Atlantic Regional Meeting & Education Day Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21, 2025 In-Person at the Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown (Moncton, NB) or virtually via Zoom Join us this fall in Moncton, New Brunswick—or online—for a weekend of education, networking, and collaboration at the NSWOCC Atlantic Regional Education Day and Regional Meeting. Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown, these two exciting events bring together NSWOCs, SWANs, and other healthcare professionals from across the region to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and advance wound, ostomy, and continence care. Whether you attend in person or virtually , you’ll be part of a vibrant and supportive community dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Saturday, September 20, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. AT Atlantic Education Day All Healthcare Professionals welcome! The weekend kicks off on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with the Atlantic Regional Education Day from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 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 in person for free, while Non-Members may register for $30.00. A free virtual option is also available, and all participants will receive a certificate of attendance. For in-person attendees, lunch is included. Parking: Complimentary parking vouchers will be available for attendees who purchased a hotel room. Parking is available to all others for $4 per hour up to $16.00 for the full day. Sunday, September 21, 2025 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. AT Atlantic Regional Meeting NSWOCC Members Only On Sunday, September 21, 2025, NSWOCC Members are invited to return for an exclusive Regional Meeting from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. AT. This members-only session—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 ! Educational Program Download NSWOCC Atlantic Regional Education Day On-Demand Book Accommodations Planning to stay overnight on Friday or Saturday? You can book at the hotel at a discounted rate! Reservations can be booked individually by calling 1-866-854-4656 or 506-854-6340. Please mention the block code VJH to benefit from the special rate of $159+taxes , parking included. Click here for the booking link: NSWOCC Atlantic Education Day Please note, this reservation link will only work for stays starting Friday, September 19th through Sunday, September 21st. If guests try to book outside these dates using the reservation link – the link will show that there are no rooms available. To book dates outside the block or special requests, please contact sales at 506-853-3964 or sales@cpmoncton.com . Questions? Contact Atlantic Regional Director, Denise Nicholson, at office@nswoc.ca . Click here to book your room Attending Industry Partners Attend the Atlantic Education Day as an Industry Partner 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: 10:30am to 11:00am 12:30pm to 1:30pm 3:00pm to 3:30pm 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 about 100 Healthcare Professional attendees in-person, and another 200 attendees online. Sorry, but this form is now closed. 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

< Back Registered Nurse - NSWOC VHA Home HealthCare Toronto, ON, Canada Casual and Part-Time Positions Available $51.94 - $53.66 View Full Job Description How to Apply Please apply online at: VHA Careers Our online application should take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. VHA is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada; an RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization designate; and a founding member agency of United Way Greater Toronto. Thank you to everyone who applies. We will review applications as they are received. We’ll only be contacting those selected for further discussion. View Full Job Description Job Description As an NSWOC at VHA Home HealthCare, you will: Provide consultation and education to, and work in collaboration with, physicians/nurse practitioners, nursing, and other interdisciplinary team members to provide evidencebased care for patients/clients/residents with skin, wound, ostomy, and continence concerns. Work with a dynamic team of wound and skin providers, consulting remotely and in person with clients in the community Provide leadership and demonstrates/applies advanced clinical preparation and expert nursing skills in the provision of care to patients/clients/residents who have skin, wound, ostomy, and/or continence challenges. VHA's Registered Nurses are required to do the following tasks, but not limited to: Assess, Monitor, and make care plan/care coordination reports and recommendations. Evaluate care plan interventions through on-going reassessment and evaluation. Ensure the quality of care of patients by identifying and acting on factors which affect practice autonomy and delivery of quality care. Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, judgment, and accountability in interactions with clients and families. Support safe client care through the development of knowledge and skills in accordance with our principles of continuous quality improvement. Informs nursing supervisor of any client activities and relevant concerns or changes in the client or the client care plan and informs/submits appropriate documentation to the case coordinator. Maintain documentation standards according to the College of Nurses of Ontario. Requirements/Qualifications Registered and in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). RN Degree from a recognized University. Must have completed the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) from NSWOCC. Current and active membership in NSWOC Canada, preferred Preference will be given to candidates who have additionally completed any of one of the following: (1) Master’s program in Advanced Wound Care (MScCH WPC) from UofT or (2) Master of Clinical Science (MCISc) in Wound Healing Program from Western University or (3) an education program with the International Interdisciplinary Wound Care Course (IIWCC) from UofT. A minimum of 3 years of experience in Medical/Surgical Nursing or Wound Care Management is preferred. A comprehensive knowledge of community health care is preferred. Hold a valid First Aid or CPR Certification. Demonstrate effective communication (written and verbal) and documentation skills. Demonstrate reliable attendance, punctuality, and availability for the role. Commitment to modeling lifelong learning and professional growth and can apply critical thinking skills to provide client care. A valid Ontario driver’s license (G License) and a reliable vehicle for traveling is required. Company/Organization Description Grounded in our commitment to Client and Family Centred Care the key foci on the RN role is to provide and coordinate home health nursing services to diverse group of individuals, families and groups according to the College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standards, the policies and procedures of VHA, the program where they provide services, and the Standards of Practice in Community Health Nursing. What makes VHA’s compensation unique? VHA is a leading learning organization so we can provide you with comprehensive orientation and training at the start and throughout your career Mentorship and peer support Career development opportunities Benefits and pension plan for permanent eligible employees Compensation for education and professional development (Worksmart Program) Employee and family assistance program (EAP Provider, GreenShield) Wellness resources Many Perks & discounts (Perkopolis) Staff & service provider events Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEI At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply.

Webinar Series As a part of our commitment to continuing education for our NSWOCs, NSWOCC and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute host a series of 1-hour educational webinars throughout the year (excluding summer months) open to NSWOCC members and the public. Once a webinar is booked, NSWOCC will work with your company to create marketing material, promote the webinar to our mailing lists and over social media, and can help moderate the opening and Q&A portions of the webinar. We will also take care of sending certificates of attendance and editing + exporting the recorded webinar to be made available online afterwards. The company will be responsible with providing a topic, measurable learning outcomes/objectives, and the featured speaker(s). The cost to host a sponsored webinar is $2,000. Book now! Spots are limited and fill up fast! Book a spot now! NSWOCC National Conferences Each year, NSWOCC hosts a National Conference focused on advancing specialized care in the three domains of wound, ostomy and continence care. The conferences include Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) and Skin Wellness Association Nurses (SWANs) from across Canada as well as hospital and community-based nurses and allied healthcare professionals including physicians, NPs, RNs, RPNs and allied healthcare professionals. Opportunites for Sponsorship Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) Communicate messages about your company, products and services to the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) who care for patients experiencing a challenge in wound, ostomy, or continence. Demonstrate your support and increate product awareness by reaching NSWOCs, across Canada, who make product decisions in both the hospital and community. Contact Cathy Harley at office@nswoc.ca to book a NSWOC Advance advertisement. Learn more Educational Support for Nurses – NSWOCs, SWANs Contact office@nswoc.ca for more info Contact NSWOCC Industry News & Announcements We are pleased to announce that you are now eligible to shared Industry News to NSWOCC Members via the quarterly NSWOCC Newsletter. This newsletter is designed to keep NSWOCC Members, including NSWOCs, SWANs and allied healthcare professionals, informed of news that is pertinent to the fields of wound, ostomy and continence and to further build a community of practice. This newsletter will provide another way for Industry news to reach your audience of product decision makers. Contact office@nswoc.ca for more info. Contact NSWOCC Sponsor a Best Practice Recommendations Document Contact office@nswoc.ca for more info Contact NSWOCC Sponsorship Opportunities

