MID- YEAR REPORT 2021-2022 - Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada - NSWOCC
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2021-2022 MID- YEAR REPORT Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada 66 Leopolds Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7E3 1-888-739-5072 office@nswoc.ca www.nswoc.ca
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Mission, Vision, Values 1
Message from the President 2
Message from the Chief Executive Officer 4
NSWOCC: The People 7
Membership & Communication 10
NSWOCC Value Proposition 13
2021-2023 Strategic Priorities 14
Regional Director Reports 15
British Columbia & Yukon 16
Prairies and Northwest Territories 16
Ontario 17
Quebec 17
Atlantic 18
Core Program Reports 19
Professional Development 20
Research and Practice 21
Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence 22
Community Engagement 23
French Community of Practice 23
Paediatric Community of Practice 24
SWAN Community of Practice 25
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute 26
National Conference Planning 26
Publications 27
WOC-Institute Report 30
NSWOCC Offical Interest Groups 48
INTERNATIONAL SKIN TEAR ADVISORY PANEL 49
CANADIAN PRESSURE INJURY ADVISORY PANEL 52
Thank you! 54
iii NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report
OUR MISSION OUR VISION
Leading excellence is our Every person deserves
passion. specialized wound, ostomy and
Enhancing lives is our continence care.
inspiration.
Innovation is our commitment.
OUR VALUES
Nursing Specialty Excellence.
Leadership.
Collaborative partnerships.
Compassion.
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MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT
Nevart Hotakorzian,
RN, BScN, NSWOC
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence
Canada (NSWOCC) works to bring results.
We have continued to lead the way for greater
recognition of Nurses Specialized in Wound,
Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) nationally and
provincially. Three important documents have been
translated into French as part of our engagement
to help all our members across the nation. The
Preoperative Stoma Site Marking for Fecal Diversions:
ileostomy and colostomy, the Clean Intermittent
Urethral Catheterization in Adults – Canadian
BPR and the Canadian Standards of Practice for
NSWOCs. In May 2021, we added the French day to
our national conference with international and local
speakers. We continue to make plans to reach our
French community; we will work very hard to engage
all NSWOCC members.
To date, the Debridement: Canadian Best Practice
Recommendation for Nurses developed by NSWOCC
is completed with a Quick Reference Guide. It will
be published in the JWOCN and we will launch the
first Advanced Debridement Program with the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute
(WOC-Institute) on January 15, 2021. Registration is now open at wocinstitute.ca.
NSWOCC believes in collaborating and respecting diversity and as part of our commitment,
we have continued to support Bev Smith, our Core Program Leader and the Indigenous
Wound Ostomy Continence Health Core Program. A webinar was also presented on
Transgender Surgery to address cultural diversity needs thanks to Misty Stephens ,our
British Columbia and Yukon Regional Director.
The NSWOC Advance, our official publication, continues to produce three issues per year.
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 2
It now has peer reviewed articles with English and French content written by NSWOCs.
It is available electronically or in hard copy. It can be accessed online at http://nswoc.ca/
advance.
It is with great pride and joy that we have succeeded to launch a Wound, Ostomy, and
Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) in Argentina. The NSWOCC WOC-EP was
translated into Spanish with the help of Dr Arman Lira, MD, PhD and Shareigh Reza, PhD.
The first Spanish WOC-EP is being piloted in Argentina and started October 2, 2021. This
initiative was needed and has been tremendously welcomed and supported by Argentina
and its Health Ministry.
As we continue to grow, our organization structure has changed. I want to congratulate
Troy Curtis, BHum (Hons) who is now the Director of Operations. He has played an
important role in communications and membership and we recognize all his hard work.
Nicole Kocajda, MBA, IIWCC, ISWA has also joined us as Program Manager for the WOC-
Institute. We welcome Nicole with enthusiasm and are looking forward to working with
her.
We continue to strive to improve provincially, nationally and internationally. We are
privileged to have active members who are passionately involved. You are the future of
NSWOCC and with your joint efforts, we move forward.
Nevart Hotakorzian
NSWOCC President
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MESSAGE FROM THE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
Catherine Harley,
RN, IIWCC, eMBA
In the forty plus years since Nurses Specialized in Wound,
Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) modest entry into
advancing the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy and continence
specialized nursing practice, the world has faced a multitude
of threats and challenges. This past year, though, has been
uniquely difficult. The confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic,
multiple instances of racial injustice, financial uncertainty, and
record-shattering extreme climate events have exposed the
deepest cracks in society’s foundations and compelled us to
draw from our strength and resilience.
NSWOCC didn’t just survive past crises, we emerged stronger.
Over and over, together with our Members, volunteers and
contractors, we demonstrated the ability to persevere, adapt
and flourish. With our Members’ safety at the forefront, while we had to make the difficult
decision to stay with a virtual national conference in May 2022, we know that Canada will
rally again; that we have a chance do more than return to normal. We can and should pursue
a better normal.
We needed to examine where we might need to listen more keenly, adapt our thinking and
change our actions. On October 2, 2021, the NSWOCC Board of Directors and Core program
leaders met virtually in order to review where the association strategy fared vis-à-vis the
2021-2023 strategic plan, and to discuss where we need to focus and also support and
implement in order to better meet the needs of our Members. We discussed how our people
and processes adapted, and how our commitment to our members and patients will continue
to thrive under the strain of extraordinary circumstances. An Operational Plan for the next
twelve months is being developed to take us through to the end of 2022.
During times of great uncertainty, we look to the mission, vision, and values of NSWOCC as
our guiding principles. We remain committed to taking care of each other and leading the
way for our Members and patients in order to achieve results no matter the circumstance.
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 4
In order to strengthen collaboration with our Industry Members, we are pleased to
announce the launch of the NSWOCC Industry Advisory Council (NIAC).
The NSWOCC Industry Advisory Council (NIAC) was launched on June 9, 2021 and have
had a total of three meetings in 2021. Representatives from nineteen companies who
have technologies in wound, ostomy or continence or who distribute wound, ostomy and
continence products participated. The first two co-chairs were appointed by the NSWOCC
Board due to their recent completion of the Industry Skin Wellness Associate Program
(ISWA) – Nicole Kocajda, Marketing Manager for Mölnlycke and Rodney Blair, National
Sales Manager, Hollister Limited.
