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While the final exam for the WOC-EP remains the CNA certification exam, nurses who have graduated from the WOC Institute’s WOC-EP (NSWOC Program) are eligible to sit the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Certification exam in the United States. This does not replace the requirement to write the CNA certification exam. Visit https://www.wocncb.org/ to learn more about certification in the United States. When applying to write the exam Canadian graduates should use their NSWOC graduation documentation along with their Registered Nurse licence and proof of bachelor’s degree. Within the exam application, nurses should choose the education program listing and the code #200 for “International WCET program/Traditional”. This is considered it an equivalent to the WOC education programs. Below is a link to our exam handbook with eligibility information, as well as a link to the list of test site locations. Exam Handbook: http://www.wocncb.org/UserFiles/file/exam_handbook.pdf There is also a remote option for testing at home through a live proctor, as a scheduling option. Test Site Locations: https://www.assessments.meazurelearning.com/test-site-cities/

Each year, the NSWOCC Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute graduates two cohorts of nurse leaders to become respected champions in wound, ostomy, and continence care through our CNA-accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program. The SWAN™ program is the only one of its kind in Canada, providing Diploma RNs and Practical Nurses with the skills, knowledge, recognition, and confidence that they need to become leaders within their organization. Recently, NSWOCC interviewed some current students and recent graduates of the SWAN™ Program who were enthusiastic to share how their experience with the program helped them towards the pathway of nursing excellence and leadership. Here's what they had to say! “Since the course…I’m able to go in and explain to the staff… this is what we’re looking for. This is what the person needs to do. These are the products we need to order. I wouldn’t have had that knowledge before… my knowledge base has expanded exponentially in that I’m able to assess more confidently.” Shannon Murphy, Registered Practical Nurse When Shannon Murphy first began the SWAN™ Program, her experience in ostomy and continence was limited. Having been out of school since 2005, Shannon also wasn’t quite sure what to expect out of an online course. Despite working full-time and having to balance her personal life, Shannon was able to thrive in the SWAN™ Program and is now a wound-care champion at her place of work. When asked about how the program benefited her, Shannon felt that SWAN™ gave her an opportunity to be a leader at her facility, and she consistently puts the knowledge she gained from the program into practice. Throughout the program, Shannon also felt well-supported by her individualized academic advisor and other staff, who were quick to respond to questions and were consistently available to provide any assistance that she needed. “I've had another good experience this week, a home client… had been to ER numerous times with catheter issues, so I told her I would be happy to schedule a WCC visit… I'm looking forward to this consult because I feel I have much more to offer now than from my previous experience. I have a fair amount of knowledge, but the SWAN Program has really added to that, and even just knowing where to look for credible information. So it's been really exciting to have these light bulb moments almost daily.” Lindsey Mclaughlin, SWAN Student Lindsey Mclaughlin, a current student enrolled in the SWAN™ program, also has nothing but positive things to say about her experience with the program. While working, Lindsey has had many opportunities to use the knowledge and skills gained from the SWAN™ Program. In addition to helping the patient mentioned above, Lindsey has used her new skills to conduct a thorough assessment and health history of a catheter patient, which ultimately helped the patient get the help they needed and pointed them in the right direction for treatment. Similarly, knowledge from the course helped her provide all sorts of recommendations for an ostomy consult that she would have otherwise not had the knowledge and confidence to share. According to Lindsey, these moments of seeing her hard work pay off in the SWAN™ Program is incredibly rewarding, especially when she knows that the information she uses each day comes from an accredited program. Learn more about the SWAN Program at https://wocinstitute.ca/swan/