Administrative Support < Back Shelley Draper Administrative Support

< Back Registered Nurse - Wound Care Consultant ParaMed Toronto, ON, Canada Full Time, Part Time, Casual and Independent Contractors View Full Job Description How to Apply Please apply online at ParaMed Careers View Full Job Description Job Description In this community nursing role, as a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Nurse and as working as a part of the ParaMed nursing health care team the NSWOC will provide and promote evidenced based advanced wound, ostomy and continence assessment, management and care to all patient groups either through a consultative process or by direct care. What you’ll do: Provide direct practice to patients requiring wound, ostomy and continence assessment, care and management. Provide education to ParaMed’s nursing health care team, patient, and families. Provide consultation /clinical support to ParaMed’s nursing health care team (direct/or remote) including recommendations for specialty products/nursing care. Participate in wound/ostomy/continence clinical leadership opportunities. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Preceptor ParaMed nurses as required. Follow wound, ostomy and continence evidence based clinical best practices and ParaMed policies and procedures. Requirements/Qualifications IIWCC, NSWOC, WOCC(c), SWAN, or other advanced wound care education/certification Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a practicing Registered Nurse ideally in a community setting and/or providing wound/ostomy/continence care to patients (direct care/consultation) Current membership/registration with the Nurses Specialized in Wound Ostomy & Continence Canada (preferred) Ability to perform BCLS to College of Nurses standards Completion of the Canadian Enterostomal Therapy (E.T.) Nursing program Current registration with the CAET Knowledge of standards and guidelines of Enterostomal Therapy and wound care Comprehensive Enterostomal Therapy and wound care patient health assessment skills Thorough knowledge of wound care products and indications for use Company/Organization Description As the leading home care provider in the country, ParaMed Home Health Care, has proudly been helping Canadians live better at home since 1974. When you join ParaMed, you become part of a caring community of over 12,000 dedicated professionals committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care. We provide competitive compensation that reflects the value of this role and the unique qualifications each candidate brings. Final salary offers are based on a variety of factors such as your skills, experience, education, and alignment with the responsibilities of this position. Base salary is one component of our broader total rewards package. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and long-term career growth. Your recruiter can provide more details about our total rewards offerings during the hiring process. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support certain stages of the recruitment process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing candidate responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment — every application is reviewed by a member of our team to ensure thoughtful and equitable consideration. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. ParaMed is committed to fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable hiring process. We gladly accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of recruitment and selection upon request. Why you’ll love working here: Autonomy, independence, and a work-life balance Supportive team of peer nurses and supervisors Opportunity to develop long term therapeutic relationships with patients Best in class training and development programs, including a comprehensive clinical orientation and hands-on skills labs Celebration and Recognition programs Part time and Full-time scheduling including every other weekend off Comprehensive health and dental benefit plans Company paid mobile devices Mileage compensation Opportunities for career advancement Employee perks and exclusive offers

NSWOCC Industry Advisory Committee (NIAC) Co-Chair < Back Geoff Fournie NSWOCC Industry Advisory Committee (NIAC) Co-Chair

French Community of Practice < Back Valérie Chaplain IA, BSc Inf, ISPSC, PSCC(C) French Community of Practice

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care / NSWOCC Collaboration SWAN Long Term Care Project Application All Applications MUST be received by 12:00 PM EST on January 20th, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will NOT be accepted Applicant Information First name* Last name* Gender* Home Address (NOT your work address)* Home City* Home Postal Code* Primary Phone Number* Personal Email (This is NOT your work email)* Employee Email (this is YOUR work email)* Date of Birth Year Month Month Day Are you a Diploma RN?* Yes No Are you an RPN* Yes No Provider your License Number* As the applicant, I acknowledge that I need personal access to a computer and the internet to be successful in the program. I also acknowledge that I will need to commit 15-20 hours per week to complete the coursework. Applicant Signature* Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload. Employer Information Employer Name and Facility (if Facility is applicable)* Employer Address* Employer Town/City* Employer Postal Code* Employer Phone Number (Extension if applicable)* Supervisor/Manager Name (First and Last Name)* Supervisor/Manager Email* As the applicant’s supervisor or manager, I acknowledge and support the applicant’s enrolment into the LTC SWAN program. Supervisor/Manager Signature* Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload. Submit NURSES WITH A UNIVERSITY DEGREE ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THIS PROGRAM

