Search Results

We are happy to share some important updates regarding our upcoming 42nd National Conference May 3-7, 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario at the Westin Ottawa. The theme of the 42nd NSWOCC National Conference is “Let’s Face it! Together!” and will be focused on advancing specialized care in the three domains of wound, ostomy and continence care. The conference will include Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) and Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs) from across Canada as well as hospital and community-based nurses and allied healthcare professionals including physicians, RNs, NP’s, RPNs and allied healthcare professionals with an interest in wound, ostomy and continence. There will also be a focus on Primary Care physicians and Nurses who have a dermatology interest. The NSWOCC National Conference Planning Core program under the leadership of Mary Hill, RN, BScN, MSN, WOCC(C) have worked hard to develop a leading-edge educational program featuring national and international subject matter experts in the areas of wound, ostomy and continence care. Topics will also be delivered to assist you in facing Wound & Skin, Ostomy, Continence & Leadership and Advanced Dermatology Skin Management. We can't wait to bring you more news and announcements for our 42nd National Conference. Please stayed tuned for more communication! Preliminary Program Revealed! We are excited to reveal more confirmed sessions in the near future. New Streams this year: French Language & Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Streams, We are thrilled to present a new SWAN stream this year at our National Conference, which will feature sessions tailored towards Practical Nurses and Diploma RNs. We are also happy to announce that we will have a education stream in French for our francophone members who wish to join these presentations, which will include a workshop on Continence and an Advanced Workshop on TPPN. SPECIAL REGISTRATION: ACCREDITED WORKSHOP On Saturday, May 6th from 3-6pm ET and again on Sunday, May 7th from 9am-1pm ET, we will be hosting a Dermatology Program for Advanced Healthcare Professionals: "Translating New Knowledge to Practice" More details to come! Registration opening soon We are getting excited to be able to open registration for NSWOCC members. We expect to open registration as early as November. Please stay tuned and save the dates! Book your stay! NSWOCC will be hosting the 42nd National Conference at the Westin Ottawa in the Downtown/ByWard Market area of Ottawa, Ontario. We were able to secure a limited number of rooms at discounted group rate of $219.00 per night at the Westin. These rooms are booking up fast! To take advantage of this limited deal, book your room today! Start Date: Thursday, May 4, 2023 End Date: Sunday, May 7, 2023 Last Day to Book: April 10, 2023

We are excited to be sharing with you the NSWOCC 2022-2023 Mid-Year Report, which is a great opportunity to get to know NSWOCC better. Our goal is to be transparent with our members about the work being done by NSWOCC to advance the nursing tri-specialty of wound, ostomy, and continence and beyond - such as the successful launch of a Paramedic Wound Care program. You will see that NSWOCC has had many accomplishments since we last met virtually during our Annual Members Meeting in May 2022. One that we are very proud of is that, in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, is the development and launch of the Indigenous Sharing Circle website, a central resource for wound, ostomy and continence information to support people living and working in Indigenous communities. All of you have played a part in the work of NSWOCC—no matter how large or small. Without you, none of these accomplishments would be possible. We value having you as members of NSWOCC and hope that you will be inspired to download a new best practice recommendation, check out the Sharing Circle website, or to get more involved. Your feedback is always welcome at office@nswoc.ca. With best regards, Catherine Harley Chief Executive Officer Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada

On September 22, 2022, sixty-six health care stakeholders, registered charities focused on specialized nursing care, and industry came together to discuss the current situation of wound, ostomy, and continence care in the Province of Nova Scotia. There was a need identified by a person living with an ostomy to better understand how critical health care providers could collaborate and contribute to better access to specialized care and the sustainability of health care in the areas of wound, ostomy, and continence. Current information was shared in these three domains of wound, ostomy, and continence, as well as best practice and innovation. While outstanding progress has been made in wound care within the Province of Nova Scotia, a patient voice demonstrated the harsh reality that people are facing living with an ostomy. Many people are left in the community alone and unsupported. Many are paying for their ostomy supplies out of pocket and have to choose whether to buy groceries or purchase ostomy supplies. Ostomy complications can occur which cause an impact on quality of life and costs to the health care system. Having access to specialized wound, ostomy and continence care has been proven to improve clinical and cost outcomes–and yet, the number of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) is inconsistent across the province and lacking in the community. The goals of the Summit were to: Update our stakeholders on best practices in wound, ostomy, and continence within Nova Scotia. Evaluate a patient’s experience living with an ostomy in Nova Scotia. Determine the economic burden for people living with an ostomy through the review of the ostomy impact study. Provide information on the value of a wound, ostomy, and continence tri-specialty to support patient centred improvements. Deliver updated information of the Nova Scotia continuing care Provincial Wound Care Program. Discuss wound care innovation within the Province of Nova Scotia. Engage and strengthen wound, ostomy and continence health within Nova Scotia. Download the meeting proceedings online at www.nswoc.ca/summit and scrolling down to "Meeting Proceedings".