The first action items for NIAC were to develop the mission, vision and competitive
compliance statement and the “NIAC Terms of Reference”. During the meeting on
September 8, 2021, NIAC worked on finalizing the mission, vision and competitive
compliance statement as follows:
Mission
As a special interest group, NSWOCC Industry Advisory Council (NIAC) strives to bring
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence and companies with applicable
products and services together to set a standard for positive, beneficial, and open
collaboration to improve care for Canadian patients.
Vision
Collaborate to support improved clinical and health economic outcomes for wound,
ostomy, and continence patients.
Competition Compliance Statement
NIAC Members will at no time engage in discussion or activities that might serve to
lessen competition among its industry members, such as price adjustments, customer
segmentation, or the sharing of confidential, proprietary information.
NIAC Membership
Industry members including manufacturers and distributors of products relating to wound,
ostomy and continence
NIAC Roles and Responsibilities
1. NIAC will provide informed advice to the NSWOCC Board of Directors regarding:
• input into 2022 NSWOCC Annual Conference and future conferences
Exhibit Hall set up
• input into conference networking event
2. NIAC will represent the voice of wound, ostomy and continence industry to the
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NSWOCC Board of Directors in order to support their strategic plan and decision
making.
3. NIAC will receive updates from the NSWOCC Board in order to stay current and
relevant in connecting clinical developments with industry trends to positively
impact patient care.
NIAC Governance
• Co-chair model
• Two co-chairs for two-year term of office starting June 9, 2021
• During second year – call for nominations to onboard “co-chairs elect” and
mentorship for with current co-chairs to support a democratic process
• Accountable to the NSWOCC Board of Directors
• Each co-chair responsible for minutes (alternate)
• Minutes to be submitted to NIAC members and NSWOCC BOD within 2 weeks
post meeting
• No budget required at this time
• Annual Report to NSWOCC Board of Directors by March 25 of each year
Meeting Frequency
• June (for post-conference review)
• September
• November
• January
• March
• May (on-site or virtually at the conference)
• Ad hoc as required
The NIAC Members have given input into an “Industry and Science“ Day at the 2022
NSWOCC National conference which will be held virtually in 2022. We look forward to
working with NIAC as we work towards a strong collaboration between NSWOCC and
industry Partners.
Sincerely,
Catherine Harley
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 6
NSWOCC:
THE PEOPLE
Board of Directors
Executive
President: Nevart Hotakorzian
President-Elect: Marcia Leard
Secretary: Tracy Fournier
Treasurer: Erin Rajathy
Chief Executive Officer: Catherine Harley
Regional Directors
BC/Yukon: Misty Stephens
Prairies/NT/NU: Jodi Quinlan
Ontario: Stephanie Furtado
Quebec: Valerie Chaplain
Atlantic: Karla Lohnes
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Core Program Leaders
Research & Practice Community Engagement Paediatric Community of
Nancy Parslow Erin Rajhathy Practice
Dr. Kevin Woo French Community of Practice Stephanie Furtado
Professional Development Valerie Chaplain
Debra Johnston Swan Community of Practice
Indigenous WOC Health Britney Butt
Bev Smith
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute
Academic Chair: Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc
Program Manager: Nicole Kocadja
Program Development: Corey Heerschap & Britney Butt
Program Coordinator: Suzanne Sarda
IT Coordinator: Marianne Cardinal
National Conference Planning: Mary Hill
Publications: Lina Martins
Academic Advisors Editorial Board
Preceptorship Program WOC-EP Program Features Editor
Lina Martins
Cathy Downs
Preceptor Manager
Nicole Pitcher BC/Yukon
Nicole Denis
Susan Peckford Dr Karen Campbell
Student Placement Coordinator Melanie Fauteaux Prairies/NT/NU
Victoria McCallum, Svea Menard Dr. Kevin Woo
Christie Cowan, Eleanore Howard
Angela McGuire Teri Schroeder Ontario
Louise Samuel Lina Martins
Preceptor Markers
Liette St Cyr, Mary Engel Quebec/Atlantic
Cecilia Yeung Gail Creelman Louise Forest-Lalande
Barb Plumstead Nicholas Joachimides
Najwa Shbat
SWAN Program Laura Robbs
Vida Johnston Carly Lindsay
Heather Wright Marie-Andrée Mason
Indigenous Cultural Safety
Heather Wright
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 8Interest Groups NSWOCC Staff Committees
International Skin Tear Chief Executive Officer Nominating Committee Chair
Advisory Panel (ISTAP): Catherine Harley Laureen Sommerey
Dimitri Beeckman
Director of Operations Bylaws Chair
Canadian Pressure Injury Troy Curtis Vivian Wass
Advisory Panel (CPIAP): Bookkeeper NSWOCC Industry Advisory
Kimberly LeBlanc Andre Lavigne Council Co-Chairs
Kevin Woo Rodney Blair
Professional Accountant
Co-Chair to be
Bruce Deep
announced Nov 10/21
Lawyer
Karen Cooper
ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE
Board of Directors
Chief Executive Officer
WOC Institute Chair
Director of Operations Program Manager
Members
Professional Assistant
Patients
Core Programs Interest Groups
Research & Practice French Community of Practice International Skin Tear
Professional Development SWAN Community of Practice Advisory Panel (ISTAP)
Indigenous WOC Health Paediatric Community of Practice Canadian Pressure Injury
Community Engagement Membership Advisory Panel (CPIAP)
Preceptor Academic Advisor Academic Advisor Academic Advisor Program SWAN Program National Publications Lead
Manager Lead - Ostomy Lead - Wound Lead - Continence Redevelopment Conference
Lead Planning Chair
Preceptor Academic Academic Academic Cultural Safety Academic Planning NSWOC Advance
Coordinators x3 Advisor (AA) 1 Advisor (AA) 1 Advisor (AA) 1 Advisor (AA) 1 Committee
x10
Preceptor Marker AA 2 AA 2 AA 2 AA 2 JWOCN -
- Quebec Regional
Committee
AA 3 AA 3 AA 3 AA 3
Preceptor Marker
- Ontario
AA 4
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MEMBERSHIP &
COMMUNICATION
Troy Curtis,
Director of Operations
Membership Demographics - Key points
• Going into mid-year, NSWOCC sits at 725 members across
all regions. Ontario members make up just over 50% of our
membership at 51%, representing our most populous region, while
the Atlantic region makes up the smallest percentage of members
at just over 7%.