< Back Nurse Clinician - Skin Wound and Ostomy - 118571 Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, ON, Canada Full-Time 45.6800 - 64.2300 Hourly View Full Job Description How to Apply Please apply online here: Hamilton Health Sciences Careers Job ID: 118571 View Full Job Description Job Description The Skin Wound and ostomy (SWO) clinician applies a specialized and expanded body of knowledge of the integumentary wound, ostomy and continence systems in the care to the patient experiencing issues in these areas. The clinician provides an advanced assessment of skin, burns, wound, incontinence and ostomy issues and develops a plan of care in conjunction with the patient, family and interdisciplinary team. The SWO Clinician supports the development of a culture of prevention of skin breakdown and pressure ulcer development and is well versed in best practices related to skin, wound and ostomy care. Essential to the role is an understanding and expertise with advanced wound care products; negative pressure wound therapy, therapeutic surface and adjuvant therapies. The SWO Clinician is well versed in the best practices related to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers and care of patients with an ostomy. The Clinician teaches, counsels, troubleshoots, and advises patients and their families with skin, wound, burn, and stoma care. The Clinician will coach and support staff in being able to assess and problem solve basic wound care issues, as well as provide recommendations in navigating complex wounds. Requirements/Qualifications Baccalaureate level Nursing degree required Active license as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Certificate as a Nurse Specialized in Skin, Wound and Ostomy care (NSWOC) or an equivalent program recognized through the Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapy. Experience with the management of burn patients is an asset. 3-5 years of recent experience in the management of abdominal fistulae, stomas and complex wounds. Commitment to ongoing professional development with demonstrated proof of continuing education. Demonstrated ability to provide education to patients and health professionals regarding skin, wound, burns and stoma care, as well as mentor clinical staff. Knowledge of full scope of treatment modalities for skin, wound, burns and stoma management and preventative skin care techniques. Knowledge and experience in implementation of the principles of adult teaching and learning. Demonstrated ability to effectively apply current research knowledge to clinical practice. Demonstrated ability to function effectively as part of an Interprofessional team. Demonstrated ability to manage complex psychological needs of patients and families. Demonstrated ability to assist unit staff to problem-solve patient skin care issues including pressure reduction surfaces, utilizing fiscal resources responsibly. Ability to focus on corporate skin, wound and ostomy initiatives by participating in activities that champion best practices. Company/Organization Description As one of Canada’s largest and most diverse hospitals, we’re providing advanced care to people of all ages from across the province. You can explore advancement opportunities, take professional development courses, and stretch yourself as a leader, all at HHS. We are the largest employer in the greater Hamilton region, and play a vital role in training the next generation of health professionals in collaboration with our academic partners, including McMaster University and Mohawk College. We are a world-renowned hospital for healthcare research—consistently ranking within the top 5 research hospitals in Canada—and we focus on improving the quality of care for our patients through innovation and evidence-based practices. There are over 1,400 inpatient beds across multiple hospital sites and we offer world-leading expertise in many areas, including cardiac and stroke care, cancer care, palliative care and pediatrics. Open the door to a career that evolves with you. Start exploring opportunities now and join our team of over 15,000 dedicated staff, physicians, researchers and volunteers. The Post-Acute, Clinical Practice, and Education Portfolio includes population health, seniors' strategy, ambulatory, complex and palliative care, and contributes to system wide transformative change. As part of this portfolio, this program has a specialized focus on enterprise-wide clinical services including; skin, wound and ostomy care, vascular access therapy, and authorizing mechanisms and policy document management; providing expert internal and external support to acute and community providers, and supports the Care Transformation strategy across HHS.

