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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.

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®), in collaboration with the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP™), is pleased to announce the launch of a new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones, developed to support culturally safe, equitable, and person-centred skin tear assessment and management for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. The toolkit consists of 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 These resources are now freely available through the ISTAP website at: https://www.skintears.org/resources The new toolkit was 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." The presentation featured: Michelle Buffalo, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) (Canada) Bev Smith, BScN, RN, NSWOC (Canada) Dr. Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, FAPWCA, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC (Canada) The presentation recording is available on demand at: https://www.skintears.org/wwstd2026#on-demand The project was led by NSWOCC and ISTAP with support from Indigenous Services Canada and brought together an expert panel of Indigenous nurses and wound, ostomy, and continence specialists working closely with Indigenous communities. The panel included: Michelle Buffalo, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – Alberta Bev Smith, BScN, RN, NSWOC – Alberta Amanda Sowiak, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – Alberta Tina Beckerton, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – British Columbia Denise Lalonde-Niccoli, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – British Columbia Jer Caul, MClinSc-WH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) – Ontario Jocelyne Bergen, RN, BScN – Yukon The project focused on culturally adapting existing ISTAP resources to better reflect the language, culture, lived experiences, and health care realities of Indigenous Peoples. Cultural adaptation involves validating and modifying knowledge tools within the cultural context in which they will be used. Through expert review, consultation, and validation, the panel identified opportunities to strengthen cultural safety, acknowledge traditional knowledge and medicines, address social determinants of health, and promote health equity within skin tear prevention and management pathways. The resulting toolkit incorporates considerations such as traditional healing practices, cultural safety, trust in the health care system, environmental health, transportation barriers, access to resources, and other social determinants of health that may influence skin health and wound healing. NSWOCC and ISTAP extend their sincere gratitude to the expert panel members, validation participants, Indigenous Services Canada, and all those who contributed their expertise and lived experiences to this important initiative. Together, we continue to advance culturally safe wound care practices and work toward a world without skin tears.

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity and membership-based association for over 500 nurses specialized in the nursing care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence and over 700 members overall. WOC Institute Launches New Pharmacist Wound, Ostomy and Continence Course to Strengthen Interprofessional, Patient-Centred Care We're pleased to announce the launch of our new Pharmacist Wound, Ostomy and Continence Course , a comprehensive, interactive, online course designed specifically for Canadian pharmacists seeking to expand their clinical knowledge and enhance patient care across practice settings. Learn more > NSWOCC News 1 2 3 4 5 Upcoming Events 29 days to the event Development of a new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones (1) Aug 25, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 31 days to the event Development of a new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones (2) Aug 27, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 36 days to the event Development of a new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones (2) Sep 01, 2026, 8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 43 days to the event Development of a new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones (2) Sep 08, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 50 days to the event Development of a new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones (2) Sep 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 52 days to the event The Science of Slough - Understanding its impact and optimal treatment Sep 17, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now Multiple Dates 52 days to the event NSWOCC Members Journal Club Sep 17, 2026, 8:00 p.m. EDT – Sep 18, 2026, 9:00 p.m. EDT Zoom More info Register Now About NSWOCC Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is a registered charity and membership-based association for over 600 nurses specialized in the care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence and over 1,600 members overall. NSWOCC acts in the public interest for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®) to give national leadership in wound, ostomy and continence promoting high standards for NSWOC practice, education, research and administration to achieve quality specialized nursing care. NSWOCC speaks for NSWOCs and gives them a strong national association through which they can support each other and speak with a powerful, unified voice. NSWOCC is working towards taking an active role in legislative policy which could influence the health care decisions that affect NSWOC professionals every day. Read the NSWOCC Position Statement Who are NSWOC®s? A Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®) is a registered nurse with advanced and specialized knowledge and clinical skills in wound, ostomy and continence care who has graduated from a World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET®) recognized education program. Recognized as Nurses who have specialized training in wound, ostomy and continence by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence are the ONLY nursing specialty with CNA certification in wound, ostomy and continence care (WOCC(C)). From acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, community, long term care and in independent practice, an NSWOC® provides specialized holistic assessment and management as an interprofessional team member to meet the needs of individuals/families with ostomies, acute and chronic wounds and urinary and fecal continence problems. Learn more The Power of 3 Resources for NSWOCs Job Postings Re-Certification Position Statements Best Practice Recommendations Become an NSWOC The Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute’s flagship program is our Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program. The NSWOC Program is a state of the art, paced, 12-month, online program which prepares applicants with a BN/BScN and/or Nurse Practitioners (NPs) for the role of a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC). The final exam for the program is the Canadian Nurses Associate (CNA) certification exam, which, upon achievement, enables the NSWOC to use the credential WOCC(C). The NSWOC Program is a competency and standards of practice guided, rigorous program, aimed at insuring the high quality of its graduates. Through the CANMeds styled, competency-based preceptorship component of the program, the NSWOC Program strives to mentor and grow tomorrows nurse leaders. NSWOCs graduates are among the nursing elite. They demonstrate an advanced level of critical thinking, clinical skill and leadership qualities. The advantage of NSWOCs’ tri- specialization is especially clear when patients have needs that require more than one area of specialty. Learn more CNA Certification Exam Join NSWOCC Join over 600 nurses specialized in the care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence, and a total membership of over 1,100 healthcare professionals, industry members, students, and international associates all dedicated to wound, ostomy and continence education & care. Join NSWOCC Membership Benefits Membership Types Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program For practical nurses and diploma RNs who aspire to become respected nurse leaders and integral members of their organization’s wound, ostomy, and continence leadership team, the CNA-accredited SWAN program is the only program that offers: competency and evidence-informed advanced knowledge in wound, ostomy and continence management; confidence to transfer that knowledge into practice; recognition and respect for your competencies through the nationally recognized SWAN designation; and continuous learning and lifelong support through mentorship and collaboration in a SWAN-Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) team. The SWAN program is accredited by the Canadian Nurses Association. SWANs are uniquely recognized for their advanced knowledge and their contributions as wound, ostomy and continence nurse champions in their workplaces and communities across Canada. Skilled nurses provide optimal patient care. The goal of the SWAN™ Program is to educate and prepare more skilled wound, ostomy and continence nurses across the spectrum of care (e.g. acute care, long-term care and home care). Graduates will have an enhanced ability to provide optimal care for individuals with wound, ostomy and continence issues as members of a collaborative NSWOC team. The program is designed to provide non-specialty nurses the ability to provide optimal wound, ostomy and continence care under the direction of the NSWOC, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Wound, Ostomy or Continence) or Physician and to be integral members of the WOC team. Learn more! Official Interest Groups

