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As we approach March 31st, we stand together to recognize and celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility. This day serves as a reminder to celebrate the invaluable contributions of transgender individuals to our society and to raise awareness of the discrimination they face worldwide. At NSWOCC, we firmly believe that Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) are not just ideals but essential values that help shape our organization's identity. By embracing these principles, we can create an environment where every Member will feel valued, respected, and provided with equitable opportunities for growth and advancement. Equity, to NSWOCC, means fostering conditions where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. We strive for inclusivity by welcoming and active engagement of all voices. We define diversity as encompassing the richness of human differences, and inclusivity as actively engaging and welcoming all voices within every aspect of our organization—both NSWOCC and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute— particularly those who have been marginalized or disenfranchised. On this International Transgender Day of Visibility, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community and beyond. Together, let us celebrate the diversity of our membership and continue striving for a stronger membership and community that better supports and represents us all. In solidarity, NSWOCC

We are pleased to share each of the following WOC Institute Awards, which are open for applications until April 15, 2024! All the award winners will be presented at the WOC Institute Graduation Ceremony & Banquet at the NSWOCC 43rd National Conference on Saturday May 4th, 2024. We encourage you to read each award’s qualifications and criteria to see which you’d be eligible to apply for! Several awards listed on the WOC Institute website do not required an application. The awards below are those that require an application, with a deadline of April 15, 2024. We would like to sincerely thank all of the sponsors of these awards for supporting the future of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence specialty in Canada. Announcing three new “Emerging Leaders” Awards! 2SLGBTQIA+ Nurses Award The 2SLGBTQIA+ Nurses Award is a recognition and financial award aimed at honouring the achievements and aspirations of those students who identify themselves as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and are pursuing education in the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program or Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. This award seeks to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and dedication within the 2SLGBTQIA+ nursing community while supporting those who aspire to make a positive impact in wound, ostomy, and continence patient care. With a prize of $500, this award aims to provide support and encouragement to deserving individuals as they pursue their educational and professional goals in healthcare. Black Nurses Award The Black Nurses Award is a recognition and financial award aimed at honouring the achievements and aspirations of Black students enrolled in the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program or Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. This award seeks to celebrate the dedication, resilience, and potential of Black nursing students who are committed to making a positive impact in the field of wound, ostomy, and continence patient care. With a prize of $500, this award aims to provide support and encouragement to deserving individuals as they pursue their educational and professional goals in healthcare. Nurses of Colour Award The Nurses of Colour Award is a recognition and financial award aimed at honouring the achievements and aspirations of students of colour enrolled in the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program or Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. This award seeks to celebrate the dedication, resilience, and potential of students of colour who are committed to making a positive impact in the field of wound, ostomy, and continence patient care. With a prize of $500, this award aims to provide support and encouragement to deserving individuals as they pursue their educational and professional goals in healthcare. 7 Generations Medical Ltd Award This Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) Award of $5,250 recognizes an Indigenous WOC-EP graduate who has demonstrated a high degree of volunteerism with, and in support of, people in the Indigenous community.This Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) Award of $5,250 recognizes an Indigenous WOC-EP graduate who has demonstrated a high degree of volunteerism with, and in support of, people in the Indigenous community. Hollister Award for Post-Graduate Studies Supported by Hollister Limited, this award is open to an NSWOC who is an active NSWOCC member pursuing a Master’s, or PhD degree. McKin Health NSWOC Trailblazer Award This $2,500 award, sponsored by McKin Health, is presented annually to an NSWOC  Student who has demonstrated leadership and innovation in wound, ostomy, and continence care and who meets the written criteria for the award. Mölnlycke Health Care Indigenous Award The Molnlycke Healthcare Indigenous Award is designed to recognize the Academic achievement of a student who has identified as being Indigenous and who has demonstrated academic achievement in either the NSWOC Program or the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. The successful applicant will also demonstrate how they will use what they have learned from their education program to benefit their community. Ostomy Canada Society’sWound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) Award The Ostomy Canada Society Wound Ostomy and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) Award shall be awarded to two (2) individuals annually in the amount of $1500.00 each to encourage Registered Nurses to pursue a career as an NSWOC with a focus on ostomy care. Vancouver United Ostomy Association Award The Vancouver United Ostomy Association Chapter NSWOC Award is a $1,000 award to recognize BC NSWOC students, or recent graduates, who have demonstrated a high degree of volunteerism with, and in support of, people in the province of BC living with an ostomy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Raising the standard for wound, ostomy and continence education in Canada: Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) NSWOC® Program Graduates are now eligible for formal credits towards a Master of Advanced Practice (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Specialization) online through Curtin University, Perth, Australia [Ottawa, ON, Thursday, March 21, 2024] – Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to announce a ground-breaking opportunity for Canadian students who have completed the NSWOCC Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute’s Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®) Program. NSWOC Graduates will now be able to participate in a Credit Transfer Program, providing them with credit for learning (CRL) towards the Master of Advanced Practice (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Specialization) through Curtin University (Perth, Australia). This innovative approach to master’s studies results in students who have received CRL being able to complete their full Master’s in 12 months, part-time, completely online from anywhere in the world. Applications will soon be open for 2024. To get the latest information, please email office@nswoc.ca. Offered through Curtin School of Nursing, the program is designed to meet evolving health industry demands and offers a unique blend of advanced clinical practice and research skills, catering to the needs of the healthcare sector. The program equips participants with evidence-informed advanced clinical practice skills, explores research methodologies, and culminates in a specialized research project. As the first of its kind offered in Canada, this master's advanced specialty program a solidifies NSWOCC's commitment to raising the standard of wound, ostomy and continence education in Canada, improving nursing excellence and patient outcomes. It further establishes NSWOCC as leaders in the field of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing in Canada. It also presents a valuable opportunity for Canadian healthcare professionals who have graduated from the NSWOC Program to expand their expertise and contribute to addressing critical healthcare challenges, particularly in advanced wound, ostomy, and continence care, while obtaining a master’s degree. For more information about the programs offered by the NSWOCC® WOC Institute, visit our official website at www.wocinstitute.ca. Contact us at chair@wocinstitute.ca or at 1-877-614-1262. About NSWOCC: Dedicated to supporting the national standard of excellence in wound, ostomy, and continence care, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity comprising over 600 Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) and over 1,000 total members. Through its accredited educational programs and a team of highly skilled nurse leaders, NSWOCC provides specialized knowledge and skills to healthcare professionals across Canada. Learn more at www.nswoc.ca. About the WOC Institute: The Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute is wholly owned and operated by the association of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). The WOC Institute provides accessible online communities of learning for registered nurses and allied healthcare professionals to promote specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment in wound, ostomy, and continence care. Learn more at www.wocinstitute.ca. Media Contact: Kimberly LeBlanc (she/her) PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCANAcademic Chair, Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Cell: 613-864-1029 kimleblanc@wocinstitute.ca For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Kimberly LeBlanc at the provided email address or phone number.

