NSWOCC is a CNA Affiliate Plus of the Canadian Network of Nursing Specialties
Inaugural Fellows
Recognizing select individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the tri-specialty of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care
CEO Statement
Catherine Harley, eMBA, RN, IIWCC
At Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), we support a culture that values and celebrates excellence. Recognizing excellence involves acknowledging and celebrating exceptional performance, achievements, or contributions in the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy and continence specialized nursing care. The goal is to motivate individuals and teams to maintain high standards and foster this culture of excellence. By launching a Fellowship program, NSWOCC has taken a significant step towards recognition focusing on the careers of select individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the tri-specialty. This Fellowship program is grounded in promising practices and we are privileged to be launching the new program on May 24, 2024.
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On behalf of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), I am excited to welcome our first, inaugural Fellows. Fellowship represents the highest honour for NSWOCC’s most recognized nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence. NSWOCC honours its clinical thought leaders, its significant voices in education and policy. This Fellowship Program is intended to celebrate contributions to NSWOCC and the nursing specialty of wound, ostomy and continence. Fellows selected for this program are recognized for their major impact on the advancement of the clinical, evidence and practice and are chosen not at their request or intent to be recognized. Rather, Fellows are identified and chosen based on outstanding practice. Within the framework of the tri-specialty, Fellows contribute to critical quality initiatives that support effective, evidence-based patient/resident care.
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The future of specialized wound, ostomy and continence leadership rests on dedication, shaping thought leadership through education, policy and exemplary nursing practice, and positively impacting change in the specialized areas of wound, ostomy and continence. As the first group of NSWOCC Fellows, these individuals will serve as role models and mentors to the next generation of nurses. As this Fellowship program grows, these individuals will continue to be impactful as a remarkable resource of wisdom and expertise to advance nursing care, education, research and policy leadership.
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The NSWOCC being inducted as inaugural Fellows reflect a wide diversity of nursing leadership and impact. Every one of these individuals has clearly demonstrated a sustained and powerful commitment to unique issues present in wound, ostomy and continence health. These clinical thought leaders are not only viewed by their peers as leaders in the field of the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy and continence nursing, they are also seen as a leading legacy of the extraordinary leadership contributions they have made.
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I would like to thank them personally for their dedication and efforts during some very challenging years, where clinical and health system complexity has increased, as have patient needs, acuity, and risk. Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence do not abandon their patients, or their colleagues, or the broader profession – they want the very best outcome and they do what it takes: they care, support, advocate, educate, and lead. As we move into the future, we know we are better for their wisdom, experience and voice. Their impact will shape the future of wound, ostomy and continence specialized healthcare provision in Canada, and inspire the next generation of nurses in the field.
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For making a difference for nurses, aligned healthcare professionals and patients, we salute you. They deserve to hold the credential of NSWOCC – Fellow in Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence, and are worthy holders of this credential. We celebrate you, we recognize you and we look forward to many more NSWOCCs following in your footsteps as we move into the future.