Prairies, NWT & Nunavut < Back Angela Koziak BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Prairies, NWT & Nunavut My name is Angela Koziak and I have lived in Alberta my entire life. I live in Beaumont with my spouse Mark, my kids Noah (16), and Kailey (7). My stepson Castin (20) lives on his own now. I graduated from the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta in 2004. As a student I worked in long term care. After graduation I worked in medicine and ICU. After having my son, I became a Case Manager in Supportive Living. Soon after, I met Bev Smith who inspired in me a fascination with wound care, encouraged me to join the direct nursing team and to take the NSWOC program. Not long after accepting my first NSWOC position Bev informed me of a new Core Program– Membership and encouraged me to join. I did and have had the pleasure of working and learning from Troy Curtis and Shelly Barnes. Shortly after the inception of this program, I advocated and became lead of our monthly Journal Club. I am so proud of the community of practitioners coming together every month. In addition to discussing current research, we learn so much from each other. This year I was offered the opportunity to present my work in community pessary management at the annual conference. I am completely honored to join my colleague Pat Dahlbeck in this endeavor. I have never felt more fire and passion for anything I have ever done in my career, nor have I ever had so much pride in belonging to an organization. I believe with my heart that I can bring my love of Wound Ostomy and Continence to the Prairies/Nunavet/Northwest Territories. It will be my commitment to join all members of NSWOC in this region and create community in our unique demographic.

SWAN Week 2026 Quality Improvement SOARS with SWAN®s! September 14–18, 2026 Earlier this year, during NSWOC Week 2026, we celebrated the theme “Quality Improvement starts with NSWOC®s.” This September, we’re continuing that story and celebrating the important connection between specialized expertise and frontline leadership: “Quality Improvement starts with NSWOCs®...and SOARS with SWANs®!” Together, NSWOCs® and Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs® ) are helping translate evidence into practice, strengthen care teams, and advance quality improvement across Canada’s health care system. Quality Improvement SOARS with SWANs! SWAN Week 2026, September 14–18, celebrates the impact of Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs) in advancing wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) care across Canada. This year’s theme highlights the leadership, competency, and day-to-day contributions of SWANs in every care setting — and the important role they play in advancing quality improvement throughout our health care system. With 500+ active SWANs and SWAN students approaching graduation participating in our growing SWAN Community of Practice, this week recognizes the nurses who champion evidence-based practice, mentor and educate colleagues, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve patient outcomes alongside Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs). Who are SWANs? SWANs are LPNs, RPNs, or diploma-prepared RNs who have completed the CNA-accredited SWAN Program. They are respected nurse leaders and integral members of their organization’s wound, ostomy, and continence leadership team. SWANs: Work collaboratively with NSWOCs and interprofessional teams. Perform focused assessment and support care planning for skin, wound, ostomy, and continence needs. Coach and mentor direct care staff, building capacity across units and facilities. Apply evidence-based practice, recommend appropriate products, and help navigate referrals. Contribute to quality improvement and cost-effective care. Throughout SWAN® Week, we’ll celebrate and showcase the many ways SWANs are making a difference within their organizations, care teams, and communities, including: Evidence-Based Practice — translating current evidence and best practices into consistent, high-quality wound, ostomy, and continence care. Integral Members of the Interdisciplinary Team — collaborating with NSWOCs and other health care professionals to strengthen care planning, continuity, and outcomes. Positive Impact on Health Care Outcomes — supporting prevention, early identification, timely intervention, and improved outcomes for patients and residents. Contributing to Standards and Policy Development — bringing frontline knowledge and WOC competencies to the development and implementation of policies, protocols, and standards of care. Education & Research — sharing knowledge, mentoring colleagues, supporting education at the point of care, and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and evidence-informed practice. Quality Improvement Initiatives — recognizing gaps in care, identifying opportunities for improvement, championing change, and helping turn quality improvement goals into everyday practice. Advanced Assessment & Care — bringing enhanced WOC knowledge and assessment skills directly