• 92.69% of our membership chooses English as their preferred
language, while 7.31% prefer French.
• The median and average age of our Total Membership Makeup by Province
members is 42 years old, with members
being on average 19 years away from
retirement.
New registrations & renewals - Key
points:
• Between January 1st, 2021 to
September, 2021, we have had 205 new
registrations.
• People usually renew their memberships
during the 1st Quarter (34% of
membership renewals each year), and
right around our National Conference
(11.5% of membership renewals each
year happen in May).
• Inversely, the fewest renewals happen
after our conference at the start of the
summer, and in October-November.
Membership Committee
In 2022, we will be creating a membership committee made up of 3-5 members to:
• Review membership benefits.
• Assess the current tools we use to communicate with, and provide value to, members
• Determine key member priorities & needs.
• Visualize, and improve, the membership journey to encourage retention & renewals.
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 10Membership Communication
• E-newsletters and e-blasts remain our strongest and most successful communication
channel to share information with our members; our open rates and click rates is nearly
double the industry average. This indicates that we truly have an engaged, loyal subscriber
list.
• As we near 2022, we are going to be developing a new Communications Plan to accomplish
the following:
• Create the capacity to schedule promotions in advance
• Prepare promotional graphics earlier
• Engage with our online community more
• Measure performance better to make more informed decisions about our
communication efforts
This includes plans to:
• Create a content schedule of important, recurring types of promotions.
• Make it a habit to monitor and review social media, email, and website analytics.
• Increase capacity to share more messages & better engage our networks online to:
• Acknowledge more of the good work by members & partners
• Interact with partners on social media
• Be more aware of industry, competitor and partner updates
• Increase capacity to translate key messages into both languages.
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PRESS RELEASE
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
66 Leopolds Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7E3
P: 613-762-5788
E: office@nswoc.ca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NSWOCC Announces the Promotion of Troy Curtis to Director of Operations
Ottawa, October 1, 2021 – We are pleased to announce that Mr. Troy
Curtis of Ottawa, Ontario has been promoted to the position of NSWOCC
Director of Operations.
Troy joined NSWOCC in July 2019 as the Manager of Membership and
Communications where he provided exceptional membership support and
value though supporting member benefits. He also developed and provided
communications to make sure that the Membership was informed. In 2020,
when NSWOCC had to pivot to a virtual national conference on short notice,
Troy was instrumental in building virtual conference platform to ensure
that members could access continuing education. He has also provided
outstanding support for the NSWOCC webinar series, the Wound, Ostomy
and Continence Institute and the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel.
A 2019 Bachelor of Humanities graduate from Carleton University, Troy previously held several
operational and leadership roles for not-for-profit organizations, including serving as Co-Director for
Hatch Entrepreneurship Centre, Communications Assistant for Wheelchair Basketball Canada, and Office
Administrator for the Orléans Chamber of Commerce (now amalgamated with the Ottawa Board of Trade).
Troy developed a strong marketing and business acumen while supporting and advising two cohorts of
student start-ups through an 8-week pre-incubator program as Co-Director and Marketing Lead for Hatch,
and helped instruct multiple first-year Entrepreneurship classes on the Business Model Canvas.
As the main point of contact for the Chamber of Commerce, Troy helped manage all member events,
supported recruitment & marketing efforts, and ensured strong communication between members and the
organization.
We look forward to having Troy as a part of the strategic business team where he will apply his knowledge
and skills set to advancing the NSWOCC and the specialized nurses that we serve.
About NSWOCC
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity for over
600 nurses specializing in the nursing care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence.
The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute is wholly owned and operated by the NSWOCC. NSWOCC’s
official interest groups are the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) and the Canadian Pressure
Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP).
For more information, please contact Catherine Harley, NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer at office@
nswoc.ca or by visiting our website at www.nswoc.ca.
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
66 Leopolds Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7E3 | P: 613-762-5788 | E: office@nswoc.ca | www.nswoc.ca
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 12NSWOCC VALUE
PROPOSITION
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2021-2023
STRATEGIC
PRIORITIES
1 7
Strengthen member value through new Increase French language material to
programs and initiatives that advance members to better meet the needs.
the profession of Nurses Specialized in
8
Wound, Ostomy and Continence. Lead the way for virtual Wound,
Ostomy & Continence Care.
2
Establish an NSWOC voice in shaping
9
Canadian Health Policy—put wound, Advance leaders in specialized wound,
ostomy & continence on the political ostomy and continence nursing.
agenda—nationally and provincially.
10
Strengthen wound, ostomy and
3
Develop a National “Wellness” Program continence patient interaction through
to support Nurses Specialized in Wound, a Patient Engagement Framework.
Ostomy and Continence.
11
Develop a national pressure injury
4
Create a collaborative and respectful strategy to address the prevention &
NSWOCC professional culture through management in Canada.
establishing a policy on diversity,
12
equity and inclusion and identify Form national and international
ways to support Indigenous People of partnerships to increase reach in
Canada through a focus on “Truth and wound, ostomy and continence
Reconciliation”. prevention and management.
5 13
Connect NSWOCs across Canada: Develop a technology infrastructure to
both provincially & nationally creating a support core programs, marketing and
national community of practice including communication.
a Paediatric Community of Practice.
6
National & International recognition
of academic excellence of the WOC
Institute academic programs while
meeting the need of nurses and allied
healthcare professionals.
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 14REGIONAL
DIRECTOR
REPORTS
Engagement and collaboration to drive
meaningful change
To create improvements in wound, ostomy and
continence care, NSWOCC continues to engage
members to discuss issues and create solutions
not only at scheduled events but also year-round
through ongoing reflection and dialogue during
Regional Meetings.
