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

< Back Manager Medical Education AWM Smith+Nephew Mississauga, ON, Canada Full-Time View Full Job Description How to Apply Please apply online at: Smith+Newphew - Careers Job ID: R80279 View Full Job Description Job Description What will you be doing? As the Medical Education Manager AWM - Canada, you will be responsible for developing and executing high-quality medical education programs tailored for healthcare professionals (HCPs) specializing in Advanced Wound Management (AWM). This includes designing both in-person and virtual training that align with clinical guidelines, evidence-based practices, and business objectives. A key part of the role involves adapting global content to suit local needs while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. You will also be responsible for building relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), selecting faculty members, and supporting their engagement in educational initiatives. Additionally, you will collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams to align training programs with business priorities while leveraging digital education platforms to enhance accessibility and engagement. The role also requires monitoring program effectiveness, managing budgets, and making data-driven improvements to optimize educational outcomes. What will you need to be successful? Success in this role requires a combination of strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Given the need to manage multiple programs simultaneously, strong project management skills will be essential to ensure smooth execution and adherence to compliance standards. Since the role involves working closely with Sales, Marketing, and KOLs, effective communication and relationship-building skills will be necessary to drive engagement and ensure alignment with business objectives. The ability to leverage digital tools and learning management systems (LMS) will be crucial, as virtual and hybrid learning formats play a significant role in the education strategy. Furthermore, an understanding of business acumen will be beneficial in aligning educational initiatives with product launches and commercial goals. Given the requirement to analyze program effectiveness and manage budgets, having strong analytical and problem-solving abilities will help in making data-driven decisions and improving educational impact. Finally, an awareness of compliance regulations and accreditation standards is essential to ensure that all training programs meet industry requirements while maintaining scientific accuracy and integrity.. Requirements/Qualifications Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s degree required; healthcare, wound care, medical devices, or healthcare education background is a plus. Experience in medical device or pharmaceutical sales/marketing is valuable. 3–5 years in medical education, training, or related healthcare field preferred. Clinical knowledge of advanced wound management (AWM) is a plus. Experience with instructional design, HCP training, or CME is beneficial. Travel Requirements: Includes national travel for events and conferences All field professionals that are required to gain entry into healthcare facilities to perform the basic remit of their role, must successfully complete our credentialling process, which often includes COVID 19 vaccine management. Company/Organization Description You. Unlimited. Shape What is Possible in Wound Care We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve. Inclusion, Diversity and Equity- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website ( https://www.smith-nephew.com/ ). Investing In Your Future: RRSP Programs, Tuition Reimbursement Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays, Paid Community Service Day Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

< Back Chief Executive Officer, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) Ottawa, ON, Canada Remote, Full Time View Full Job Description How to Apply To fill this position, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online. For more information, please contact Alexandra McKinney , Consultant of Odgers. We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role. Apply at https://en-careers.odgers.com/en-ca/job/30670/. View Full Job Description Job Description Reporting to the President and the Board of Directors, the new Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership, fiscal oversight, and operational excellence to advance the mission of the organization. Working with a dedicated team of staff and volunteer leaders, the CEO will guide strategic and business planning, ensure sound governance, and oversee financial management, human resources, and organizational operations. The CEO will also build strong partnerships with governments, healthcare organizations, and allied associations to elevate the profile of wound, ostomy and continence nursing across Canada. As the public face of NSWOCC, the CEO will champion advocacy initiatives, expand membership value, and enhance the organization’s visibility through education, outreach, and the advancement of evidence-based nursing practice, ensuring that NSWOCC® sets the standard in clinical wound, ostomy and continence practice excellence, and continues to grow as a respected and influential voice within the Canadian healthcare system. This includes supporting the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC), the official publication of NSWOCC®. Please Note: All NSWOCC® staff, including the CEO, are engaged on a contract basis. In this model, the CEO would operate as an incorporated business. The CEO contract is set for a term of 5years, with annual cost of living adjustments and the opportunity for renewal and continuity based on mutual agreement. Requirements/Qualifications The ideal candidate will be a strategic and inspiring leader with proven experience in healthcare, association management, and the registered charity/not-for-profit sector. With a strong understanding of Canada’s healthcare landscape, they will bring expertise in governance, financial stewardship, and organizational development, coupled with the ability to advance policy and advocacy priorities at national, provincial, and territorial levels. As a collaborative relationship builder, the successful candidate will demonstrate integrity, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to advancing wound, ostomy and continence nursing. They will possess exceptional communication and negotiation skills, strong business and financial acumen, and the ability to engage effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including government, partner associations, and patient organizations. Entrepreneurial and results-driven, the ideal candidate will inspire staff, have a demonstrated ability to work with volunteers, and members alike, while ensuring that NSWOCC®continues to deliver measurable value, visibility, and impact across Canada’s healthcare system. Company/Organization Description Headquartered in Ottawa, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is a national, registered charity that represents nurses and allied health professionals dedicated to advancing the care of Canadians living with challenges in wound, ostomy, and continence health. With more than 1,300 members across every province and territory, NSWOCC® brings together front-line nurses, educators, researchers, administrators, and industry partners who collectively support best practices and improved patient outcomes. NSWOCC wholly owns and operates the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute which provides educational programs, in English and French, to train Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs®) and Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs) and also provides continuing education programs through a Learning Management System. NSWOCC® also manages the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP®) and the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form .