NSWOC Graduation Ceremony & Applying to Graduate For all students completing the NSWOC Program: If you have already finished the NSWOC Program, or will complete all aspects of the program by March 30, 2024, and plan to write the CNA WOCC(C) certification exam this spring, you're eligible to graduate during the NSWOCC 43rd National Conference on May 4, 2024, in Calgary, AB. To learn more about the conference and register, visit www.nswoccconference.com. To graduate, fill out the application form and provide proof of CNA WOCC(C) certification exam registration or completion. Find the application form at the link provided or under the "Current Students" tab on www.wocinstitute.ca. If you can't attend the National Conference in person, don't worry. Diplomas, pins, and lab coats will be mailed after the event. Please note that diplomas are only mailed once per year, the week after the graduation ceremony. The deadline to apply to graduate is March 30, 2024. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact: Kimberly LeBlanc (she/her) PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN Academic Chair Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute | Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Cell: 613-864-1029 kimleblanc@wocinstitute.ca www.wocinstitute.ca 66 Leopolds Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7E3 Spring Exam - Initial CNA Certification: Deadline is March 31 For those aiming to write their initial certification exam this Spring, the application period is open from January 15 – March 31. The exam writing window will take place from May 1 – 15, and you can expect to receive your results in December. Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step in your professional journey! Did you know? As an NSWOCC Member, you are eligible for additional Exam Prep Benefits and continuous learning hours to make the renewal process seamless. NSWOC Prep Course for the CNA Certification Exam: Prepare confidently for the CNA Certification Exam with our comprehensive NSWOC Prep Course. The course includes a review of core competencies, relevant wound, ostomy, and continence curriculum, sample exam questions, and a dedicated study group for support. To access the course, log in to www.nswoc.ca and visit the "Members Login" area. Click on "View available downloads" in the left-hand sidebar and select "NSWOCC CNA Certification Prep Course." Join the Online Study Group: As an NSWOCC Member, you have the added benefit of joining the NSWOCC CNA Certification Exam study group. For joining this supportive community, please contact chair@wocinstitute.ca before April 20th, 2024. We are here to support you in your journey toward CNA certification and renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Reach out to office@nswoc.ca or chair@wocinstitute.ca with any questions or concerns. 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.

