter the cause or location on the body. An ostomy is not a wound and should not be referred to as a wound in the medical field.
How long does it take to become a Wocn?
Most wound care certification programs take approximately 2-3 months to complete, then you’ll need to take and pass the certification exam in whatever specialty you’ve chosen.
How do you become a Nswoc?
Become an NSWOC The final exam for the program is the Canadian Nurses Associate (CNA) certification exam, which, upon achievement, enables the NSWOC to use the credential WOCC(C). The WOC-EP is a competency and standards of practice guided, rigorous program, aimed at insuring the high quality of its graduates.
How do you treat a skin breakdown around a stoma?
- Cover the irritated skin with a thin hydrocolloid sheet (dressing) or liquid skin protectant (such as MARATHON® Liquid Skin Protectant).
- Apply your pouching system over the thin hydrocolloid sheet or liquid skin protectant.
- Avoid using ostomy powder or skin prep wipes for more than a couple of days at a time.