On October 1, 2022, members of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) will join forces to raise money and awareness to help contribute to Ostomy Canada Society's goal of helping people with an ostomy, and their families to live life to the fullest through support, education, collaboration and advocacy. As an NSWOCC Member, we invite you to join our fundraising team "NSWOC Sweet Soles". In Canada, there are over 70,000 individuals with ostomies. This campaign will support Ostomy Canada's outreach, education, advocacy and program development for those affected by an ostomy. NSWOCC is proud to be a Gold Sponsor for this year's Step Up for Ostomy. How NSWOCs make a difference in the lives of people living with an ostomy "My NSWOC was my support line. She gave me her knowledge, friendliness and respect. To this day I think about how lucky I was that she was available and that she offered her phone number to reach her at any time. Sixteen years later, I live without a large bowel, I have a stoma—and I have never looked back. With the help of this nurse, today I am healthy both physically and mentally." - ANN DURKEE, Ostomy Patient, Nova Scotia

With the aim to improve accessibility and healthcare for Indigenous people, the NSWOCC Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program is excited to share a brand-new website dedicated to helping patients, NSWOCs, and other healthcare professionals access a directory of resources, education, training, and support related to Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health. The “Sharing Circle” is now live and can be accessed online at www.sharingcircle.online. Please feel free to share this with your colleagues. As an ongoing project, we’re always looking to broaden our list of resources and links to share. If you have a great resource or tool that you think would be worth sharing with others, feel free to submit it to office@nswoc.ca in order for us to obtain permission to use it on the Sharing Circle website. Best regards, The NSWOCC Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program NSWOCC Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health About the Core Program The Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program brings together Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®), Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWAN™) and key healthcare stakeholders working with Indigenous people who collaborate to identify key issues in the care delivery of wound, ostomy and continence for indigenous, including Inuit and Metis, people. By identifying key issues, this core program makes critical connections at the Federal and Provincial Government levels in order to raise awareness, address issues and improve patient outcomes. Objectives Establish and maintain a committee with NSWOC® and SWAN™ representation and aligned key stakeholders who care for Indigenous people from all provinces and territories - include at least one indigenous patient and one pharmacists dealing with non-insured health benefits (15 to 20 committee members) Attend monthly electronic meetings to engage and have meaningful discussions Conduct annual Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results (SOAR) Analysis to identify issues and gaps Develop strategies to address issues/gaps that have been identified Build relationships with key Federal and Provincial Government authorities involved with Indigenous Health Hold annual educational webinars to raise awareness around the need for equity in healthcare Participate in a presentation at the NSWOCC National Conference in order to educate healthcare professionals on wound, ostomy and continence care delivery for Indigenous people Develop and maintain a website to communicate wound, ostomy and continence information that will help to meet the needs of Indigenous people Engage in research projects to improve the health of Indigenous people

NSWOCC is proud to share that Marcia Leard, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), NSWOCC's newly appointed President, was recently awarded the COVID Warrior Coin Award by The Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island (PEI), for her efforts to aid the COVID response in the province. The COVID Warrior Coin was commissioned by Dr. Trevor Jain to recognize the leadership, initiative and hard work of multiple Islanders and organizations who have gone above and beyond during this ongoing response. By collectively working together, Marcia, along with many other Islanders, have stepped up to the plate and given of themselves to enrich the lives of others by doing outstanding acts of goodwill by using their knowledge, expertise and abilities to assist in keeping Islanders safe and well. "Her Honour feels especially privileged to be a part of this recognition program and to present these awards. She is extremely proud of the contributions of our citizens." Please join us in congratulating Marcia on this award!

NSWOCC is thrilled to share that Kimberly LeBlanc, PhD, MN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN, Academic Chair of the NSWOCC Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, was elected as the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) President-Elect today at the CNA Annual General Meeting. As strong nurse leader, we know that her election will support NSWOCs, SWANs, and all nurses across Canada in providing exceptional patient care. We are proud to have a fierce advocate for wound, ostomy and continence nursing at the federal level. Congratulations, Kim!