Whether you're completing the NSWOC Program, aiming for initial CNA certification, or due for renewal, we have all the information you need to navigate these important milestones. Please read below for important information: NSWOC Graduation Ceremony & Applying to Graduate For all students completing the NSWOC Program: If you have already finished the NSWOC Program, or will complete all aspects of the program by March 30, 2024, and plan to write the CNA WOCC(C) certification exam this spring, you're eligible to graduate during the NSWOCC 43rd National Conference on May 4, 2024, in Calgary, AB. To learn more about the conference and register, visit www.nswoccconference.com. To graduate, fill out the application form and provide proof of CNA WOCC(C) certification exam registration or completion. Find the application form at the link provided or under the "Current Students" tab on www.wocinstitute.ca. If you can't attend the National Conference in person, don't worry. Diplomas, pins, and lab coats will be mailed after the event. Please note that diplomas are only mailed once per year, the week after the graduation ceremony. The deadline to apply to graduate is March 30, 2024. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact: Kimberly LeBlanc (she/her) PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN Academic Chair Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute | Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Cell: 613-864-1029 kimleblanc@wocinstitute.ca www.wocinstitute.ca 66 Leopolds Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 7E3 Spring Exam - Initial CNA Certification: Deadline is March 31 For those aiming to write their initial certification exam this Spring, the application period is open from January 15 – March 31. The exam writing window will take place from May 1 – 15, and you can expect to receive your results in December. Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step in your professional journey! Certification Renewal by Continuous Learning: If you're due for certification renewal, the application window for renewal by continuous learning is open from January 15 – December 15, 2024. Did you know? As an NSWOCC Member, you are eligible for additional Exam Prep Benefits and continuous learning hours to make the renewal process seamless. Eligible Continuous Learning Activities: By registering as an NSWOCC Member, you automatically gain access to 4 continuous learning hours per year, adding up to a total of 20 hours during the five-year period between certification writing and renewal. Participating in NSWOCC activities can also earn you CL hours: NSWOCC Members Journal Club: Qualifies as CL hours under "Independent Study." NSWOCC WOC Institute Continuing Education Webinars: Qualifies as CL hours under "Webinars." WOC Institute Preceptors are eligible for CL hours. Professional Publications: Authors of articles, textbook chapters, teaching guides, or Best Practice Recommendations Documents are eligible for CL hours. All NSWOCC Board Members and Core Program Leaders can claim 25 hours of CL activities. If you have any questions or you don’t see an activity you completed, please do not hesitate to contact CNA at certification@cna-aiic.ca. Continuous Learning (CL) Activities — General Guidelines: The CNA Certification Program offers flexibility in the type of CL activities you can count toward renewing your certification credential. Here are some key guidelines: CL activities must relate to improving knowledge and skills in your nursing practice specialty. Each CL activity must be completed within the five-year certification term. Count one CL hour for each clock hour. Count any CL activities that are 30 minutes or longer. No pre-authorization is required to count your CL activities. Count the same CL activity only once during the five-year term, unless it’s at a higher level. NSWOC Prep Course for the CNA Certification Exam: Prepare confidently for the CNA Certification Exam with our comprehensive NSWOC Prep Course. The course includes a review of core competencies, relevant wound, ostomy, and continence curriculum, sample exam questions, and a dedicated study group for support. To access the course, log in to www.nswoc.ca and visit the "Members Login" area. Click on "View available downloads" in the left-hand sidebar and select "NSWOCC CNA Certification Prep Course." Join the Online Study Group: As an NSWOCC Member, you have the added benefit of joining the NSWOCC CNA Certification Exam study group. For joining this supportive community, please contact chair@wocinstitute.ca before April 20th, 2024. We are here to support you in your journey toward CNA certification and renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Reach out to office@nswoc.ca or chair@wocinstitute.ca with any questions or concerns. 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.