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British Columbia & Yukon
Regional Director
Misty Stephens, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Key Regional Highlights
• Welcome to all the new Graduates from the WOC Institute. We
look forward to having you as a part of the NSWOCC British
Columbia & Yukon Region
• We have completed the rollout of the new redesign of the
connecting learners with knowledge website – this information can
be found at Www.Clwk.ca
• The new basic foot and nail care guidelines and procedures are now
available on the connecting learners with knowledge website www.
Clwk.ca
• Approved off-loading devices for diabetic feet are now available
through B.C. provincial funding. The documents will be shared when
they become available through Pharmacare.
• The revision of the CSWD e-learning module for all new NSWOC’s
will be available soon at www.clwk.ca. If you have questions or
need preceptorship, please contact our Provincial Skin and Wound Committee or misty.
stephens@fraserhealth.ca, and I can help set you up with your preceptor in your authority
or area.
Prairies and Northwest Territories
Regional Director
Jodi Quinlan, RN BN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), IIWCC
Key Regional Highlights
• No Regional meetings held due to COVID-19 redeployments
throughout the Province of Alberta
• Ongoing e-mail communication/updates to encourage NSWOC
membership, CNA certification writing and need for preceptors.
• E-mails have included temperature checks to see how Members
are doing
• We look forward to getting through this COVId-19 pandemic
period and on the other side when we will be able to meet once
again
• We are thinking of all our Regional Members and wishing you and
your families’ safety and good health
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 16Ontario
Regional Director
Stephanie Furtado, RN, BScN, MClinSc-(WH), NSWOC,
WOCC(C)
Key Regional Highlights
• We have been holding Town Hall style meetings to inform members on
NSWOC programs and opportunities to volunteer. The next Town Hall
meeting for Ontario Members is October 26, 2021 at 7PM ET
• We have been connecting Members with NSWOC Core Program groups
and committees to work on best practice recommendations and position
statements
• It has been a pleasure to assist NSWOC WOC- EP students with pediatric
speciality placements
• I have been chairing the Paediatric Core program and we have been working on developing
a National Best Practice Recommendation for Paediatric Incontinent Associated Dermatitis.
Please see the Core program section for further information.
• Looking for a NSWOC position? Check out the job postings for Ontario at nswoc.ca
Quebec
Regional Director
Valerie Chaplain, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Key Regional Highlights
• Two regional meetings are held annually. The last one was on Sept
24th, and was done virtually; 38 Members attended.
• These regional meetings are led by the AIISQ Board, for which the
Québec NSWOCC Regional Director is a part of.
• In March 2021, each of the two organisations, AIISQ (Pascale
Bellemare, Audray Lafortune and Valérie Chaplain) and NSWOCC
(Cathy Harley, Erin Rahjathy and Nevart Hortakozian), prepared a
15-page document on the subject of the tri-specialty / ET Nurse
specialization in Quebec. This document was sent to the OIIQ,
who asked members for such documents in preparation of the
États généraux held in May 2021.
• Kim LeBlanc, Audray Lafortune and Luce Martineau were
part of a virtual discussion panel on the expertise of nurses,
they were there to make sure NSWOCs were represented as
experts.
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• The report from the États généraux was published early September, 2021 and it mentioned
that new categories of specialized nursing clinicians should be officially created, Wound and
Ostomy were listed in the priority list.
• The Bureau de l’Innovation from the Ministry of Health, contacted the Québec Regional
Director to get Québec NSWOC’s together to implement a telemedicine project to
help justify the need for a broader availability of wound care product; eight Members
volunteered for this exciting project.
Atlantic
Regional Director
Karla Lohnes, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Key Regional Highlights
• The first “in- person” Atlantic Regional meeting since 2019 was held
on September 25th in Halifax.
• Pressure injury prevention strategies from NB, NS and PE were
discussed.
• Electrical Stimulation was presented as an option for advanced
wound care therapy.
• Discussion among colleagues provided some potential solutions for
difficult to manage patient cases.
• Attendees were also provided with an introduction to 3M’s new
Kerra dressings.
• We continue to advocate for the tri-specialty role and encourage
you to reach out to office@nswoc.ca if you need any support to
advocate in your area.
• There are a series of NSWOCC webinars available on the nswoc.ca
website for your viewing and continuing education. Please take the
time to check them out.
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 18CORE
PROGRAM
REPORTS
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Professional Development
Core Program Lead
Debra Johnston, RN, BScN, MN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Canadian Urinary Diversion Position Statement
• Five Urinary Diversions include: Ileal Conduit; Neobladder;
Indiana Pouch; Mitrofanoff; Cutaneous Ureterostomy
• Each section has been organized into these subheadings:
• Definition (High level-> easy enough for the reader to
understand, yet appreciated the differences among the
types of diversions. Remember: Surgical technique is out
of scope of this project)
• Patient selection
• Pre-op counseling including risks, benefits, stoma marking
and complication prevention
• Early post-op care; description management of
complications
• Long term post-op care; description and management of complications
• HRQoL
• Paediatric
• Conclusion/ Clinical Pearls
• Images and enablers
• Each respective working group has completed their initial draft based on the literature
review and expert opinion/ experience.
• John Gregory, our medical writer, has synthesized the sections into the first initial draft and
sent out for task force member review. Preliminary artwork underway.
• Peer Review will start October 18th (currently have ~40-50 names of reviewers- both
Canadian and international).
• Will have agreement of all three partnering organizations prior to the release o this
document (NSWOCC, CUA, UNC).
• Goal to have ready for NSWOC review by Dec 1st, 2021; and presentation to the
NSWOCC Board on Dec 14th, 2021. Publication thereafter. Journal TBD-> will need
consensus of NSWOC, CUA and UNC.