Are you in a Pressure Cooker? Atlantic Education Day 2026 Friday, September 25, 2026 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. AT Location: Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park 58 Kensington Road, Charlottetown, PE C1A 9S8 Join us for a day of learning and networking at NSWOCC Atlantic Regional Education Day! We are excited to invite you to the NSWOCC Atlantic Regional Education Day taking place this fall in beautiful Charlottetown, PEI. Join us in person at the Red Shores Racetrack & Casino (Charlottetown) for a weekend of learning, networking, and regional collaboration. The weekend begins with the Atlantic Regional Education Day on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. AT. This event is open to all healthcare professionals, including NSWOCs and SWANs, but you do not need to be an NSWOCC Member to attend. NSWOCC Members can register for the event for $25; Non-Members can register for $50.00 for the in-person education day. Friday, September 25, 2026 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. AT Atlantic Education Day All Healthcare Professionals welcome! The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 25, 2026, with the Atlantic Regional Education Day from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. AT. Open to all healthcare professionals—membership not required—this day will feature seven engaging education sessions, interactive discussions, and three networking breaks to connect with industry partners at their exhibit stands. NSWOCC Members can attend for $25.00, while Non-Members may register for $50.00. All participants will receive a certificate of attendance. Buffet lunch is included. Saturday, September 26, 2026 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. AT Atlantic Regional Meeting NSWOCC Members Only On Saturday, September 26, 2026, NSWOCC Members are invited to return for an exclusive Regional Meeting from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. AT. This free members-only meeting—available both in person and virtually—provides an opportunity to discuss regional priorities, share updates, and connect with fellow NSWOCC Members. Breakfast is included. Together, these two events offer an ideal combination of professional development and community building. Mark your calendar, secure your spot, and join us in shaping the future of wound, ostomy, and continence care in Atlantic Canada. Not a member yet? Join NSWOCC today ! Register now! By clicking below, you will be prompted to complete your registration on Eventbrite. Click here to register Educational Program View the Draft Watch the 2025 Education Day On-Demand Watch the recordings on demand Book Accommodations Planning to stay overnight on Thursday or Friday? You can book at a discounted rate! Delta Hotels Prince Edward 18 Queen Street Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, C1A 4A1 Start Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 End Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Last Day to Book : Thursday, August 27, 2026 Questions? Contact Atlantic Regional Director, Michele Langille at office@nswoc.ca . Book now! Attending Industry Partners Attend the Atlantic Education Day as an Industry Partner Booking now FULL! Demonstrate to key healthcare stakeholders your commitment to improving Wound, Ostomy and/or Continence care for nurses & patients by attending the Atlantic Education Day as an industry partner! There will be three networking breaks that will give you the opportunity to speak with in-person attendees: 10:00am to 10:30am 11:30pm to 12:30pm 2:00pm to 2:30pm As an attending industry partner, NSWOCC would provide you with a booth space at the event with a 6’ table and two chairs. Your partnership will also include complimentary registration and lunch for your attending reps (up to 2 reps), as well as your logo on the event website, flyer, and other marketing material. NSWOCC will also acknowledge you during opening and closing remarks. The cost to attend as an Industry Partner is $2,000. We anticipate between 125-175 healthcare professional attendees in-person. Main Contact Information First name* Last name* Position Email* Company name* Company high-res logo Upload File As you'd like it displayed on the event site and materials. Billing Address Billing Address Country/Region* Address* Address - line 2 City* Zip / Postal code* Submit

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 Amanda Sowiak Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More Sharon Hunter SWAN Director Read More Allison Lachaine Professional Development Read More Priyanka (Pri) Jani (she/her) Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More Christine Murphy Past President Read More Erin Rajhathy Community Engagement Read More Laureen Sommerey Nominating Committee Chair Read More Debra Johnston Professional Development Read More Rodney Blair NSWOCC Industry Advisory Committee (NIAC) Co-Chair Read More Kevin Woo Research and Practice Co-Chair Read More Bev Smith Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Read More Misty Stephens Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More Britney Butt SWAN Community of Practice Read More Mary Hill (she/her) National Conference Planning Read More Lorryjade Bellerose Communauté de pratique française / French Community of Practice Read More Karen Campbell Research and Practice Read More Lili Berescu (they/them) Harm Reduction Community of Practice Read More