We hope that your 2024 is off to a great start! At NSWOCC, we value your feedback and strive to continuously improve our service offerings and strategies to better serve you and your needs. As such, we have two important surveys that we would love your input in! Learn more about them and fill them out below: Communications Survey As part of our commitment to enhancing member experience and ensuring effective communication channels, we are excited to announce the launch of our 2024 Communications Survey. Your participation in this survey is invaluable as it provides us with essential insights into your preferences, needs, and suggestions regarding NSWOCC's communications. Your feedback will directly influence our future communication initiatives, enabling us to tailor our messages more effectively, deliver relevant content, and optimize our platforms to better meet your expectations. Educational Needs Assessment Survey The 2024 Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Educational Needs Assessment for NSWOCC Members survey aims to gather valuable insights from NSWOCC Members regarding their educational needs and preferences in wound, ostomy, and continence care. The survey covers various aspects, including assessment of knowledge levels in different areas of wound, ostomy and continence care, topics of interest for learning, challenges faced in practice, preferred methods of learning, and suggestions for improving education in these fields. Overall, the survey aims to gather comprehensive data to tailor educational programs and resources to meet the diverse needs of NSWOCC Members and enhance the quality of wound, ostomy, and continence care in Canada. Completing these surveys will only take a few minutes of your time, but the impact of your input will be significant in shaping the direction of NSWOCC. Your responses will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of improving our communication practices and/or educational offerings. We deeply appreciate your participation and dedication to NSWOCC. Thank you for your ongoing support!

NSWOCC celebrates the start of Black History Month! This year, the government of Canada announced the theme, "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build," reflecting on the rich contributions of Black people in Canada. We honour their past and present achievements while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for a brighter future. In that spirit, this month, we share the inspiring story of Dr. Carrie M. Best. Dr. Carrie M. Best, while not a medical professional herself, was a passionate advocate for healthcare accessibility within the broader context of civil rights and social justice. With her son, she co-founded the The Clarion, a newspaper owned and published by Black Canadians, through which she advocated for Black rights. Through her journalism and activism, she emphasized the need for equal healthcare opportunities for Black Canadians. Her focus on addressing systemic racism and discrimination contributed to the ongoing dialogue on creating a more inclusive healthcare system. While specific details of her healthcare advocacy may not be as extensively documented as her work in journalism and civil rights, Dr. Best's overall efforts aimed at dismantling barriers and promoting equality naturally encompassed healthcare accessibility as a fundamental aspect of social justice. Her legacy reflects a steadfast commitment to challenging various forms of discrimination, including those within the healthcare sector. In the spirit of Dr. Best's legacy, NSWOCC commits to supporting a path towards better inclusivity and increased diversity, and we acknowledge the persistent racial inequalities in accessing healthcare services. It is paramount that we work together to help end anti-Black racism and discrimination in Canada, especially within the healthcare sector. Read more about Dr. Best at https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/carrie-best Photo from The Canadian Encyclopedia #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #NSWOCC #CanadaCelebrates

CCRAN’s Jumbo Colon is an immersive and interactive exhibit which is difficult to ignore. It is an inflatable, interactive walk-through reproduction of a human colon where visitors are guided by audio/visual screens and may see and feel the various pathologies of the colon as they stroll through the exhibit. The Jumbo Colon allows guests to view giant polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and the different stages of colon cancer. The fun and engaging experience draws in members of the public, providing an opportunity to connect and engage in a conversation about colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Imagine the incredible ‘WOW’ factor of CCRAN’s Jumbo Colon as the centerpiece at your next medical conference exhibit, consumer expo, awareness or screening event, hospital, government, or corporate wellness function! The Jumbo Colon Exhibit is large enough to make an impact but compact enough to be transported at an affordable rate. All leasing contracts include an expert CCRAN representative who takes care of the set up and take down of The Jumbo Colon and is available to promote awareness and respond to questions from the public. Please consult our website for more information: CCRAN's Jumbo Colon or contact Frank Pitman: frank.p@ccran.org

We are thrilled to announce that NSWOCC content is now available on Spotify! We are excited to bring you expert interviews, NSWOC Week webinars, and more valuable content right to your ears. We plan on offering more content in podcast-format throughout 2024. Stay tuned for more announcements soon! Stay Connected, Stay Informed We believe in the power of knowledge and its ability to transform healthcare practices. The NSWOCC podcast is our latest initiative to bring valuable content to the fingertips of our community. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student eager to learn, our podcasts aim to inspire, educate, and connect on the go. Have your Voice Heard Do you have any topics or areas that you want covered on a future NSWOCC Podcast? We would love to hear them! Simply comment on this post to let us know. How to Tune In: On the Spotify App: Visit the link below to visit our channel and click "Follow"! Online: Visit the link below to access podcasts through our website! Happy listening!