Nursing is a rewarding career path that offers a variety of specialties for you to pursue. Becoming a specialized nurse will give you access to opportunities to work to the full scope of nursing, have greater responsibilities, and potentially a higher salary. But which specialty provides the greatest benefits? Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) take the cake. NSWOCs work across the continuum of healthcare to meet the needs of individuals living with ostomies, acute and chronic wounds, and urinary and fecal continence problems. Because of their extensive and valuable expertise, it is no surprise that the NSWOC’s are one of most in-demand nursing specialties in Canada, across the continuum of care. Overall, nursing is among the most sought-after jobs in Canada as a result of significant labour shortages. In fact, registered nurses (RNs) are the one of the most in-demand job positions in Canada, with RN and registered psychiatric nurse job vacancies increasing over 27,600 in September 2022 (Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, “The Daily — Job Vacancies, Third Quarter 2022: New Record High Number of Job Vacancies in Health Care and Social Assistance”). In 2009, a report by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) predicted that Canada would see a shortage of over 60,000 full-time nurses by 2022 (Canadian Nurses Association). However, this estimation did not take into account the strain the pandemic also put on the nursing population, driving even more nurses to leave their positions or retire (Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, “The Daily — Experiences of Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic, September to November 2021”). Moreover, as the population of Canada ages, the demand for nurses and NSWOCs will only continue to rise. Given the current healthcare crisis in Canada, pressure on healthcare administrators to deliver cost-efficient care is intensifying—and policymakers are ever-more focused on ensuring quality and system sustainability. Wound, ostomy and continence challenges are common across all Canadian healthcare settings—and their management places a financial burden on the healthcare system. It has been shown that when NSWOCs are involved in care management, resulting in higher quality care, reduced costs, and improved outcomes for patients (Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada). Pursuing a profession as an NSWOC is a rewarding career choice, allowing for lifelong learning, professional leadership, and an opportunity to work to the full scope of nursing practice. But how can you break into this specialty and advance your career? At Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), we offer our Wound Ostomy and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) through the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Institute. The WOC-EP is a state-of-the-art, paced, 12-month, blended online and practice-based program that prepares BN/BScNs for the role of an NSWOC. The blended program includes online theory acquisition with a clinical preceptorship for consolidation of knowledge gained into practice. The final exam for the program is the CNA certification exam, which, upon achievement, enables the NSWOC to use the credential WOCC(C). Students in the WOC-EP program develop as an NSWOC leader to advance and sustain the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy, and continence management. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step to becoming an NSWOC: Sources Canadian Nurses Association. “Health Human Resources - Canadian Nurses Association: Tested Solutions for Eliminating Canada’s Registered Nurse Shortage.” Canadian Nurses Association, www.cna-aiic.ca/en/nursing/nursing-tools-and-resources/health-human-resources. Accessed 24 Jan. 2023 A CNA report offering practical and feasible responses to a key problem for Canada’s health system: if the health needs of Canadians continue to change, and no policy interventions are implemented, Canada will be short almost 60,000 full-time equivalent RNs by 2022. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. “The Daily — Experiences of Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic, September to November 2021.” Statistics Canada, 3 June 2022, www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220603/dq220603a-eng.htm. Accessed 24 Jan. 2023. ---. “The Daily — Job Vacancies, Third Quarter 2022: New Record High Number of Job Vacancies in Health Care and Social Assistance.” Statistics Canada, 19 Dec. 2022, www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221219/dq221219a-eng.htm. Accessed 24 Jan. 2023 On a quarter-over-quarter basis, job vacancies rose in the third quarter for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (+17.0% to 27,600) Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada. “The NSWOC Power of 3: HOW NURSES SPECIALIZED IN WOUND, OSTOMY AND CONTINENCE HELP.” NSWOCC, www.nswoc.ca/powerof3. Accessed 24 Jan. 2023.

As WOCC(C) certified NSWOCs, your CNA Certification demonstrates your expertise, commitment to ongoing learning in your field, and that you “care to be the best!” However, your certification only stays valid for a 5-year term, and one great way to renew is through Continuous Learning (CL)! For your benefit, NSWOCC offers many opportunities for you to stay up-to-date on your certification. All NSWOCC members are entitled to 4 CL hours per year during the 5-year renewal window, for a total of 20 hours. Each month, we offer webinars from leading experts in the healthcare industry on a wide variety of essential NSWOC-related topics. By attending a continuing education webinar live on Zoom or watching a previously recorded webinar, you can easily receive your learning hours. As well, all those who attend the NSWOCC National Conference from May 3rd-7th, 2023 are also able to claim 6 Continuous Learning hours per day of education. This is a great opportunity to not only receive hours towards your CNA Certification renewal but to expand your network within the healthcare industry! Don't hesitate! Stay on top of your CNA certification through NSWOCC.

