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Postes de leadership à pourvoir pour 2024 Le conseil d’administration de Infirmières spécialisées en plaies, stomies et continence Canada (ISPSCC) souhaite pourvoir au poste suivant du Conseil exécutif de l'ISPSCC est à pourvoir : Président.e élu.e Secrétaire Mandat: 2 ans, avec entrée en fonction le 2 mai 2024. Le ou la président.e élu est alors nommé.e président.e pour un mandat de deux ans. Le ou la secrétaire peut prolonger son mandat pour deux années de plus. Le conseil d’administration de Infirmières spécialisées en plaies, stomies et continence Canada (ISPSCC) souhaite pourvoir aux postes suivants de directeur(trice) élu(e) : Administrateur(trice) régional(e) – Ontario Administrateur(trice) régional(e) – Québec Administrateur(trice) régional(e) – Région de l'Atlantique Mandat: Deux ans, à partir du 2 mai 2024, avec possibilité de siéger pour 2 ans de plus, sauf si un(e) candidat(e) est nommé(e) pour la deuxième portion du mandat. Date limite pour recevoir les mises en candidature: 10 janvier 2024 Qualifications: Doit être membre en règle de ISPSCC depuis au moins deux (2) ans; Doit être une infirmière autorisée ayant terminé avec succès un programme de formation en soins infirmiers, spécialisés en plaies, stomies et continence, qui est reconnu par le WCET OU une infirmière non autorisée ayant terminé avec succès un programme de formation en soins des plaies, stomies et continence avant 1976; Ne pas être une employée ou représentante d’une entreprise dont la principale activité implique le développement, la fabrication et la distribution exclusive de produits utilisés dans le domaine des soins des plaies, des stomies et (ou) de la continence; La personne ne peut pas être un entrepreneur de ISPSCC. Les mises en candidatures pour ces postes au sein du conseil d’administration seront examinées par la présidente des mises en candidature, via le siège social de ISPSCC, à l’adresse office@nswoc.ca. Vous trouverez les documents pour poser votre candidature sur le site Web de ISPSCC à www.nswoc.ca (dans la section des nouvelles sur la page d’accueil). Pour de plus amples renseignements concernant ces postes à pourvoir, veuillez communiquer avec la directrice générale de ISPSCC office@nswoc.ca. Documents importants

OPEN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR 2024 Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Board of Directors has the following NSWOCC Executive Board and Officer positions open: President Elect Secretary Term: 2 years, commencing May 2, 2024. President-Elect is then appointed as President for a two-year term. Secretary has the opportunity to run for an additional 2 years. Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Board of Directors has the following elected Director positions open: Regional Director – Ontario Regional Director – Québec Regional Director – Atlantic Region Term: 2 years, commencing May 2, 2024, with opportunity to run for an additional 2 years. NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2024 Qualifications: Must be a Member of the NSWOCC for a minimum of two (2) years as a member in good standing; Must be a Registered Nurse who has successfully completed a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Education Program that is recognized by WCET OR a non-registered nurse who completed a recognized Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Education Program prior to 1976; Not an employee or representative of a company whose primary business involves the development, manufacture and sole distribution of products in the field of wound, ostomy, and/or continence care; and The individual cannot be a contractor of the NSWOCC. Nominations for these Board positions will be accepted by the Nominations Chair, via the NSWOCC Head Office, at office@nswoc.ca. For further information regarding these open positions please contact the NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer Catherine Harley at office@nswoc.ca. IMPORTANT FILES Submission Deadline for each file: January 10th, 2024

