It is with profound sadness that NSWOCC and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute share the passing of one our NSWOCC family members, Norena Gonzales, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), on August 16, 2026, following a courageous journey with cancer. Many within our NSWOCC family will remember Norena—from studying alongside her, teaching and supporting her through the NSWOC Program, working with her as a colleague, or meeting her at our National Conference and other NSWOCC activities. Those who knew Norena remember her extraordinary perseverance, her compassion, her enthusiasm for learning and, perhaps most of all, the tremendous joy and pride she found in being an NSWOC. Norena's path to becoming an NSWOC was one of remarkable determination. She continued through the NSWOC Program while undergoing treatment for advanced cancer, ultimately completing her studies, preceptorship and the CNA WOCC(C) certification exam despite tremendous challenges along the way. At the 2023 NSWOCC National Conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Norena proudly received her NSWOC Diploma, realizing what she described as her greatest passion and dream. During the graduation ceremony, she was also presented with the Vancouver United Ostomy Association Chapter NSWOC Award, a $1,000 award recognizing a British Columbia NSWOC student or recent graduate who has demonstrated a high degree of volunteerism with, and in support of, people living with an ostomy. That recognition reflected a commitment to people living with an ostomy that Norena carried with her throughout her practice and her illness. She continued working as an NSWOC for as long as she was able, and when her health eventually prevented her from continuing to work, she continued giving back by volunteering her time to support people living with an ostomy. Even while facing tremendous challenges of her own, her desire to help others remained at the heart of who she was as a nurse and as an NSWOC. Her Academic Advisors remember a deeply grateful and determined learner who embraced feedback, constantly sought to improve, and worked tirelessly to deepen her knowledge. Her colleagues saw that same dedication in practice and remember the joy she showed when talking about wound, ostomy and continence care. Norena's dedication continued throughout her illness. She worked as an NSWOC for as long as she was able, and when her health no longer allowed her to continue working, she volunteered her time to support people living with an ostomy. Norena also deeply valued being part of the broader NSWOC community and the connections she made along the way. In 2025, she shared that a particular highlight for her had been getting her picture taken with one of her heroes, Dr. R. Gary Sibbald—a moment of pure joy that we are honoured to share as part of this tribute, pictured here. During NSWOC Week 2024, we were privileged to share Norena's remarkable story of resilience, perseverance and triumph with our community. Today, that story gives us an opportunity to remember Norena in her own words and to reflect on the extraordinary journey she undertook to become a WOCC(C)-certified NSWOC. Read Norena's NSWOC Week 2024 story “Being a patient and certified NSWOC, I believe that having experiences, expertise and advanced knowledge and skills in wound, ostomy and continence care can improve patients’ quality of life, provide the highest quality of care, and reduce the healthcare cost by providing education and teaching to patients, families and other healthcare and nursing staff.”— Norena Gonzales, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) On behalf of NSWOCC and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, we extend our deepest condolences to Norena's family, friends, colleagues and everyone whose life she touched. We also hold close the many members of our NSWOCC family who had the privilege of learning alongside her, teaching her, supporting her and working with her. Norena worked extraordinarily hard to become an NSWOC. But more importantly, she showed all of us what it meant to be one. Her passion, perseverance, compassion and joy will remain an inspiration to our community. With our deepest sympathies, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute

On June 21, NSWOCC joins people across Canada in recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. As we mark this important day, NSWOCC reaffirms its commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation and supporting equitable access to culturally safe wound, ostomy, and continence care for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Advancing Indigenous Health Equity through the Indigenous Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Health Core Program Through the Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program, NSWOCC continues to work alongside Indigenous leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members to promote culturally responsive care and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. A key focus of the program is the integration of cultural safety into the NSWOCC National Standards of Practice. This important initiative seeks to ensure the standards reflect and respect Indigenous knowledge, traditions, experiences, and ways of knowing, while promoting more equitable and culturally responsive care. By embedding cultural safety principles into the standards, the program aims to help address systemic barriers and foster a more inclusive approach to wound, ostomy, and continence health across Canada. Launching the New Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones This year, we are also pleased to highlight the launch of the new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones, developed in partnership with members of the NSWOCC Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program. Officially launched during ISTAP World Without Skin Tears Day 2026 on April 9, 2026 through the presentation Adapting the Skin Tear Classification Tool to Support Indigenous Cultural Safety by Michelle Buffalo, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Bev Smith, BScN, RN, NSWOC, and Dr. Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, FAPWCA, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC, the toolkit was created to support culturally safe, equitable, and person-centred skin tear assessment and management for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. The toolkit includes three complementary resources: ISTAP™ Indigenous Skin Tear Decision Algorithm ISTAP™ Skin Tear Risk Assessment Pathway for Indigenous People ISTAP™ Assessment and Treatment Pathway for Indigenous People with Skin Tears The presentation recording is available on demand through the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP), linked below. As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize that reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires listening, learning, relationship-building, and meaningful action. NSWOCC remains committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, advancing culturally safe care, and fostering equitable health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

Ottawa, Ontario – June 19, 2026 – Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) announces that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Axelle Pellerin will be taking a scheduled leave of absence as part of her maternity leave beginning Monday, June 22, 2026. On behalf of the NSWOCC Board of Directors and staff team, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Axelle and her family. We are excited for her as she takes this special time to welcome and care for her newest family member, and we wish her a wonderful and well-deserved maternity leave. To ensure continuity of leadership and operations during this period, Troy Curtis, Chief Operating Officer of NSWOCC, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer for the duration of Axelle's leave. In this role, Troy will continue working closely with the Board of Directors, staff team, volunteers, industry partners, and stakeholders to advance the organization's strategic priorities and support its ongoing activities. NSWOCC remains committed to delivering its full range of programs and services throughout this transition. Educational offerings, member services, events, advocacy initiatives, and organizational operations will continue without interruption. Questions related to the Office of the CEO may be directed to office@nswoc.ca, Attention: Troy Curtis, Interim CEO. Questions related to the WOC Institute may continue to be directed to Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc, Academic Chair, at chair@wocinstitute.ca. Thank you for your continued support of NSWOCC and for joining us in wishing Axelle and her family all the very best during this exciting time.

NSWOCC Leadership Anne-Marie Blais Treasurer Read More Marianne MacMillan-Stacey NSWOCC Industry Advisory Committee (NIAC) Co-Chair Read More Jennifer Bilbie Community Engagement Read More Mary Hill (she/her) National Conference Planning Read More Lorryjade Bellerose Communauté de pratique française / French Community of Practice Read More Kira Stewart Membership Read More Kevin Woo Research and Practice Co-Chair Read More Christine Murphy Past President Read More Erin Rajhathy Community Engagement Read More Laureen Sommerey Nominating Committee Chair Read More Amanda Sowiak Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More Sharon Hunter SWAN Director Read More Karen Campbell Research and Practice Read More Lili Berescu (they/them) Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More Misty Stephens Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More Britney Butt SWAN Community of Practice Read More Maude Pothier Communauté de pratique francophone Read More Debra Johnston Professional Development Read More Rodney Blair NSWOCC Industry Advisory Committee (NIAC) Co-Chair Read More Allison Lachaine Professional Development Read More

Job Listings Interested in posting a job on this page? Please fill out our job posting application. For any questions please contact Catherine Harley at office@nswoc.ca. Job Posting Application Nurse C - Enterostomal Therapist Saskatchewan Health Authority Saskatchewan, Canada Posted Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Close Thursday, October 8, 2026 Read Posting Details NSWOC Nurse ParaMed Kingston, ON, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details NSWOC Nurse ParaMed Sydenham, ON K0H 2T0, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details Registered Nurse - Wound Care Consultant ParaMed Toronto, ON, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details NSWOC RN ParaMed Hamilton, ON, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details Casual NSWOC Nurse ParaMed Chatham-Kent, ON, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details Wound and Continence Care Nurse St. Joseph's Home Care Hamilton, ON, Canada Posted Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Close Friday, July 31, 2026 Read Posting Details Conseiller(ère) en soins infirmiers - Soins de plaies/Nursing Consultant - Wound Care Le CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal Montreal, QC, Canada Posted Thursday, March 19, 2026 Close Read Posting Details Nurse Specializing in Wounds Ostomy & Continence (NSWOC Certified) Partners in Community Nursing 1001 Burns St E, Whitby, ON L1N 1Y6, Canada Posted Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Close Read Posting Details Wound Care Specialist Ontario Health atHome Ottawa, ON, Canada