Directeur du programme français de l'Institut d’enseignement en plaies, stomies et continence des Infirmières spécialisées en plaies, stomies et continence Canada A message in English follows. RELEVANT DE : Président(e) académique de l'Institut d'enseignement en plaies, stomies et continence Responsable devant : Président(e) académique de l'Institut PSC, conseil d'administration des ISPSCC, bénévoles des ISPSCC, conseillers académiques et étudiants. Le candidat retenu doit être disponible pour travailler pendant les heures de bureau, du lundi au vendredi. Horaires : Poste contractuel à temps partiel - 30 heures par semaine, 48 semaines par an. Responsable de la direction : De l'équipe chargée de l'élaboration des programmes et le corps enseignant, du développement continu et de la gestion de tous les programmes éducatifs français des ISPSCC, y compris le programme éducatif-PSC, le programme SWAN, le programme ISWA et les séries d'enrichissement de la pratique ainsi que les programmes de formation continue, y compris le programme éducatif de planification de la conférence nationale des ISPSCC, les publications des ISPSCC et les programmes éducatifs supplémentaires tels que la série de webinaires des ISPSCC. Ce rôle est assumé en collaboration avec le président académique de l’Institut-PSC. Résumé de la description du poste Le directeur du programme de français sera responsable des portefeuilles suivants : A. Développement des programmes En collaboration avec le président académique de l'Institut PSC, élaborer et mettre en œuvre un plan stratégique en collaboration avec le conseil d'administration des ISPSCC et les principaux membres du corps enseignant afin de soutenir le développement des programmes PE-PSC, SWAN, ISWA et Foundations of Skin Health, conformément à la mission, à la vision et aux valeurs générales et au plan stratégique des ISPSCC. Identifier de nouvelles opportunités pour l'offre de formation à distance. Positionner les programmes d'éducation de l'Institut des plaies, des stomies et de la continence en les faisant passer d'un programme fondamental à un programme académique élargi. Bonifier les séries de webinaires et le Journal Club. B. Renforcer le programme des précepteurs : Soutenir le responsable des précepteurs et le coordinateur français dans le recrutement de précepteurs qualifiés en matière de plaies, de stomies et de continence et dans le maintien des contrats et des relations avec les établissements dans lesquels les précepteurs travaillent. Soutenir le processus d'élaboration de contrats avec des sites cliniques potentiels afin de satisfaire à la composante de préceptorat clinique requise du cours PE-PSC. C. Communications/Marketing Aider à diffuser les nouvelles avancée du programme d'éducation des ISPSCC/Institut PSC aux membres des ISPSCC par le biais du site Web de l’Institut PSC des ISPSCC, et aux conseillers académiques. Élaborer une campagne de marketing nationale en collaboration avec le président académique et le directeur général et gestionnaire des adhésions et des communications des ISPSCC, le conseil d'administration des ISPSCC pour tous les programmes éducatifs. Recruter à l'échelle nationale de nouvelles infirmières et de nouvelles infirmiers auxiliaires en tant qu'étudiants par le biais d'un plan d'inscription élargi et avec la possibilité d'opportunités internationales futures. Qualifications : Diplômé d'un programme de soins infirmiers en stomothérapie/plaies, stomie et continence reconnu par le WCET. Maîtrise dans un domaine connexe (un atout) 5 ans de participation ou de leadership dans le domaine de l'enseignement à distance, de l'élaboration de programmes éducatifs et/ou de la gestion. Compréhension démontrée des principes, des systèmes de prestation et des applications d'un programme d'enseignement à distance. Preuve d'une préparation formelle en éducation dans le domaine de l'apprentissage des adultes ou l'équivalent. Compréhension manifeste des besoins éducatifs particuliers des infirmières et infirmiers spécialisés en plaies, stomies et continence au Canada et à l'étranger. Capacité démontrée de diriger dans un environnement d'équipe en travaillant dans un système virtuel. Bilinguisme français/anglais Détenir la certification de l'AIIC PSCC(C) Salaire : En fonction de l'expérience. Comment postuler Si ce poste vous intéresse, veuillez envoyer votre CV et une lettre d’intérêt par courriel à Cathy Harley, PDG des ISPSCC, à l'adresse office@nswoc.ca avant le 1er février 2023. Open Position : French Program Director Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada REPORTS TO: WOC Institute Academic Chair Accountable to: WOC Institute Academic Chair, NSWOCC Board of Directors, NSWOCC Volunteers, Academic Advisors and Students. The successful candidate must be available to work during business hours Monday to Friday. Hours: Part-time contract position - 30 hours per week, 48 weeks per year. Responsible for Leading: In collaboration with the WOC-Academic chair, program development team and faculty, the continued development and management of all French NSWOCC Education Programs including the WOC - EP Program, SWAN Program, ISWA Program and practice enrichment series and continuing education programs, including the NSWOCC National Conference Planning Education program , NSWOCC Publications and additional education programs such as the NSWOCC Webinar series. Summary of Position Description The French Program Director will be responsible for the following portfolios: A. Program Development