Marcia Leard, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) The NSWOCC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcia Leard, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, as the President of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). After being a Member of NSWOCC for two decades, serving for two terms as the NSWOCC Atlantic Regional Director and volunteering on the National Conference planning committee and various projects within the association, Marcia is well prepared to undertake this key leadership role. Marcia graduated from the A J McMaster School of Nursing in Moncton NB in 1989 and completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing science at Brandon University in 1995. She brings experience in nursing with having experienced a diverse career including positions in emergency, obstetrics, med- surg, paediatrics and nursing station relief in northwestern Ontario Since 2003, Marcia has been the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) at the Prince County Hospital in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Marcia is taking over from Nevart Hotakorzian who led NSWOCC through a complex COVID 19 era over the past two years. The NSWOCC Board of Directors would like to thank Nevart Hotakorzian for her outstanding leadership and wish her every success as she moves into the past president’s role. The NSWOCC Board of Directors is very pleased to have Marcia Leard as their next President. “Marcia Leard’s leadership capability is grounded in her active participation in NSWOCC for more than two decades. She understands the issues facing wound, ostomy and continence care delivery and will work hard to support the change required to make improvements. Marcia will unify nurses specialized wound, ostomy and continence across Canada in order for their voices to be heard.” About Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity for over 500 nurses specialized in the nursing care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence and over 750 total members.​ NSWOCC acts in the public interest for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence to give national leadership in wound, ostomy and continence promoting national standards for NSWOC practice, education, research and administration to achieve the highest quality of specialized nursing care.​ NSWOCC advocates for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence and provides a strong national association through which nurses can support each other and communicate with a powerful, unified voice.

June 2022 is Pride Month, providing an opportunity to recognize the 2SLGBTQi+ community while also acknowledging that there is much more that can be done to support inclusivity. At Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), we are working to identify and address organizational barriers to 2SLGBTQi+ inclusion in the wound, ostomy and continence healthcare sectors and by extension, in society. Our board of directors identified the need to develop a set of guiding principles and recommendations to help advance equity and diversity in wound, ostomy and continence management and are committed to making this happen. The NSWOCC Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute is developing a module for the educational programs which will teach students about the 2SLGBTQi+ community and how we can better meet the needs of patients through communication and approaches. This will be launched in the Fall of 2022. NSWOCC believes equity and diversity is a responsibility that must be worked on collaboratively. Through working together, we can promote inclusivity in order to strengthen our nursing profession and the specialized wound, ostomy and continence care provided to our patients. In recognition of Pride Month, on June 15 from 7-8pm ET NSWOCC will be hosting a webinar titled “The 2SLGBTQi+: A summary for nurses”, presented by Paul-André Gauthier RN, CNS; PhD (nursing), which will be open to all NSWOCC Members and the public to join for free at www.nswoc.ca/webinar-series. On behalf of NSWOCC, we wish you a happy Pride Month!

May 2, 2022 This is the official notice of the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Annual Members Meeting (AMM) taking place Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 at 7PM – 8:15 PM EDT via Zoom Webinar. This AMM meeting will be held as a part of the 2022 – 41st NSWOCC National Annual Conference taking place May 25-28, 2022, as a virtual conference. This AMM will be available only through electronic means (Zoom Webinar Platform). Only current NSWOCC members will be eligible to vote. Please make sure that you renew your membership today by logging into your membership account at https://membersnswoc.ca/. To become an NSWOCC Member, visit https://www.nswoc.ca/become-a-member. If you would like to participate electronically, please register by clicking below: 2022 AMM Package NSWOCC Members will receive the 2022 AMM Members Package and will be able to vote at this meeting. This package contains the Annual Members Meeting Agenda, the NSWOCC 2021-2022 Annual Report, the NSWOCC 2021 AMM Meeting Minutes, and the 2022 Election Slate of Directors and Officers of the association. 2022 Annual Report NSWOCC is built by Members and is for the Members... Thank you so much for the immeasurably valuable work you have done for Nurses Specialized in Wound, ostomy and Continence Canada over the past year! We cannot thank you enough and want to let you know that your dedication is essential to the work that we do. We cannot do it without you! We would not want to do it without you! You bring ideas, positive energy and a beautiful intensity. We hope you will come back and join us soon on an exciting initiative, and maybe even bring a colleague with you! Please review the package carefully prior to the May 25, 2022 AMM in order to be prepared to vote. If you should have any questions, please contact the NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Harley at office@nswoc.ca. We look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, The NSWOCC Board of Directors