to patients and residents while recognizing when specialized consultation or escalation is required. Help Us Celebrate SWANs Across Canada! SWAN Week is all about celebrating the people behind the impact — and we want to see and hear from you! Help us showcase the SWANs and SWAN®–NSWOC® teams who are making a difference in wound, ostomy, and continence care across Canada. Show Your SWAN® Pride! Are you a SWAN? Send us a photo of yourself in your SWAN lab coat, SWAN™ merchandise, or showing your SWAN pride! Throughout SWAN Week, we want to feature members of our growing SWAN community from across the country. Whether you're at work, with your colleagues, or simply showing off your SWAN gear, submit a photo that we can share through our SWAN Week communications and social media. Submit Your SWAN™ Week Photo → Recognize a SWAN® or SWAN® –NSWOC® Team Know a SWAN® who's doing incredible work? Is there a SWAN®–NSWOC® team making a difference in your organization or community? We want to hear about them! Submit a message of recognition, a story, a case example, or simply a few words of thanks celebrating the contributions of one or more SWANs. Recognition can be big or small — we want to highlight the everyday leadership, collaboration, quality improvement, and patient impact happening across the country. Selected stories and messages will be shared throughout SWAN Week 2026, including in our special SWAN Week newsletter and other communications, helping us recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of SWANs from coast to coast. Submit a SWAN™ Recognition → SWAN Week Resources Download the Flyer PDF SWAN Role Description SWAN Program Testimonials & Resources Zoom background Downloadable images No events at the moment Videos, Recordings, and Testimonials Play Video Play Video 02:25 NSWOCC President Bev Smith, RN, BScN, NSWOC shared a warm welcome to SWAN Week 2026. Play Video Play Video 02:56 Meet Alanna Howse: One SWAN’s Journey As we celebrate SWAN® Week 2026, we’re highlighting the people behind the SWAN designation and the difference their knowledge, determination and leadership are making every day. Meet Alanna Howse, a SWAN graduate who describes completing the program as one of the most challenging — and rewarding — accomplishments of her nursing career. While completing the approximately six-month program, Alanna was working full-time, supporting her son through soccer five to six days a week and moving homes, all while balancing the demands of her studies. She found opportunities wherever she could: studying after night shifts, completing assignments late at night and even working on coursework from her vehicle while waiting during soccer practices. Today, that hard work is making a difference. Alanna is using what she learned to support both her patients and her nursing colleagues. She shares her wound care knowledge with fellow nurses, helps strengthen understanding of wound assessment and management, and educates patients about why their wounds developed, what may affect healing and how they can participate in achieving better outcomes. Becoming a SWAN has strengthened Alanna’s confidence, supported her professional growth and deepened her passion for wound care. And that impact extends beyond one nurse. When SWANs build their knowledge and confidence, they can help strengthen their teams, empower their patients and contribute to better, evidence-informed wound, ostomy and continence care. That’s how Quality Improvement SOARS with SWANs! Watch Alanna share her SWAN journey in her own words in this video. Learn more about SWAN Week 2026 and join the celebration: https://www.nswoc.ca/swan-week-2026 Play Video Play Video 30:29 SWAN® Week 2026 – “Discover the SWAN Program” Webinar SWAN Week 2026 officially kicked off on September 14 with the “Discover the SWAN Program” webinar, bringing together SWANs, students, educators and members of the wound, ostomy and continence community from across Canada. The webinar opened with remarks from NSWOCC® President Bev Smith, who introduced this year's theme, “Quality Improvement SOARS with SWANs!” Bev highlighted the leadership, competency and everyday contributions of SWANs and emphasized their role in advancing quality improvement, equity, access and culturally safe care across the healthcare system. She also reflected on the remarkable growth of the program from its first cohort in 2020 to more than 500 graduates. Vida Johnston, SWAN Co-Lead Academic Advisor, then took attendees through the history and evolution of the program. Development began in 2018–2019 in response to discussions about expanding access to specialized wound, ostomy and continence education for RPNs/LPNs. Since the first cohort launched in 2020, the program has continued to grow, including the establishment of the SWAN Community of Practice, accreditation through the Canadian Nurses Association, publication of SWAN-related work, funded cohorts and the launch of SWAN Week. Vida shared that there are now 623 SWANs across Canada, with another 103 students currently enrolled, demonstrating the program's growing national