Posted Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Close Thursday, December 31, 2026 Read Posting Details NSWOC Nurse - RN ParaMed Home Health Care Toronto, ON, Canada Posted Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Close Thursday, December 31, 2026 Read Posting Details Infirmier clinicien ou infirmière clinicienne-Services de soins de plaies et de Stomie-HGM Montreal, QC, Canada Posted Friday, December 19, 2025 Close Thursday, January 22, 2026 Read Posting Details Registered Nurse (Skin, Wound, & Ostomy Care) - 15801 Queensway Carleton Hospital Ottawa, ON, Canada Posted Monday, November 24, 2025 Close Monday, December 1, 2025 Read Posting Details Clinical Nurse Specialist University Health Network 170 Emmett Ave, York, ON M6M 2J5, Canada Posted Monday, November 3, 2025 Close Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Read Posting Details Clinical Nurse Specialist - Wound and Ostomy Care Scarborough Health Network 3050 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1P 2V5, Canada Posted Friday, October 10, 2025 Close Read Posting Details Community NSWOC Nurse (NSWOC) Stay At Home Nursing Services Inc Posted Friday, September 12, 2025 Close Monday, October 13, 2025 Read Posting Details Infirmier(ère) clinicien(ne) spécialisé(e) en soins de plaie & stomothérapie Montfort Ottawa, ON, Canada Posted Thursday, May 29, 2025 Close Saturday, November 1, 2025 Read Posting Details Registered Nurse - Wound, Ostomy (ID: 30584) St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton - Charlton Campus 50 Charlton Ave E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1Y3, Canada Posted Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Close Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Read Posting Details Nursing Clinical Coordinator, Wound Ostomy Continence University Health Network Eaton Building, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada Posted Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Close Friday, July 24, 2026 Read Posting Details NSWOC Nurse ParaMed Amherstview, Loyalist, ON K7N 1C1, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details NSWOC Nurse ParaMed Greater Napanee, ON, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details NSWOC RN ParaMed Burlington, ON, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details NSWOC/SWAN Nurse ParaMed Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 Close Read Posting Details Clinical Nurse Specialist - West Urgo Medical Canada Inc. Posted Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Close Read Posting Details Communications & Operations Manager Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada Ottawa, ON, Canada Posted Thursday, May 7, 2026 Close Sunday, May 31, 2026 Read Posting Details Clinical Strategy Manager Coloplast Oakville, ON, Canada Posted Friday, March 13, 2026 Close Read Posting Details NSWOC- Nurse The Care Company Greater Toronto Area, ON, Canada Posted Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Close Read Posting Details Wound Care Nurse Consultant RN Bayshore HealthCare Hamilton, ON, Canada Posted Monday, January 12, 2026 Close Monday, March 16, 2026 Read Posting Details Registered Nurse, NSWOC (Multiple Positions) VON Canada Posted Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Close Read Posting Details Nurse, Wound Care Spectrum Health Care Toronto, ON, Canada Posted Friday, December 5, 2025 Close Read Posting Details Nurse, Wound Care Spectrum Health Care Mississauga, ON, Canada Posted Monday, November 3, 2025 Close Read Posting Details Registered Nurse - NSWOC VHA Home HealthCare Toronto, ON, Canada Posted Friday, October 31, 2025 Close Read Posting Details Infirmier(ère) clinicien(ne) spécialisé(e) en soins de plaie & stomothérapie Hôpital Montfort Ottawa, ON, Canada Posted Thursday, October 9, 2025 Close Read Posting Details SWAN Nurse opening Bayshore Healthcare Posted Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Close Read Posting Details NSWOC Wound Care Nurse - Community ParaMed North York, ON, Canada Posted Friday, May 16, 2025 Close Read Posting Details Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Nova Scotia Health / Valley Regional Hospital North, 150 Exhibition St, Kentville, NS B4N 1C3, Canada Posted Friday, December 13, 2024 Close Read Posting Details

< Back Clinical Practice Leader Wound & Skin Program Humber River Health Humber River Hospital, Wilson Avenue, North York, ON, Canada Temporary, Full-Time View Full Job Description How to Apply Please apply online here: Humber River Health Careers View Full Job Description Job Description Responsibilities: Develop, evaluate, and maintain Humber River Health Wound & Skin Program Advocate for use of best practices for clinical staff. Guide clinical staff in the interpretation and implementation of professional and practice standards. Monitor and evaluate staff and program compliance with professional best practices and standards to identify and resolve issues with the delivery of quality, safe patient care and compliance with professional standards; refer complex issues to Director for resolution; adjust practice changes as they occur to bring staff to new standard. Develop reports of staff disciplinary actions for submission to regulatory health professional colleges and professional associations in collaboration with Manager and Director. Develop project plans, requirements, testing and implementation plans, resources and interdependencies, monitor implementation. Collect data on practice needs (e.g. programs, care interventions, policies, standards in clinical area) to identify gaps in nursing practices, competencies, and service quality; develop educational strategies, plans, and content (e.g. policies, processes, technologies) in consultation with unit leadership team and clinical staff; and evaluate