As we continue our mission to spotlight the incredible talent and diversity within the NSWOCC community, NSWOCC's Membership Core Program invites you to submit a photo of yourself for potential inclusion in our promotional and marketing materials on our website and/or social media! We want to capture the essence of your dedication and passion to specialized #wound, #ostomy, and #continence nursing by featuring photos of you and your colleagues in action in your workplace or proudly wearing your NSWOC or SWAN lab coat. How You Can Participate: *Take some photos: Showcase the vibrant and dynamic aspects of your work environment in by submitting your photos. Whether it's a moment of collaboration, a snapshot of your daily responsibilities, or a group photo with your colleagues, we'd love to see it all! Submit Online: Visit our submission form below to upload your photos and share your stories. Your contributions will be considered for potential inclusion in our upcoming promotional and marketing materials. *Important Note: To ensure we uphold the privacy and rights of everyone involved, we kindly request confirmation that you have obtained permission from any other individuals featured in the submitted photo. It is crucial for us to respect the consent and rights of all parties involved in the image. Thank you for being an essential part of NSWOCC, and we look forward to showcasing your contributions in our promotional and marketing endeavours! We also encourage you to share any news, announcements, or messages to recognizing the great work of NSWOCC Members across the country and beyond! Want to share an interesting story, project or initiative, or recognize an NSWOC or SWAN colleague? Submit the form below and we can include it in a featured section on the NSWOCC website and/or in an upcoming newsletter! We would be happy to hear any events, projects, or initiatives you or a colleague are working on.

NSWOCC is excited to announce that we are now accepting abstracts for our upcoming 43rd National Conference from May 1-5, 2024! Keep reading to learn more about important submission deadlines for Solutions on the Spot (SOS), Poster, and Oral Abstracts, and how you can benefit from submitting an abstract. Why should you submit an abstract? There are many ways that submitting an abstract can help you develop your career, skills, and knowledge! By submitting an abstract, you will: 1. Gain Exposure Accepted abstracts are seen by NSWOCs, SWANs, hospital & community nurses, and allied healthcare professionals including physicians, RNs, NPs, practical nurses from across the country! 2. Improve Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care Share your knowledge & findings with NSWOC, SWAN, and other healthcare professional colleagues to improve Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) patient care. 3. Add to your CV Accepted posters have a chance of being awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and “People’s Choice” awards at the National Conference, which can bolster your CV When do you need to submit an abstract by? The deadlines to submit either a "Solution on the Spot" (SOS), poster, or oral abstract are as follows: SOS (Solutions on the Spot): March 1, 2024 Oral Abstracts: February 28, 2024 Poster Abstracts: March 31, 2024 So, what are you waiting for? Submit an abstract today!

Dear NSWOCC Members, As 2023 comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication to NSWOCC. Your commitment has played a pivotal role in making this year a tremendous success, and we are truly thankful for your continued membership. The NSWOCC community thrives because of the passion and expertise that each Member brings to the table. Your collaboration and engagement have not only enriched our association but have also contributed significantly to advancing wound, ostomy, and continence care across the nation. As we reflect on the achievements and milestones of the past year, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the collective effort that defines NSWOCC. Your involvement, whether through taking educational programs, attending the NSWOCC National Conference, joining webinars or Journal Club, or active participation in our initiatives, such as best practice recommendations, has propelled our Association forward. On behalf of the NSWOCC Board of Directors, Core Program Leaders, WOC Institute, and National Office, we extend our warmest wishes for a safe, joyful, and relaxing holiday season. May this time be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones. As we look ahead to 2024, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. With your ongoing support, we are confident that we will continue to make a positive impact on wound, ostomy, and continence care, advancing our mission to improve the lives of those we serve. Thank you once again for your dedication, passion, and membership. We are grateful to have you as part of the NSWOCC family, and we look forward to another year of collaboration, learning, and growth. Wishing you all the best in the coming year. May it be filled with health, happiness, and success.