Institut d'enseignement en plaies, stomies et continence (PSC)
Entièrement détenu et exploité par les Infirmières spécialisées en plaies, stomies et continence Canada (ISPSCC)
If you are applying for the SWAN Program via the Ontario Ministry of Health & LTC funding initiative, please click here or scroll below to the announcement.
Programme Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™)
Pour les infirmières auxiliaires et les infirmières diplômées (LPN/RPN) qui aspirent à devenir des infirmières leaders respectées et des membres à part entière de l'équipe de direction des plaies, des stomies et de la continence de leur organisation, le programme Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) accrédité par l'AIIC est le seul programme au Canada qui offre : compétences et connaissances avancées fondées sur des données probantes en matière de gestion des plaies, des stomies et de la continence ; la confiance nécessaire pour transférer ces connaissances dans la pratique ; la reconnaissance et le respect de vos compétences grâce à la désignation SWAN™ reconnue à l'échelle nationale ; et un apprentissage continu et un soutien tout au long de la vie grâce au mentorat et à la collaboration au sein d'une équipe SWAN™-Infirmière spécialisée dans les plaies, les stomies et la continence (ISPSC).
Les SWAN™ sont particulièrement reconnues pour leurs connaissances avancées et leurs contributions en tant que championnes des plaies, des stomies et de la continence dans leurs lieux de travail et dans les communautés partout au Canada.
Programme Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™)
Objectifs du programme
L'objectif du programme (SWAN™) est de former et de préparer des infirmières spécialisées en plaies, stomies et continence dans toute la gamme des soins (p. ex., soins actifs, soins de longue durée et soins à domicile). Les diplômées auront une capacité accrue à fournir des soins optimaux aux personnes présentant des problèmes en lien avec des plaies, de stomies ou la continence en tant que membres d'une équipe collaborative de PSC. Le programme est conçu pour fournir aux infirmières non-spécialistes la capacité de prodiguer des soins optimaux en plaies, stomies et en continence sous la direction d’une ISPSC PSC.
Pourquoi le programme fût développé?
L'Institut-PSC des infirmières spécialisées en plaies, stomies et continence Canada (ISPSCC) a développé le programme SWAN™ en réponse au besoin croissant de professionnels de la santé possédant des connaissances avancées sur les plaies, les stomies et la continence partout au Canada. Les ISPSCC et l’Institut d’enseignement-PSC ont développé le programme en ligne dirigé et asynchrone? SWAN™ comme moyen de soutenir les ISPSC en plus d'améliorer les résultats cliniques en renforçant les équipes de soins des plaies, des stomies et de la continence.
NSWOCC® Partners with Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care to Advance Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Across Ontario
The Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care is investing to Support Skin and Wound Care Education for 150 Long-Term Care Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) through NSWOCC®’s Accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program and 600 Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in NSWOCC®’s Accredited PSW and Caregiver Skin Health Education Program.
Funding Covers Education Costs and Backfill Costs for Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses Enrolling in NSWOCC®’s Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program and Personal Support Worker and Caregiver Skin Health Education program. This funding supports professional education and training, including backfilling staff who participate in skin and wound care education programs. Funding to backfill staff participating in the SWAN™ Program and PSW and Caregiver Skin Health course will be available to long-term care homes through Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada. This will provide long-term care staff with dedicated time to support skills development while ensuring long-term care homes maintain quality of care for residents.
Through this initiative, registration & tuition fees will be covered for 150 registered practical nurses (RPNs) to enroll in the Accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program. This CNA-accredited program provides advanced knowledge in wound, ostomy, and continence care, preparing nurses to become leaders in their field and champions in their workplaces, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
All Applications MUST be received by 12:00 PM EST on January 20th, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted
Résultats du programme
Learning Objectives
By the end of this 5-month, paced online course, participants will be able to:
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Explain the fundamentals of skin, wound, ostomy, and continence care, including basic anatomy, physiology, and common conditions.
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Conduct focused skin, wound, ostomy, and continence assessments to identify risk factors and recognize early signs of potential complications.