We are excited to announce the launch of the "Paediatric Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Canadian Best Practice Recommendations" document, an invaluable resource designed to enhance your expertise in preventing and managing PIAD in infants and children. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based recommendations and practical information to assist caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals like you. Diaper dermatitis, also known as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), is a common acute inflammatory skin reaction that affects the diaper area, including the buttocks, perianal region, genitals, inner thighs, and waistline. While it primarily impacts infants aged 9-12 months and diapered children, it is essential to recognize that PIAD extends beyond the diaper-wearing stage. This document aims to address the unique needs of the broader paediatric population, emphasizing the importance of differentiating PIAD from other dermatological conditions. Developed by a team of experts in wound, ostomy, and continence care, these best practice recommendations are specifically tailored to meet the needs of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs), registered nurses, physicians, and other allied healthcare professionals working with children. By adopting consistent definitions and terminology, this resource facilitates effective communication within the interprofessional team, enabling you to make informed decisions about prevention and management strategies. We invite you to access the "Paediatric Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: Canadian Best Practice Recommendations" document and the accompanying Quick Reference Guide, available online at https://www.nswoc.ca/bpr#piad. We encourage you to share this announcement with your colleagues as well. Please note that while these recommendations are evidence-informed and developed with utmost care, it is crucial to work within your scope of practice and adhere to your healthcare organization's policies and procedures. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to providing the highest standard of care for our young patients. Together, we can make a significant difference in preventing and managing paediatric incontinence-associated dermatitis. Sincerely, Stephanie Furtado, MClScWH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Project Lead Emily Woodgate, BScN, RN-AP, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Paediatric Community of Practice Leader Thank you to everyone who provided their time and expertise to help create this document: Project Lead Stephanie Furtado, MClScWH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Community of Practice Contributors Veronika Anissimova, MCIScWH, BMedSc, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Gail Creelman, RN (Retired), NSWOC, WOCC(C) Paulo Da Rosa, MClScWH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Caroline Daoust, MScN(A), PNP, BScN, RN, NSWOC Tracy Dowds, MClScWH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Louise Forest-Lalande, M.Ed., BSc, RN, NSWOC Ashley Hudson, BSN, RN, NSWOC, IIWCC Nicholas Joachimides, MClSc, MSc, BScN, RN, CHE, IIWCC, NSWOC, CPedN(C) Lina Martins, MScN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Shelley Masyoluk, BSN, RN, NSWOC, IIWCC Carolyn Morin, BSN, RN, NSWOC Tina Rutledge, BN, RN, NSWOC Emily Woodgate, BScN, RN-AP, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Christina Yadav, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) The literature review and synthesis was conducted in collaboration with Queen’s University by Kevin Woo, PhD, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FAPWCA. The best practice recommendations were funded by unrestricted educational grants from 3M and Medline. Technical writer and project manager John Gregory, IIWCC, ISWA, Opencity Inc., edited and produced these best practice recommendations in collaboration with a paediatric community of practice of volunteers.

A System Under Strain Every year, Canada’s provincial and territorial governments spend more than $250 billion in total on health care (Canadian Institute for Health Information [CIHI], 2018). In the next decade as the country’s population ages, that spending is only going to increase. Longer life expectancies and declining fertility rates are contributing to an overall older demographic (World Health Organization, 2015). Economic models predict that healthcare costs will rise by 1% each year between 2010 and 2036 due to population aging alone (Mackenzie & Rachlis, 2010). So, how can we achieve a sustainable healthcare system? Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) can Help! Registered Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) can help alleviate the financial strain facing administrators and policymakers through the provision of higher quality care, reduced costs and improved outcomes for patients. In our previous articles, we focused on how NSWOCs lead to high-quality care and lower which improves outcomes for patients, care providers, and the healthcare industry as a whole. Today, we will be exploring how NSWOCs can contribute to better outcomes for patients. NSWOCs Improve Outcomes Getting patients out of acute care faster frees up beds for new cases. Through specialized treatment approaches and prevention strategies, NSWOCs measurably reduce durations of hospital stays and facilitate patient access and flow. NSWOCs Improve Outcomes by: For a More Sustainable System Ultimately, with a tri-specialization in wound, ostomy and continence, NSWOCs are helping address the challenges facing Canada’s healthcare system. Employing NSWOCs is an effective strategy for controlling costs through high-quality, evidence-based care that leads to better outcomes for patients. NSWOCs bring about these benefits as care providers but also as sources of specialized knowledge for interdisciplinary healthcare teams, care consultants to other health professionals, as well as through best practice and protocol development, research and other avenues. To learn more about the power of NSWOCs, visit the link below!