Canadian Standards of Practice for NSWOC
• French translation has been completed and posted at nswoc.ca
• Submitted for NSWOC Advance Publication in Dec 2021
• Submitted for JWOCN Feature Article in Jan/ Feb 2022
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 20Research and Practice
Core Program Co-Chairs
Dr Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, FAPWCA,
NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Nancy Parslow, MClSc(WH), RN,
NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Debridement: Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Nurses
Status of activities
Quick Reference Guide (QRG) completed and posted on the NSWOCC site
Publications:
JWOCN Nov/Dec 2021:
Debridement Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Nurses Developed by Nurses
Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
NSWOCC Feature
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Announce Their Latest
Guidelines: “Debridement: Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Nurses
Presentations
NSWOCC Conference May 2021
• Oral presentation: “Debridement: Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Nurses”
• International Panel Discussion: “Debridement: Who should be doing it?”
Wounds Canada Conference October 2021
• Poster Presentation submitted
• Oral Presentation to be presented
Acknowledgements
• Thank you to Dr. Kevin Woo for his support in the literature search process for the
Canadian Urinary Diversions Position Statement Project and for the Paediatric IAD Best
Practice Recommendations Project.
• Thank you to Nancy Parslow for leading the Debridement: Canadian Best Practice
Recommendations for Nurses abstract submission to Wounds Canada and the publication
to JWOCN.
• Thank you to Mary Hill, Nancy Parslow, Erin Rajhathy & Kevin Woo for their development
of the Debridement: Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Nurses Quick Reference
Guide.
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Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and
Continence
Core Program Leader
Bev Smith, BScN, RN, NSWOC
Supporting Truth and Reconciliation
Key Highlights
• We have had seven meetings since January 2021.
• We have been working with the University of Toronto’s KITE
Research Center on creating culturally appropriate footwear for
Indigenous peoples with diabetes.
• We are working to have disposable negative pressure wound therapy
covered by NIHB.
• Our group is working on a webinar to increase the knowledge of
wound, ostomy and continence health in Indigenous people for January
2022 and presentation for the NSWOCC conference in May 2022.
• There is a plan to set up a website for our Core Program to provide
a variety of resources related to Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and
Continence health.
• Our Core Program awarded a full scholarship to an Indigenous
Nurse who completed the Wound Ostomy and Continence Institute
WOC-EP Program. This scholarship was generously funded by
7Generations Medical. Michelle Buffalo, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC
(C) of Alberta was the recipient. Congratulations to Michelle who is
a strong advocate for Indigenous wound, ostomy and continence
health.
Committee Members:
• Anna Tumchewics • Jeremy Caul • Nicole Corbiere
• Audray Lafortune • Karen Bruton • Rachel Radyk
• Bev Smith • Kaylee Ann Irving • Robin Cano
• Brenda Moodie • Maria Jones • Seona Furlong
• Cathy Harley • Marian Abdelsayed
• Christina Seguin • Marilee Nowgesic
• Cynthia Magiskan • Meaghan Wilton
• Denise Lalonde-Niccoli • Melanie Jeffrey
• Denise Taylor • Melissa Berube
• Dr Rachel Asinwasis • Michelle Buffalo
• Heather Wright • Morgan Austin
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 22Community Engagement
Core Program Leader
Erin Rajhathy RN, BScN, MClSc-WH, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Advocating for Improved Wound, Ostomy and
Continence Care
Key Highlights
• Completed writing a two-page letter which will be submitted
to the Ontario Ministry of Health advocating for better ostomy
reimbursement through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
• In conjunction with the VP of Western Region Health, was successful
in advocting for a full-time NSWOC position in Yarmouth
• Attended the Ostomy Canada and NSWOCC joint Advocacy
Meetings monthly and the Ontario ADP Reimbursement meeting
French Community of Practice
Core Program Leader
Valerie Chaplain, RN, BSc, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Strengthening the French Language in Wound,
Ostomy and Continence
Key Highlights
• The Fall will be dedicated to ensuring all all the NSWOC Advance
publication guidelines are available in French .
• One French manuscript was submitted to be published in the
NSWOC Advance.
• We are working on the French translation of the NSWOCC and
WOC Institute websites.
• The Canadian Standards of Practice for NSWOC are available in
the French language on the nswoc.ca website under education.
23 NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report21 Mid-Year
22 Report
Paediatric Community of Practice
Core Program Leader
Stephanie Furtado, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Key Points
• In Jan 2021, we connected with NSWOC’s across Canada who are
working in or have an interest in infants and children with wound,
ostomy, and continence needs, and the Paediatric Community of
Practice was officially launched
• In our initial meetings we set terms of reference, and priorities for
projects that we would like to work on to improve care for our youngest
patients.
• As our first priority, we have started to create Canadian Best Practice
Recommendations for Paediatric Incontinent Associated Dermatitis. We have completed
a scoping review of the literature and are beginning to set out the draft best practice
recommendations. Our completion target date is for presentation at the May 2022
conference.
Committee Members
• Nicholas Joachimides
• Ashley Hudson
• Paulo DaRosa
• Bridget Pinaud
• Shelley Masyoluk
• Christina Yadav
• Tina Rutledge
• Cathy Harley
• Tracy Dowds
• Emily Woodgate
• Louise Forest-Lalande
• Gail Creelman
• Veronika Anissimova
• John Gregory
• Caroline Daoust
• Kevin Woo
• Chantal LeDuc
• Carolyn Morin
• Audrey-Anne Lalande
• Jordan Goertz
• Marcia Leard
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 24SWAN Community of Practice
Core Program Leaders
Britney Butt, RN, BScN, MCLinSC-WH, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Kim LeBlanc PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC (C), FCAN
The SWAN is a 5-month, competency based, paced online program which
cumulates with a self-directed, mentored, clinical preceptorship which
prepares practical nurses (LPN/RPN’s) for the role of a nurse with enhanced
skills in the areas of wound, ostomy, and continence. In 2021, the SWAN
program received accreditation from the Canadian Nurses Association.
The goal of the SWAN community of practice is to provide SWANs a platform
for mentorship and networking. The SWAN community of practice allows SWANs the
ability to participate in discussions with NSWOCs and appreciate the important role all
allied healthcare team members can bring to an interdisciplinary Wound, Ostomy and
Continence -care team.
In June 2021, the SWAN community of practice met to discuss the role of the SWAN and
to conduct a SWOT analysis to better understand how the NSWOCC and SWAN graduates
can promote the needs for SWANs on wound, ostomy, and continence care teams.