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Interpret assessment finding to develop nursing care plans and implement evidence-informed strategies to prevent and manage wounds, support ostomy care, and promote continence.
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Select appropriate products and interventions to support skin integrity, wound healing, ostomy management, and moisture control.
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Communicate effectively with patients and the healthcare team, documenting findings and escalating concerns appropriately.
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Understand the scope and role of the SWAN in supporting interdisciplinary care, patient education, and early intervention.
Aperçu du programme
The program is a paced, interactive, 5-month, online course based on standards of practice and core competencies. Students can expect to spend 15-20 hours per week completing educational content.
Durée du cours
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Deux cohortes par an commençant respectivement en février et août.
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Les cours durent cinq (5) mois.
Sujets couverts
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Système tégumentaire
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Plaies
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Stomies
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Soins de l'incontinence
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5 mois, basé sur les compétences et les normes de pratique :
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3 sections (plaie, stomie et continence)
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26 modules en ligne dirigés
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Préceptorat clinique autonome
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Mentorat continu avec des ISPSC certifiés par l'AIIC
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Accompagnement individualisé d'un conseiller pédagogique
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Séances d'apprentissage interactives bihebdomadaires
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Dates et délais importants
Cohort | Start date | End Date | Application Deadline | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cohorte d'automne | Troisième lundi d'août | Fin janvier | 31/05/2026 | À la conférence nationale des ISPSCC en mai |
Cohorte d'hiver | Troisième lundi de janvier | Fin juin | 31/10/2025 | À la conférence nationale des ISPSCC en mai |
What is a self-directed preceptorship?
A self-directed preceptorship is a structured learning experience in which the learner takes primary responsibility for their own educational goals and progress while working under the guidance of a preceptor (academic advisor). Self-directed preceptorships empower the learner to actively shape their clinical learning experience by setting personal learning objectives based on their needs, scope of practice, and knowledge gaps. The learner seeks feedback, incorporates it into ongoing skill development, and reflects on clinical experiences to build critical thinking and clinical judgment.
The learner’s preceptor will provide supervision, mentorship, and feedback.
How is the SWAN Program different from the NSWOC Program?
The Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program offers RPNs/LPNs and diploma-prepared RNs an opportunity to advance their clinical knowledge and become leaders in the management of wounds, ostomies, and continence-related conditions. The program emphasizes holistic patient assessment, including detailed skin, wound, continence, and ostomy evaluations.
Learners will gain the skills to develop care plans and implement evidence-informed interventions tailored to individual care goals, including strategies for wound healing, stoma care, continence promotion, and skin integrity preservation. Upon completion, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to manage skin, wound, ostomy, and continence challenges in clinical practice and collaborate effectively within the NSWOC and other interprofessional care teams.
Team Roles and Dynamics:
NSWOCs and SWANs work collaboratively within the wound, ostomy and continence team structure. NSWOCs take on the leadership and consultation roles, whereas SWANs provide support in managing routine cases. This collaborative dynamic ensures that patients receive high-quality care, while also fostering the professional development of SWANs under the mentorship of NSWOCs.
Economic Impact and System Efficiency:
By delegating stable and predictable cases to SWANs, healthcare teams can ensure that NSWOCs focus on more complex cases, enhancing system efficiency. This division of labor allows for optimal use of each nurse’s skills, potentially reducing healthcare costs while maintaining high standards of care.
NSWOC Program
Educational Requirements
The NSWOC Program is a 12-month advanced program at the Master’s level, requiring a Bachelor of Nursing (BN/BScN) or equivalent degree for entry.
Program Duration
The NSWOC Program is longer (12 months), reflecting its in-depth, specialized curriculum that includes 225 hours of clinical placements.
Clinical Placement and Preceptorship
NSWOC students undergo 225 hours of clinical placements (two weeks of 75 hours per course x3) that emphasize both the clinical and leadership aspects of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) care.
Leadership / Collaboration
NSWOC graduates are prepared as clinical specialists and leaders in WOC nursing. Their education equips them with high-level critical thinking skills to manage complex and unpredictable patient care, and to lead teams as consultants.