In order to meet the needs of underrepresented populations who may be experiencing wound, ostomy and or continence issues, NSWOCC will be launching a new Harm Reduction Community of Practice which will be led by two NSWOCs with active experience rooted in harm reduction, Priyanka (she/her) and Lili (they/them) - Priyanka is a board member of the Student Overdose Prevention and Education Network (SOPEN) in Hamilton, Ontario, and both Priyanka and Lili are Consumption Treatment Services nurses in Kitchener, Ontario. Harm reduction refers to policies, programs and practices that have a goal to minimise the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws. Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights and focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that people stop using drugs as a precondition of support. This inclusion should and can extend to NSWOC practice and clients, we must make our efforts to build shared value in our community and develop our teams to be a community asset. We invite you to join this new Harm Reduction Community of Practice for the inaugural meeting on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 7:30 PM Eastern. To register, please email office@nswoc.ca (office@nswoc.ca) and then a zoom link will be sent to you. On behalf of Lili and Priyanka, we look forward to meeting with you on Thursday October 12 at 730PM and starting a conversation and taking action on harm reduction in wound, ostomy and continence.

In the ever-evolving landscape of wound care, innovation and research continually push the boundaries of what is possible. One such development that has been making waves in recent years is Topical Oxygen Therapy (TOT) in wound healing. Addressing this approach, EO2 presented the JWC International Consensus Document on "Use of Topical Oxygen Therapy in Wound Healing" at the Ottawa area NSWOC and SWAN meeting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Today, we are excited to share this document with all NSWOCC Members on behalf of EO2, providing a comprehensive insight into the promising world of TOT. The consensus document explores the role of oxygen in wound healing and introduces topical oxygen therapy (TOT) and its mechanisms, providing an overview of treatment options. It assesses the evidence for TOT in hard-to-heal wounds but does not directly compare TOT modalities or review systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The document also addresses the practical integration of TOT into wound care, patient perspectives, cost-effectiveness, and suggests future research directions.

#SWANsElevateCare September 18-22, 2023 Join NSWOCC in celebrating our inaugural SWAN™ Week 2023 next week on September 18-22, 2023! The inaugural theme for 2023 is SWAN™ Week 2023: “Crucial Members of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Team”. SWANs elevate the standard of care by... enhancing the lives of individuals facing wound, ostomy, and continence challenges. providing day-to-day specialty care at the bedside. being crucial and integral members of the interprofessional wound, ostomy, and continence team. championing the principles of efficient, effective, and culturally sensitive healthcare across diverse settings, including acute care, community, rehabilitation, and long term care. tirelessly advocating for patients. consuming research, applying their findings to enhance practice and patient care. To celebrate, we encourage you to download, print, and share the SWAN Week Flyer, and share messages on social media using the assets below and the hashtag #SWANsElevateCare. SWAN Role SWAN™s are uniquely recognized for their advanced knowledge and their contributions as wound, ostomy and continence nurse champions in their workplaces and communities across Canada. Learn more about the SWAN Job Description below! Join the SWAN Community of Practice Meeting & Info Night! Tuesday, September 19 from 7:30-8:30pm ET (4:30-5:30pm PT)

