Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses

A Smart Addition to the Healthcare Team

Why a WOC Nurse?

Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses           In the United States, millions of individuals suffer with wound, ostomy, and continence disorders. This includes more than 5,000,000 Americans who are debilitated by non-healing wounds, 500,000 individuals who have ostomies, and a staggering 11,000,000 men and women who endure urinary and fecal incontinence. As surprising as these numbers are, experts predict that they will continue to rise as the number of elderly and chronically ill individuals in our society increases. The cost of treating patients with these disorders also threatens to spiral out of control.

          Optimal management of patients with chronic wounds, ostomies, or continence disorders by professionals who are expertly trained to address these conditions can result in improved patient outcomes and cost savings for health care institutions. Wound care specialists have been credited with significantly reducing amputation rates and shortening the average hospital stay by 24%. A 2002 study published by the Canadian Medical Association reveals an estimated 60-70% of patients who are affected by urinary incontinence and are treated by a properly trained professional could be cured or taught to handle their conditions more effectively.

          Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurses, whether supporting a patient's return to a productive lifestyle or providing palliative care, are uniquely qualified to offer interventions and cost effective treatments to individuals with wound, ostomy, or continence disorders.


What are WOC Nurses?

          The role of a nurse specializing in the care of patients with wound, ostomy, or continence disorders is multifaceted, challenging, and rewarding. WOC nurses coordinate care in complex environments and employ a full range of skills to promote healing and independence.

          WOC nurses also coordinate and collaborate with other healh care specialists and make recommendations for patient care that are evidence-based, cost effective, and individualized, with a dual focus on complication prevention and disease state management.



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