NSWOCC and Queen's University are partnering with the Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) to provide an Introductory Series on the Diabetic Foot. You are invited to join other Community providers and specialists from across Canada! What is Project ECHO? Project ECHO is A LEARNING COMMUNITY for healthcare providers who have an interest in skin and wound care. The Project ECHO model features: live online sessions de-identified patient cases collaborative case discussions and care planning Details Held virtually on Zoom, on Wednesdays on June 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd from 2-4pm ET Didactic of 40 minutes duration followed by interactive case discussions. CME Credits provided and accredited by Queen’s University Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development. Certificate of attendance issued by Queen’s University. Presented by: DR. GARY SIBBALD BSc, MD, MEd, D.Sc (Hon), FRCPC (Med), (Derm), FAAD, MAPWCA, JM Professor of Medicine and Public Health, University of Toronto Project Lead, ECHO Skin and Wound + Interprofessional Wound Care Team Approach Schedule: June 1st Prevention and screening for the high-risk diabetic foot: wound bed preparation, optimal glycemic control, simplified 60 second screen Assess persons with diabetes for high-risk foot Optimize blood glucose control with an emphasis on hemoglobin A1c, and blood pressure Introduce wound bed preparation as an organized approach to leg and foot ulcer care June 8th Arterial supply and concept of ability to heal Evaluate arterial circulation with the audible handheld doppler (AHHD) and ABPI Assess lower leg and foot ulcers for healing ability Utilize non-invasive vascular testing as a partial means of categorizing ulcer ability to heal (healable, non-healable, maintenance) June 15th Infection - local infection, deep and surrounding infection, NERD/STONEES Evaluate lower leg and foot ulcers (including Charcot foot, osteomyelitis in persons with diabetes) clinically for signs of local infection or deep, and surrounding infection Assess the utility of bacterial swabs, laboratory investigations and diagnostic imaging in the management of infection Integrate the treatment of infection with clinical monitoring and treatment choices June 22nd Plantar pressure redistribution - contact cast and removable cast walker made irremovable, other offloading Assess the utility of the options for plantar pressure redistribution Evaluate the role of the total contact cast versus the removable cast walker made irremovable Relate the use of plantar pressure redistribution to clinical signs and improvement in diabetic foot ulcer healing trajectory

Happy National Nursing Week! Theme: #WeAnswerTheCall On behalf of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada, we would like to wish you a happy National Nursing Week! May 9-15, 2022: The National Nursing Week annual celebrations take place from the Monday to the Sunday of the same week as Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. The theme this year is #WeAnswerTheCall and was developed by CNA to showcase the many roles that nurses play in a patient’s health-care journey. The pandemic brought to light the courage and commitment that nurses work under every day and showed the important role that nurses play in the community. Learn more at https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/news-events/national-nursing-week Hospital News 2022 Nursing Hero Awards: NSWOC Christie Cowan awarded 3rd prize In recognition of National Nursing Week, we are happy to highlight one of our NSWOCC Members. Christie Cowan, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) from the Ottawa Hospital was awarded 3rd prize by The Hospital News 2022 Nursing Hero Awards! The Hospital News 2022 Nursing Hero Awards were recently announced to recognize those nurses across Canada who showed acts of heroism through their everyday work to help strangers. In the thank you letter to all nurses, Kristie Jones, Editor of Hospital News, wrote: "Many of you (our nurses) were the ones at the bedsides of patients when they took their last breath. Providing care and comfort that their families were unable to provide. You worked around the clock, spent time away from your families and put yourselves at risk staring this virus right in the face. You did all of this while some refused to wear masks and even protested outside of your hospitals - yet you still came to work. Over the years there has been a lot of talk about how broken our health care system is. Through-out the pandemic we were warned of a health care system at the brink of rationing care for COVID-19 patients. Fortunately, that didn't materialize. That is in large part because of you. Our nurses. You showed up everyday. Many of you came out of retirement to aid in the battle. Thank you. To every single person who has worked in a hospital/long-term care setting over the last two years - thank you. you are all heroes." Is there an NSWOC or SWAN you want to acknowledge? Do you have news or you want NSWOCC to share to our members? Email office@nswoc.ca to submit your announcement today!