In collaboration with the WOC Insitute Academic Chair, Develop and implement a strategic plan in conjunction with the NSWOCC Board and key faculty members to support the development of the WOC-EP , SWAN , ISWA and Foundations of Skin Health Programs congruent with the overall Mission, Vision and Values and strategic plan of the NSWOCC. Identify new opportunities for distance learning provision. Position the education programs of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute from foundational to an expanded academic program Build on the webinar series and Journal Club B. Strengthen the Preceptor Program Support the Preceptor Manager and French coordinator in recruiting qualified wound, ostomy and continence preceptors and maintaining contracts and relationships with the facilities in which the preceptors work. Supports the process of developing contracts with prospective clinical sites in fulfillment of the required clinical preceptorship component of the WOC-EP course. C. Communications/Marketing Assist in Dissemination NSWOCC - Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute education program developments to the NSWOCC membership through the NSWOCC - Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute website , and to the Academic Advisors. Develop a national marketing campaign in collaboration with the Academic Chair and the NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer and manager of membership and communication , NSWOCC Board of Directors for all educational programs. Recruit nationally new Registered Nurses and registered Nursing Assistants as students through an expanded enrolment plan and with the potential of future international opportunities. Qualifications: Graduate of a WCET recognized Enterostomal Therapy Nursing/ Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Program Masters degree in a related field (an asset) 5 years participation in / leadership in distance education, educational program development and/or management Demonstrated understanding of the principles, delivery systems and applications of a distance education program Evidence of formal preparation in education in adult learning or the equivalent Demonstrated understanding of the unique educational needs of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence in Canada and Internationally Demonstrated ability to lead in a team environment through working in a virtual system Bilingualism French / English Holds CNA certification WOCC(C) Salary: Based on experience. How to Apply If you are interested in this position, please send an e mail with your CV and a cover letter to the NSWOCC CEO Cathy Harley at office@nswoc.ca by February 1, 2023.

The application window for the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) certification exam & renewal by continuous learning is now open! For those writing their initial certification exam in the 2023 Spring Exam writing window, you can apply between January 11-March 31, 2023. For those renewing by Continuous Learning, you may apply between January 11, 2023 and December 16, 2023. Renewing by Continuous Learning: all NSWOCC Members are eligible for additional continuous learning hours! In preparation for renewing your CNA Certification by continuous learning hours, we want to remind all members that for registering as an NSWOCC member, you are eligible to 4 hours per year, and during the the five-year period between certification writing and or/renewal, that means a total of 20 hours. By attending the NSWOCC National Conference, you are entitled to 6 continuous learning hours per day of education. All NSWOCC Board Members and Core Program Members are able to claim another 25 hours. Certified nurses that are not CNA members can join CNA and save on their renewal fees! If you have a problem logging into your online account, please send an e-mail to members@cna-aiic.ca. If you have any issues with your certification, please send an e-mail to certification@cna-aiic.ca.

La période d'inscription à l'examen de certification et au renouvellement par apprentissage continu de l'Association des infirmières et infirmiers du Canada (AIIC) est maintenant ouverte ! Pour ceux qui passeront leur examen de certification initial au cours de la période d'examen du printemps 2023, vous pouvez vous inscrire entre le 11 janvier et le 31 mars 2023. Pour ceux qui renouvellent leur certification par apprentissage continu, vous pouvez vous inscrire entre le 11 janvier 2023 et le 16 décembre 2023. Renouvellement par l'apprentissage continu : Tous les membres de l'ISPSCC sont éligibles pour des heures d'apprentissage continu En préparation du renouvellement de votre certification CNA par heures d'apprentissage continu, nous souhaitons rappeler à tous les membres que vous êtes éligible à 4 heures par an pendant la période de cinq ans des membres ISPSCC pour un total de 20 heures. En assistant au congrès national de l'ISPSCC, vous avez droit à 6 heures de formation continue par jour de formation. Tous les membres du conseil d'administration de l'ISPSCC et les membres du programme de base peuvent réclamer 25 heures supplémentaires. Les infirmières certifiées qui ne sont pas membres de l'AIIC peuvent adhérer à l'AIIC et économiser sur leurs frais de renouvellement! Si l'infirmière a de la difficulté à se connecter à son compte en ligne, elle peut envoyer un courriel à membres@cna-aiic.ca. Si l'infirmière a des problèmes avec sa certification, elle peut envoyer un courriel à certification@cna-aiic.ca.