< Back NSWOC Wound Care Nurse - Community ParaMed North York, ON, Canada Full time/Part time 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. 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 comprehensive clinical orientation and hands-on skills labs Celebration and Recognition programs Full-time and Part-time scheduling including every other weekend off Monday to Friday schedule is available for both full-time & part-time roles Comprehensive health and dental benefit plans Company paid mobile devices Mileage compensation Opportunities for career advancement Employee perks and exclusive offers 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 Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy & Continence (NSWOC). International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) may be considered. Registration with the CNO as a Registered Nurse in good standing. Canadian Nurses Association Certification -WOCC(C) – an asset Minimum of 1 year 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) Company/Organization Description

BC & Yukon < Back Rochelle De Clerk BScN, NSWOC BC & Yukon Rochelle De Clerk's love for wound care began in nursing school at Trent University in Ontario. It was during her 2nd year practicum that she realized wound care really interested her. Rochelle moved to BC during her 4th year of nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse in Richmond Hospital in 2009. She has worked in a few different fields of nursing including Cardiac, Medical, and Surgical. Her passion for wound care really began when she became a Community Care Nurse in Salmon Arm, B.C. in 2012. Rochelle was lucky enough to have wonderful NSWOC nurses to mentor and guide her for approximately 8 years. She enrolled in the NSWOC program in 2017 and accepted a position at Vernon Jubilee Hospital as the Acute Care NSWOC in 2018, where she is still currently employed. She has been a member of the Provincial Skin and Wound Committee in B.C. for the past 3 years and truly enjoys learning from her experienced colleagues and also bringing her own knowledge to the group. As the Regional Director for B.C. and Yukon, Rochelle is able to promote change in practice using evidence-based research, monitor and improve cost for therapy and products, and improve the quality of patient care. Her involvement with the Provincial Skin and Wound Committee has allowed her to be involved in the creation of guidelines, procedures, and product information sheets, which directly help the frontline nurses, and other allied health professions, as well as NSWOC nurses. This direct involvement has also taught her how policies and procedures are created and developed, which is a valuable skill to have as a Regional Director for NSWOCC. Current

Office Administrator < Back Zachary Abraham (he/him) MSc Office Administrator Zach holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Western University. His academic and research interests focus on psychiatric epidemiology, and health service utilization, with a particular emphasis on how area-level social conditions influence access to and use of services. Alongside his academic work, Zach has several years of experience in healthcare-related administrative and research roles within non-profit and academic settings. Through this work, he has developed strong skills in research coordination, study design, data analysis, and knowledge synthesis. Zach is interested in bridging research and practice by supporting evidence-informed decision-making in clinical and health system contexts.