From the SWAN analysis several themes emerged:
Strengths Weaknesses
• Advanced knowledge • New role
• Competency based education • Lack of awareness among employers, other
• Advanced assessment skills healthcare professionals and patients
• Enhanced critical thinking skills • The need for SWANs to constantly explain
• Mentorship opportunities their role and what they can bring to the team
Top Priorities
The results of the SWOT analysis have been
• Widespread promotion of the
included into the WOC-Institute’s strategic plan.
SWANs advanced knowledge
The WOC-Institute will work with the SWAN
and skills to employers, other
community of practice and the NSWOCC to
healthcare professionals and
promote the SWAN role and to ensure ongoing
patients
mentorship. The ultimate goal is to increase
• Promotion of the program
enrollment and thus SWAN graduates to sufficient
attributes
numbers to sustain certification.
• Ongoing mentoring opportunities
25 NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report21 Mid-Year
22 Report
Wound, Ostomy and Continence
Institute
National Conference Planning: “Optimizing
Continuing Education”
Core Program Leader
Mary Hill, RN, BScN, MN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)
Key Highlights: Update on May 26-28, 2022 Virtual Conference
• Due to the unpredictable environment because of COVID-19
Wave 4, NSWOCC will be hosting the 41st Annual conference
virtually for the 3rd year. A survey was sent in early Sept
2021 to members for feedback on a face-to-face conference.
Several factors including travel, non-standardized process
for vaccination passports across the country, challenges with
health care institutions with staffing and travelling across
Canada in the pandemic has members hesitant to attend a
face-to-face conference. Industry feedback was attained as
well. NSWOCC Board voted to preserve the National Conference and have it virtual again
to provide a safe educational environment for all attendees.
• The NCPC is working at providing members and health care professionals with a fresh and
innovative conference virtually in 2022.
• Our goal is to get back face to face by May 2023.
Committee Members
• Mary Hill - Program Lead and Chair • Lina Martins ONT (Education
• Cathy Harley- Corporate Program/ Committee)
Finance • Folashade Alalade ONT (Educational
• Kim LeBlanc- Education Program Committee)
• Troy Curtis - Virtual Booths/ All IT • Kim Mayenberg BC Poster/Oral Abstract
Support • Eileen Emmott AB (Local Rep and
• Monica Frecea ONT(Syllabus and Printed Industry Liaison)
Materials) • Samantha Timleck BC (SWAN
• Julie Tjan Thomas ONT (Syllabus and Representative)
Printed Materials)
• Kim Meeker ONT (Education Committee)
• Louise Samuel Quebec (Poster/Oral
abstracts)
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 26Wound, Ostomy and Continence
Institute
Publications: “Providing Opportunities to Publish”
Core Program Leader
Lina Martins, RN, BScN, MScN, WOCC(C)
Editor-in-Chief, NSWOC Advance
NSWOCC Canadian Features Editor, JWOCN
NSWOC Advance Key Highlights
• Ongoing review of submissions and publications of peer-reviewed
manuscripts
• Standing reports/updates from the NSWOCC President,
NSWOCC CEO, WOC Institute Chair, NSWOC Advance
Editor-in-Chief
• Ongoing Industry support with communication of company
messages, products and services
• Board approved 3-year contract renewal with publisher –
Clockwork Communications
• Investigating options for streamlining online submissions and
review process
• In response to member requests and the vision of advancing
our publication rigor, we have:
• Updated our manuscript submission guidelines and
accompanying consents
• Established a peer review panel/process which we are
continuing to develop
• As of the December 2021 issue, increased our
number of peer-reviewed manuscripts in our NSWOC
Advance publication from 2 to 3 peer manuscripts
• A listing of our 2021 peer reviewed submissions include:
• Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: Nursing interventions for post-operative sexual
dysfunction (March 2021)
• Developing diabetic foot resources: An educational resource for clinicians (March 2021)
• Addressing sexual health pre- and post-cancer treatment: Suggestions for NSWOCs
(September 2021)
• Research and continuing education: Reflections on an NSWOCs experience (September
2021)
27 NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report21 Mid-Year
22 Report
• Functional constipation in children: Assessment (December 2021)
• Review of the Canadian Standards of Practice for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy
and Continence 3rd Edition (December 2021)
• Nursing care of the person with a continent ileostomy (Kock pouch) (December 2021)
• Transitioned our Regional Directors’ Reports and Core Program Leaders’ Reports to a
focused Newsletter format, to keep our membership abreast of projects and news in these
important portfolios that make up our Association
• Plans to introduce a “case study/solutions on the spot” section, in 2022
• Discussed the introduction of a yearly Manuscript Award (pending Board approval)
• Ongoing website updates
• Ongoing member of NSWOCC Conference Planning Committee and Education
Subcommittee, having completed responsibilities for our 2021 virtual conference as well
as moving into the planning phase for our 2022 virtual
conference
JWOCN Key Highlights
• Met our contractual commitment of 3 Canadian Feature
Section submissions per year. A listing of our 2021
submissions include:
• The Canadian Nurses Specialized in Wound,
Ostomy and Continence Canada are “Plugged in
and Charged Up”- and want YOU to be a part of
it! (Mar/Apr issue)
• Innovative New Programming to Expand the
Reach of Wound, Ostomy and Continence
Education (Sept/Oct issue)
• Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and
Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Announce Their
Latest Guidelines: “Debridement: Canadian Best
Practice Recommendations for Nurses” (Nov/Dec
issue)
• “Canadian Standards of Practice for Nurses
Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence:
A 2021 Update” (has been submitted, pending
approval for Jan/Feb 2022 issue)
• Continue to support and promote NSWOC manuscript submissions. The most recent
Executive Summary manuscript submission entitled “Debridement – Canadian Best Practice
Recommendations for Nurses” Developed by Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and
Continence Canada, has been accepted for publication in the Nov/Dec. 2021 issue
• Participated in mid-year editorial board virtual meeting; a follow-up virtual meeting took
place with JWOCN, WOCN Society and NSWOCC to review updated guidelines for
submission of Feature Section content and association content
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 28WOUND,
OSTOMY AND
CONTINENCE
INSTITUTE
WOC Institute Chair