reach. Approximately 45% of SWANs work in long-term care, with SWANs also working in community care, acute care, clinics and industry. The program itself is now a 5.5-month, competency-based online program focused on evidence-informed care for stable and uncomplicated wound, ostomy and continence concerns, while emphasizing collaboration and referral to NSWOCs for more complex needs. A particularly exciting development is the progression toward SWAN certification through the Canadian Nurses Association, which is anticipated for 2027. Vida explained that the proposed certification will be portfolio-based rather than examination-based, recognizing ongoing education, professional activities and the work nurses are undertaking in their SWAN roles. Sharon Hunter, SWAN Director on the NSWOCC Board of Directors, spoke about her role as the voice of SWANs at the Board level and her commitment to advocating for SWANs across different regions and practice settings. She connected this year's quality improvement theme to the unique position SWANs hold at the point of care: working directly with patients, residents and clients while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, providing education and coaching colleagues, and helping ensure care plans reflect what matters to the individual. The webinar also highlighted opportunities for SWANs to remain connected through the SWAN Community of Practice. Annemarie Larocque, SWAN Community of Practice Lead, described the monthly meetings as a space for support, guidance, mentorship and problem-solving. Future sessions will increasingly explore the experiences of SWANs working in long-term care, community and acute care, while continuing to provide opportunities to discuss clinical topics, products, role development and strategies for working effectively alongside NSWOCs. The kickoff concluded by encouraging SWANs to stay involved throughout SWAN Week, share photos and stories, recognize SWAN colleagues and SWAN–NSWOC teams, and participate in the broader SWAN community. Impact in Practice - The SWAN Difference: “Our SWAN has been indispensable in strengthening wound care on our unit. One shift each week is dedicated to a skin project overseen by an NSWOC, and they lead reviews of our most clinically complex wounds. On other shifts, they act as a go-to resource for treatment plans and coaching. Since introducing the role, we’ve seen a marked reduction in wounds, including a heel ulcer once considered non-healable that is now nearly closed. They also worked with nursing and pharmacy to secure the right ostomy supplies for a resident with a high-output ileostomy, resulting in significant improvement in peristomal skin.” Read more testimonials

< Back Registered Nurse (Skin, Wound, & Ostomy Care) - 15801 Queensway Carleton Hospital Ottawa, ON, Canada Full-Time $40.24 - $57.68/hr View Full Job Description How to Apply Please apply online at: Queensway Carleton Hospital Requisition No 15801 View Full Job Description Job Description Ensures the delivery of professional nursing care by utilizing evidence based nursing practice Establishes, provides, and evaluating clinical nursing care to patients and family Demonstrating critical thinking in the nursing process while collecting and interpreting data, planning, implementing, and evaluating the plan of care specific to skin, wound or ostomy Provides individual and group education to patients, families/caregivrs and team members Practising to the full scope of practice of the Registered Nurse within own level of competence Has the knowledge, skill and judgment needed to provide competent, evidence-based nursing practice that complies with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Standards of Nursing Practice, QCH Policies and Procedures as well as the standards of care appropriate to his/her area of clinical practice. Demonstrates a commitment to professional continuing education activities Demonstrate QCH values: accountability, innovation, respect Requirements/Qualifications Registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree Current BCLS Graduate of a recognized Canadian wound/ostomy program i.e. Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy Continence Education PRogram (WOC-EP) International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) Certificate or equivalent Thorough knowledge of wound and ostomy products including indications, contraindictions and application Minimum of 3 years recent experience with skin, complex wounds and ostomy management Experience with stoma markings or willingness to learn stoma markings Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills Ability to understand, interpret and carry out verbal and written instructions in the English language Ability to work effectively within the nursing and inter-professional team Demonstrated computer competency PREFERRED: CNA Certification for Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care Experience with clinical documentation in an Electronic Health Record Membership in RNAO Experience as preceptor/mentor Company/Organization Description