Scope of Practice
NSWOCs are expected to manage a broad range of WOC care, including unpredictable patient scenarios, given their advanced training in critical thinking and clinical judgment. Their role involves complex problem-solving and leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
SWAN Program
Educational Requirements
The SWAN Program is a 5-month program designed for Practical Nurses or Diploma Registered Nurses. It prepares them to work above a generalist level but does not involve the same depth of advanced practice training as the NSWOC Program.
Program Duration
The SWAN Program is shorter, at 5 months, reflecting a more focused, practical approach to developing skills under supervision, particularly for stable and predictable patient scenarios.
Clinical Placement and Preceptorship
SWAN students work through a self-directed preceptorship in which they manage specific clinical scenarios under the guidance of an NSWOC, reflecting a more task-oriented, supervised learning experience.
Leadership / Collaboration
SWAN graduates are positioned to be members of WOC teams, working collaboratively under the guidance of NSWOCs. They are practical nurse leaders but are primarily responsible for predictable and stable patients.
Scope of Practice
SWANs focus on managing stable and predictable patients, deferring to NSWOCs for patients who require more complex care. This is due to the more limited training scope of the SWAN Program, which emphasizes practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge or leadership roles.
Points of differentiation | NSWOC® | SWAN™ |
|---|---|---|
CNA Accreditation | Program is accredited by the CNA. | Program is accredited by the CNA. |
Students are: | Registered Nurses with a Baccalaureate Degree and/or Nurse Practitioners | Licensed/Registered Practical Nurses and/or Registered Nurses with a Diploma |
Education Pre-requisite | BN/BScN or Equivalent | Practical Nurse or Diploma Nurse |
Academic level | Masters level | Practical nurse |
Cohorts | Applications are received twice per year in the English program (February and August) and once per year in the French program (August). | Two English cohorts per year starting in February and August respectively. |
Length of program | 12 months | 5 months |
Academic Tuition + applicable fees | Academic tuition: $6,000 CAD
Total: approx. $6,196 CAD | Academic tuition: $3,000 CAD
Total: approx. $3,186 CAD |
Depth of material coverage | In depth, +++ Critical thinking | Above generalist level |
Clinical Placement | 225 hours of clinical placements | Self-directed, student works through specific clinical scenarios under the guidance of an NSWOC |
Goal of program | Graduate clinical specialists / experts and leaders in wound, ostomy and continence nursing | Graduate practical nurse leaders |
Expectation of graduate | Graduates will lead wound, ostomy, and continence teams as clinical specialists and consultants in wound, ostomy and continence care. | Graduates will be WOC team members and work in collaboration with NSWOCs. |
Nationally - recognized Designation | NSWOC® | SWAN™ |
CNA Certification | WOCC(C) upon passing the CNA Certification Exam at the end of the program | None currently available. |
Traduire la théorie en pratique
Après avoir obtenu son diplôme du programme Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) accrédité par l'AIIC, Sharon Hunter s'est sentie beaucoup plus confiante pour se présenter en tant qu'experte et ressource dans le domaine du traitement des plaies.
Les diplômés du programme SWAN™ acquièrent des connaissances avancées, fondées sur des données probantes, dans les domaines tri-spécialisés des plaies, des stomies et de la continence, qu'ils peuvent mettre en pratique en toute confiance. Cette confiance peut non seulement aider les infirmières autorisées commeron à défendre leurs compétences en tant que professionnelles, mais aussi à défendre les besoins des patients.
Traduire la théorie en pratique
Après avoir obtenu son diplôme du programme Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) accrédité par l'AIIC, Sharon Hunter s'est sentie beaucoup plus confiante pour se présenter en tant qu'experte et ressource dans le domaine du traitement des plaies.
Les diplômés du programme SWAN™ acquièrent des connaissances avancées, fondées sur des données probantes, dans les domaines tri-spécialisés des plaies, des stomies et de la continence, qu'ils peuvent mettre en pratique en toute confiance. Cette confiance peut non seulement aider les infirmières autorisées commeron à défendre leurs compétences en tant que professionnelles, mais aussi à défendre les besoins des patients.