Kimberly LeBlanc,
PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN
29 NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report21 Mid-Year
22 Report
WOC-Institute Programs at a Glance
Program Wound, Ostomy and Continence Skin Wellness Associate Industry Skin Wellness
Descriptions Education Program (WOC-EP) Nurse Program (SWAN) Associate Program
(ISWA)
Entry BN, BScN, or equivalent
Diploma RN, LPN/RPN Proof of Industry Employment
Requirements Offered in English and French
Online application, applicants are accepted
Application Online application, applicants are Online application, applicants are
2 times per year (Fall and Winter) for the
accepted 2 times per year (Fall and accepted 2 times per year (Fall
Process English cohorts and 1 time per year (Fall) for
Winter) and Winter)
the French cohort
12 months Paced online, includes 225 hours 5 months Paced online, includes
4 months paced online, includes a
of clinical preceptorship with an experienced 75 hours of self-directed clinical
Program Format NSWOC mentor. Final exam is the CAN preceptorship under the mentorship of
cumulative assignment under the
mentorship of an NSWOC
WOCC(C) certification exam an experienced NSWOC
Competency
Yes Yes No
Based
Standards of
Yes Yes No
Practice
Ongoing
Mentorship Yes Yes Yes
Opportunities
Certification
Yes Certificate of completion Certificate of completion
upon completion
Designation NSWOC, WOCC (C) SWAN ISWA
Graduates demonstrate advanced
Graduates have the enhanced
Graduates practice as Advanced Practice clinical knowledge, above the
ability to provide optimal support
Nurses, Clinical Nurses Specialist or Nurse foundational level. Practice at the full
for nurses caring for those with
leaders. Practice at the full scope in the scope of the practical nurse or diploma
Graduate WOC issues. Industry partners
areas of wound, ostomy and continence nurse in the areas of wound, ostomy and
will have the advanced ability
knowledge level nursing. Collaborate with other healthcare continence nursing. Are collaborative
to work collaboratively with
professionals, direct patient care, manage partners with NSWOCs, and other
healthcare professionals and
complex patients, are educators, patient healthcare professionals, manage
to be ambassadors for ethical
advocates, researchers and policy drivers stable and non-complex patients, are
partnerships
educators and patient advocates
$5250 (+ NSWOCC membership and $3000 (+ NSWOCC membership and
Tuition textbooks) textbooks)
$3000 (+ NSWOCC membership)
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 30Paramedic Wound Foundations in Skin Advanced Wound WOC Skills Labs
Associate Program (PWA) Health Programs Debridement
Graduates of the WOC-EP,
recognized ETN/WOCN program,
Graduated from a recognized Any healthcare professional or Any healthcare professional or
SWAN program, or another
paramedic program industry partner industry partner
advanced clinical program (e.g.
IIWCC, MClSc-WH etc)
Online application. Applications Online application. Applications
Coming soon, first cohort January Coming soon, first cohort January
are accepted throughout the year are accepted throughout the year
2022. Online application, applicants 2022. Online application, applicants
and the program has a rolling start and the program has a rolling start
are accepted 2 times per year (Fall are accepted 2 times per year (Fall
(students can start the program (students can start the program
and Winter) and Winter)
anytime during the year) anytime during the year)
Self-directed online, with Self-directed online, with
mentorship from an NSWOC, mentorship from an NSWOC, 6 weeks paced online with
Self-directed online, with
students have 6 weeks to complete students have 6 weeks to complete mentorship from an NSWOC with
mentorship from an NSWOC
the program but can apply for an the program but can apply for an advanced debridement skills
extension if required extension if required
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yearly refresher courses are Yearly refresher courses are Yearly refresher courses are
recommended either online or recommended either online or recommended either online or
Advanced debridement workshops
in person. NSWOCC conference in person. NSWOCC conference in person. NSWOCC conference
will be offered annually during the
attendance encouraged. Ongoing attendance encouraged. Ongoing attendance encouraged. Ongoing
NSWOCC conference
mentorship available through mentorship available through mentorship available through
membership with the NSWOCC membership with the NSWOCC membership with the NSWOCC
Certificate of completion Certificate of completion Certificate of completion Certificate of completion
PWA No No No
Graduates will obtain foundational
Graduates will have increased
Graduates of the PWA program knowledge in the areas of wound,
theoretical knowledge pertaining to
will have enhanced knowledge and ostomy or continence depending
wound debridement. Students are Graduates will have increased
skill related to wound care. The on the course(s) taken. Graduates
encouraged seek out mentorship knowledge and skill pertaining to
program is designed to provide will have an enhanced ability to
opportunities and to perform a specific WOC skill (e.g. Hernia
community care paramedics the collaborate with NSWOCs, SWANs
debridement within their own belt measurements, ABPIs, NPWT
ability to provide optimal wound and other healthcare professionals
knowledge, skill and judgement as application etc)
care in collaboration with the and will have increased knowledge
well as provincial legislation and
interprofessional team to advocate for patients with WOC
place of employment policies
related issues
$50 - $100 per skills lab depending
$600 (+ textbook) $600 (+ textbook) $800 (+ textbook)
on the individual lab
31 NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report21 Mid-Year
22 Report
Wound, Ostomy and Continence
Education Program
The WOC-Institute’s online WOC educational program (WOC-EP)
is delivered by a team of highly knowledgeable and dedicated
nurse leaders who are Canadian Association of Nurses (CNA)
certified Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence
(NSWOC). The WOC-EP has the endorsement and full support
of the NSWOCC and has accreditation by both the CNA and the
World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET).
The WOC-EP is a state of the art, competency based, and standards driven, paced, 12-
month, online program which prepares university prepared nurses (BN/BScN’s) for the
role of a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC). The program
consists of three (3) courses, Ostomy, Continence and Wound. Each course consists of 160
hours of education, 75 hours of which are spent in the clinical setting, for a total of 480
hours in total of WOC education, with 225 hours spent in the clinical setting.