post-training outcomes. Conduct impact analysis to determine training and education activity and program interdependencies (e.g. technical Meditech systems use, orientation, accreditation, hand hygiene, new or updated care and treatment standards) and keep staff updated with new practices, skills, and certifications in assigned clinical areas. Coach/mentor clinical staff; train new staff during orientation and monitor against best practice standards; recommend disciplinary actions for staff noncompliance with professional and operational requirements and standards to Director and monitor outcomes. Recommend and participate in initiatives to improve digital competency Review literature for changes to maintain ongoing staff competency. Assess quality of care from patients and the healthcare team; develop, implement, and monitor performance benchmarks; compare and analyze data against other facility practices. Requirements/Qualifications Masters degree in Nursing, Clinical focus required. Candidates who are actively pursuing their Masters will be considered. Current registration and membership in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Membership with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario A minimum (5) five years of relevant nursing experience in acute care required. Minimum (5) years years direct clinical practice in complex wound management Academic and clinical preparation in complex wound care management from a recognized education program Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications Demonstrated experience in Adult education to design, deliver and evaluate educational programs Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with physicians, inter-professional team members, and other stakeholders Possesses highly developed analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills, with demonstrated competency in information and communication technology Demonstrated excellent organizational and coordination skills and the ability to prioritize multiple competing workload demands Demonstrates an ability to provide leadership, support and critical analysis in stressful, complex clinical and emotional situations Embraces a philosophy of patient and family centered care. Demonstrates leadership in clinical excellence. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. High level of initiative and self-direction. Excellent attendance and discipline free record required. Company/Organization Description Humber River Health. Lighting New Ways In Healthcare. Since opening our doors in 2015 as North America’s first fully digital hospital and we remain unwavering in our belief that we can change the hospital where we work, the community where we live, and the world of healthcare beyond our borders. Serving a community of 850,000 residents in North West Toronto, Equity Inclusivity and active participation in the North West Toronto Ontario Health Team are key initiatives important to our Team. At Humber River Health, we use a custom combination of technology and clinical expertise to rebuild elements of care. We make technology work for staff and physicians; giving them more time to spend with patients, to eliminate inefficiencies, and to reduce the chance of errors. Humber River Health is formally affiliated with both the University of Toronto and Queen’s University and committed to becoming a community academic hospital. Clinical Excellence, Optimizing Care through Technology and Community Connection frame our Research Strategy. At Humber River Health, we’re not hoping for a renaissance, we are making it happen. As part of our dynamic team, you can lead the way, as we continue our journey towards high reliability care! Join our Professional Practice team as a Clinical Practice Leader, Wound & Skin Program and provide leadership in clinical and professional practice, education and research. Work collaboratively with other Clinical Practice Leaders to deliver innovative and compassionate healthcare in our community. At Humber River Health we continue to advance the important role we play as we advocate for healthcare initiatives in the diverse community we serve. The Clinical Practice Leader , Wound & Skin Program is at the forefront as they optimize the use of real time data, predictive analytics and professional expertise to continuously improve quality and safety in the area of patient care delivery. Through their ability to lead, consult and advise health professionals in accordance with legal, regulatory, professional standards, policies and practice guidelines with a primary focus on achieving excellence in patient care by being a high reliability hospital. Why choose Humber River Health? At Humber River Health, our staff, physicians, and volunteers are lighting new ways in healthcare. We are proud to be recognized as a part of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc. We support employees by providing evidence-based leadership and cultivating a culture that consistently wows with our unwavering commitment to Staff, Physician and Volunteer engagement. We are a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN) and are deeply involved in research and academic collaboration. We are dedicated to high-quality patient care and demonstrate our values of compassion, professionalism, and respect. Attracting and retaining a workforce that represents the diverse communities surrounding Humber River Health, is a priority. We encourage applicants from all equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to, individuals who identity as Indigenous, racialized, seniors, persons living with disabilities, women, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ. Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at Humber River Health. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.