Exciting news! The application window for the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) certification exam and renewal by continuous learning is now open! Whether you are preparing for the Fall Exam or considering certification renewal, we've got you covered with all the essential information you need. Fall Exam - Initial CNA Certification: For those aiming to write their initial certification exam this Fall, the application period is open from June 5 to September 30. The exam writing window will take place from November 1 to 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 11, 2023, to December 16, 2023. 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. Did you know? Completing the Advanced Wound Debridement Course counts for 32 hours that you can apply towards your Renewal by Continuous Learning for the WOCC(C) credential through the Canadian Nurses Association! Learn more at www.wocinstitute.ca/advanced-wound-debridement. Track Your Learning: To keep track of your CL hours effortlessly, use CNA's form, "Continuous Learning for Certification Renewal: Activities and Competencies." Simply log your completed activities and submit them as part of your renewal application at the end of your five-year term. 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 October 20th, 2023. 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. At NSWOCC, we are here to support you in your journey toward CNA certification or renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Please feel free to reach out to office@nswoc.ca or chair@wocinstitute.ca with any questions or concerns.

What is the NSWOC Advance? The NSWOC Advance (formerly The Link) is the official publication of the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). There are 3 issues of the NSWOC Advance per year which are distributed in print and electronic versions by March 1, September 1 and December 1. The NSWOC Advance accepts contributions in the form of professional news, research projects and findings, clinical papers, case studies, reports, review articles, and letters to the editor. It is a useful communication tool to support the advancement of nursing in wound, ostomy and continence. NSWOCC Member Benefit: Subscription to the NSWOC Advance! As an NSWOCC Member, you will automatically receive Subscription to 3 issues of the NSWOC Advance online or in print. NSWOC Advance publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts and articles on topics related to wound, ostomy, and continence nursing practice. Submit your clinical article or case study now and share your research and experiences with colleagues across Canada! How YOU can publish a manuscript: As an NSWOCC Member, we encourage you to take advance of the opportunity to submit manuscripts in the form of clinical cases, articles, and/or research in the NSWOC Advance! Our editorial team, led by Lina Martins, NSWOC Advance Editor-in-Chief, will help guide you through the submission process. To learn more, please get in touch with office@nswoc.ca or our editor-in-chief directly at nswocadvance@nswoc.ca. To learn more about the manuscript submission guidelines, please visit the link below. The next manuscript submission deadline is coming up quick, so make sure to submit soon! Did you know? Submitting an article to the NSWOC Advance is also eligible for Continuous Learning (CL) hours towards your WOCC(C) Recertification! Manuscript articles or papers count for up to 15 CL hours. So, what are you waiting for? Submit your manuscript today and have your work shared and recognized across Canada!

We are writing to bring your attention to an issue that has recently come to our notice and requires your support and input. It has come to our attention that Canadians who have undergone continent reservoir surgery, such as the Koch Pouch procedure, are currently facing challenges in accessing the catheters they require for their post-surgery needs. Ensuring that this patient population has reliable access to these essential catheters is a priority for NSWOCC. To address this issue effectively, we need to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation across Canada. Specifically, we are seeking to determine how many individuals have undergone continent reservoir surgery and now require intermittent intubation with large bore silicone catheters (ranging from 26 to 30 Fr and spanning multiple brands) for evacuation. This is where we need your assistance. We kindly request that you share any information you may have regarding the number of patients in each province and territory across Canada who have had continent reservoir surgery and currently require these catheters. Your input is invaluable in helping us develop a business case to improve the accessibility of these vital catheters throughout Canada. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on these supplies. Please provide any insight to office@nswoc.ca. If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your support and collaboration in addressing this important issue. Together, we can ensure that Canadians who have had continent reservoir surgery receive the care and supplies they need.