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). This
rigorous exam ensures that our graduates possess the knowledge and critical thinking skills
to work as certified NSWOCs. The online program is designed to address the education
challenges Canadians face secondary to our extensive landscape and numerous remote
communities.
Through the competency-based preceptorship component of the program, the WOC-EP
strives to mentor and grow tomorrow’s nurse leaders. NSWOCs graduates are among
the nursing elite. They demonstrate an advanced level of critical thinking, clinical skill and
leadership qualities. The advantage of NSWOCs’ tri-specialization is especially clear when
patients have needs that require more than one area of specialty.
Employing NSWOCs is an effective strategy for controlling costs through high-quality,
evidence-based care that leads to better outcomes for patients. NSWOCs bring about
these benefits as deliverers of care but also as sources of specialized knowledge for
interdisciplinary health care teams, best practice and protocol development, research,
and other avenues. The NSWOC graduate leads Wound, Ostomy and Continence teams,
including Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs) and Foundations in Skin Health
graduates and has the knowledge, skills, and judgement to manage complex patient issues
in the areas of Wounds, Ostomy and Continence.
• Our September 2021 Ostomy cohort consist of 46 students, and we have plans to admit
another 45 into the January 2022 program intake. The French WOC-EP enrollment is at 15
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 32students. With the growth of the WOC-EP came the need for more faculty.
• Gail Creelman retired and Najwa Shabat and Svea Menard joined our WOC-Institute
family
• Christie Cowan and Angela McGuire joint the clinical placement team
Program Goals
The goals of the program are to assist the learner to build:
• New knowledge, skills and attitudes and integrate them with prior knowledge, skills and
attitudes to prepare the learner to become a competent NSWOC
• Familiarity with the literature in the field of Specialized Wound, Ostomy and Continence
Nursing
• The skills to critically analyze practice in the field, differentiate it from best practice and
disseminate standards of NSWOC practice
• Problem solving skills through case-based learning and participation in a strong learning
community
Program Objectives
The WOC-EP will:
1. Graduate NWOCs who can critically appraise and incorporate research and best-practice
guidelines into evidence-based clinical practice
2. Support graduates to complete the CNA certification exam
3. Provide ongoing mentorship opportunities for graduates
4. Participate in discussions with NSWOCs and appreciate the important role all allied
healthcare team members can bring to an interdisciplinary Wound, Ostomy and Continence
-care team
5. Assist learners in preparing to take leadership roles related to Wound, Ostomy and
Continence -care teams
6. Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills to clinical practice through clinical placements
with experienced NSWOC mentors and the application of the NSWOC core competencies
and standards of practice
7. Foster professional growth and leadership
8. Articulate and exercise the professional responsibilities associated with the NSWOC role
9. Establish an environment to allow learners to acquire the skills necessary to meet the needs
of the person with an ostomy, continent diversion, acute or chronic wound, percutaneous
tube and incontinence.
Learner Objectives
At the end of this program the learner (WOC-EP student) will be able to:
1. Critically appraise and incorporate research and best-practice guidelines into evidence-
based clinical practice
2. Develop and practice knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to support and foster best
33 NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report21 Mid-Year
22 Report
practices in Wound, Ostomy and Continence care based on the Nurse Specialized in
Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) core competencies and standards of practice
3. Participate in discussions with NSWOCs and appreciate the important role all allied
healthcare team members can bring to an interdisciplinary Wound, Ostomy and Continence
-care team
4. Be prepared to take a leadership role on Wound, Ostomy and Continence -care teams
5. Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills to clinical practice through clinical placements
with experienced NSWOC mentors and the application of the NSWOC core competencies
and standards of practice
6. Improve communication skills (verbal and written)
7. Foster professional growth and leadership
8. Articulate and exercise the professional responsibilities associated with the NSWOC role
9. Meet the psychosocial needs of the person with a Wound, Ostomy and Continence
10. Manage care for the person with a Wound, Ostomy and Continence related issue
11. Possess the skills necessary to meet the biopsychosocial needs of the person with an
ostomy, continent diversion, acute or chronic wound, percutaneous tube and incontinence.
NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year Report 34Skin Wellness Associate Nurse
Program
The SWAN is a 5-month, competency-based, paced online
program which cumulates with a self-directed, mentored, clinical
preceptorship which prepares practical nurses (LPN/RPN’s) for the
role of a nurse with enhanced skills in the areas of wound, ostomy
and continence. The online program is designed to address the
education challenges Canadians face secondary to our extensive
landscape and numerous remote communities. The program
consists of three (3) modules, Ostomy, Continence and Wound. Each module consists of
60 hours of education, 30 hours of which are spent in the clinical setting, for a total of 210
hours total of WOC education.
The self-directed clinical preceptorships are the heart of the program’s success. Learners are
afforded the opportunity to apply new skills and knowledge in real time with mentorship.
Graduates are connected with mentors and a peer support network in order to foster
continuing education and professional growth.
A key advantage of the SWAN approach is that students can complete the theory portion
of the program in their own time and according to their own schedules as long as they
adhere to assignment due dates, quiz dates and contribution to discussion forum guidelines.
Recorded lessons, written content, webinars and collaborative online learning software
make it easy for anyone with an internet connection to access everything they need.
An often-negative attribute of online learning is the real or perceived lack of student –
teacher interaction and feedback from teachers. In order to overcome these issues, the
SWAN Academic Advisors (teachers) hold regular “touch base” virtual calls with students
prior to assignments and quizzes and on an as needed basis. Students are provided rubrics
for each assignment and extensive feedback. During clinical placements, the SWAN
Academic Advisors ensure that students meet the core competencies and mentor students
in the transfer of knowledge into clinical care.
Defining a SWAN
• A Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) is a registered/licensed practical nurse or a
registered nurse at the diploma level, with enhanced specialized knowledge and clinical
skills in wound, ostomy and continence care.
• Recognized by the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada
(NSWOCC), SWANs provide optimal wound, ostomy and continence care in consultation
with NSWOCs, Clinical Nurse Specialists (Wound, Ostomy or Continence) or Physicians.
The goal of the SWAN Program is to educate and prepare skilled wound, ostomy and
35 NSWOCC 2021-2022 Mid-Year ReportYou can also read
