Celebrating SWAN® Week: Recognizing the Difference SWANs Make
From September 14–18, 2026, NSWOCC® celebrated SWAN® Week, an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Skin Wellness Associate Nurses across Canada and the difference they make every day for patients, residents, families, and healthcare teams.
Throughout SWAN Week, we invited members of our community to share stories recognizing SWANs, NSWOCs, and colleagues who are making a meaningful difference in wound, ostomy, and continence care.
The submissions we received highlight not only clinical knowledge and leadership, but also the very human impact that specialized care can have on quality of life.
We are pleased to share these recognitions and stories from our community.
Recognizing Sharon Hunter
Submitted by Ana Santos
I would like to recognize Sharon Hunter as an NSWOCC Member colleague for her dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the quality of care for patients living with ostomies and complex wounds. Her expertise, professionalism, and willingness to support both patients and colleagues have made a meaningful difference in clinical practice. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, she consistently promotes evidence-based care and helps empower patients to feel more confident and independent in managing their health. Her commitment to excellence and patient-centred care in long-term care is truly an achievement worth recognizing.
Denise Ewasiw + Community NSWOC – Assisted Living Alberta Home Care
Submitted by Denise Ewasiw
While I was in the SWAN program back in 2024, I was working in community health and had an ostomy client who was having ongoing issues with leaking. The Christmas season was quickly approaching, and the client was extremely anxious and concerned about being able to spend time over the holidays at her family’s home due to the leaking issues. I reached out to my NSWOC, who made the home visit with me. He discussed product adjustments with the client, and I was able to complete more of the teaching and technique aspects of the visit. I followed up with the client the day before Christmas, and she was still apprehensive but looking forward to seeing her family over the holidays. After Christmas, I reached out to her, and she was so happy because, with the changes we helped her make, she was able to sleep over at her family’s house for two nights and enjoy family time, leak-free! That was extremely rewarding, knowing that because of my visit with my NSWOC, we were able to ease her mind and she was able to enjoy her holiday season. I was getting very burnt out and questioning why I was taking the program, but that situation solidified my love for what I get the opportunity to do every day!
Recognizing Pierre Richard Saintable, Bruyère Health Saint-Louis Long-Term Care
Submitted by Kaitlyn Roberts
Pierre has been an instrumental part of our team at Saint-Louis and in leading our Skin & Wound Program. As a SWAN, he provides education to our staff, assesses and develops treatment plans for our residents, and works with our team to prevent skin and wound issues in the home. Pierre is always looking for new quality improvement projects and trials new interventions to better serve our residents. We are grateful to have Pierre as part of our team.
Recognizing Jennifer Townshend
Submitted by Diana G
I’ve had an ostomy for over a year with many issues. It would leak multiple times daily, so I became a shut-in, not wanting to leave my home because I was terrified of an explosion. That was until I met Jennifer. She took the time to assess my issues, give recommendations, and retrain me on how to manage it. I can now leave my home knowing I’ll be okay. She gave me my self-confidence back and my life back. I am grateful for her and her great knowledge that helped me get through this year.
Thank You to Our SWAN Community
These stories are powerful reminders that wound, ostomy, and continence care extends far beyond a treatment plan. Whether helping someone regain the confidence to spend Christmas with their family, supporting a resident in long-term care, educating colleagues, or helping someone feel comfortable leaving their home again, SWANs and NSWOCs can make a profound difference in people’s everyday lives.
As we reflect on SWAN Week 2026, NSWOCC extends our sincere thanks to all of the SWANs across Canada who bring their knowledge, compassion, leadership, and commitment to their practice each day.
We also thank Ana, Denise, Kaitlyn, and Diana for taking the time to share these stories and recognize the people who have made a difference.