We are writing to address the proper use of designations and credentials within NSWOCC, and namely for those NSWOCs who might also be using the WOCN® trademarked acronym via the WOCN® Society in the USA. We have received a letter from the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) regarding the improper usage of the term "WOCN," and we kindly ask for your attention and cooperation in this matter. Here is an excerpt from the letter from the WOCN Board of Directors: "It has come to our attention that individuals and organizations throughout our industry have been improperly using the term “WOCN”. WOCN® is a trademarked acronym abbreviated for the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®). The most common issue is individuals referring to themselves as a “WOCN®”. The acronym should never be used as a nursing credential. If the individual is not certified, they should refer to themselves as a WOC nurse, wound nurse, ostomy nurse, continence nurse." We urge all NSWOCC Members who might use the WOCN® acronym to adhere to the guidelines provided by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ to ensure that the term "WOCN®" is used correctly in relation to their brand. For all NSWOCs, we have included information from a recent blog post that outlines the correct way to refer to and/or write your NSWOC designation and WOCC(C) credential. The appropriate usage of the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada association name, designation, and certification credential is crucial for maintaining brand recognition and clarity of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) certification. This supports a consistent identity for the association and its members and upholds the integrity of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute. Please find the relevant information below: Correct Usage of “NSWOCC”, the NSWOC Designation and WOCC(C) Credential: The Association (NSWOCC®): The acronym NSWOCC® stands for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada. It should not be used as a name, credential, certification, or position title for any individual or group. Pronounce NSWOCC either with emphasis on each letter or as "ENSWOK Canada." The Individual (NSWOC®): Only registered nurses who have completed a recognized wound, ostomy, and continence education program can use the designation NSWOC®. This designation is protected by a registered trademark. When using the NSWOC designation, clarify that you are a "Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence." The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute: Graduates of the Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute's NSWOC Program (formerly WOC-EP Program) may use the NSWOC designation. The WOC-EP acronym is not to be used as a designation. CNA Certification (WOCC(C)): Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence are the only eligible candidates for the CNA certification exam in wound, ostomy, and continence care. The CNA holds the rights to the WOCC(C) and PSCC(C) credentials. Use of Designations and Credentials: NSWOCC suggests that designations and credentials appear after the individual's name, with or without a comma and a single space after each designation. NSWOC comes after educational degrees, professional designations, and credentials, but before CNA credentials. Both the NSWOC designation and WOCC(C) credential can be used together by certified nurses. Examples of Correct Designation and Credential Utilization: Susan Jones, RN, MN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Susan Jones, PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Susan Jones, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Susan Jones, BScN, RN, NSWOC Note: It is incorrect to place a "(C)" after NSWOC. The correct format is WOCC(C). For a comprehensive understanding, read the complete Designation and Credential Position Statement for Nurses Specialized inWound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) here. Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Designation: Similar to the NSWOC Designation, NSWOCC suggests that the SWAN designation appear after the individual's name, with or without a comma and a single space after each designation. SWAN comes after educational degrees, professional designations, and credentials. Examples of Correct Designation and Credential Utilization: Susan Jones, RPN, SWAN Susan Jones, LPN, SWAN We appreciate your attention to this matter and your dedication to maintaining the high standards and reputation of the NSWOC & SWAN professions. Your commitment to accuracy and professionalism is integral to upholding the credibility and distinction of the NSWOCC brand. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at office@nswoc.ca.

As wildfires continue to spread across the Northwest Territories, we are reaching out to express our deep concern and heartfelt support for all those affected by this ongoing crisis. The situation has escalated to the point where an evacuation order has been issued for several communities, including Yellowknife and surrounding areas. Our thoughts are particularly with our NSWOCC Members residing in these regions. The news of Yellowknife's evacuation is both distressing and a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of such disasters. We want you to know that you are not alone during these challenging times. The Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) stands in solidarity with the residents of the Northwest Territories and our valued NSWOCC Members. We are incredibly proud of the resilience and strength demonstrated by our nursing community in the face of adversity. On behalf of the NSWOCC Board of Directors and Bev Smith, RN, BScN, NSWOC, Regional Director for the Prairies, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, we want to assure you that our thoughts are with each and every one of you. We understand the fear and uncertainty that this situation brings, and we are keeping you in our hearts. We extend our gratitude to the first responders, healthcare professionals, and all those working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the wildfires. Your dedication and courage are truly inspiring. In these trying times, let us lean on each other for strength and support. We will get through this together. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you all. With heartfelt wishes for safety and strength, NSWOCC Board of Directors