Search Results

NSWOCC is initiating a project in developing a document addressing wound packing, tunnel and sinus management in wounds. NSWOCs with 15 plus years of wound care experience are to participate in this project. Evidence informed management of wound packing, tunnel and sinus care is older than 5 years and based on the wound principle of filling dead space and preventing abscess. There is some recent literature on not packing abscesses that have an opening of less than 5 cm. The purpose of the project is to develop a document, tool or consensus statement incorporating key assessment, management and documentation parameters for tunnel and sinus management. Project Details Participation is voluntary and commitment would be meeting monthly, reviewing the literature, discussion of expert practice, determining type of document(s) and the development of document that would assist wound care clinicians in practice on up-to-date tunnel/sinus management. Member Criteria 15 NSWOCs from across Canada with 15 plus years of clinical experience in wound management. Practice in one of the following clinical settings: Long term care Home Care Complex continuing Care Acute Care Leaders: Mary Hill, MN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)Clinical Lead for wound, ostomy, and continence in Integrated Home Care, Calgary AB Dr Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FAPWCA, from UHN in Toronto, Ontario Please reply to NSWOCC office at office@nswoc.ca  if you are interested in participating in this project. Sincerely, Mary Hill, MN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Dr. Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FAPWCA

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Board of Directors has the following NSWOCC Executive Board and Officer positions open: Treasurer Term: 2 years, commencing May 22, 2025. Treasurer 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: SWAN Director Regional Director – British Columbia & Yukon Regional Director – Prairies, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut Term: 2 years, commencing May 22, 2025, with opportunity to run for an additional 2 years. NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2025 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; except the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Director, who shall be a Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Associate of the Association; 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, 2025

In collaboration with the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP) , an Official Interest Group of NSWOCC, we hosted 300 healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public both in-person and online at the Canadian Pressure Injury Summit : “A Nation Under Pressure” , on November 18, 2024. This free event brought together federal and provincial decision-makers, healthcare leaders, and interdisciplinary experts to discuss actionable solutions for Canada’s growing pressure injury concerns. Attendees had dedicated time to network with fellow healthcare professionals, industry experts, and representatives from government and administration during the scheduled breaks. This summit aligned with Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day on November 21, 2024, aimed at raising awareness about pressure injury prevention and educating the public. By participating, attendees contribute to a nationwide effort to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of pressure injury prevention and management. Join the nationwide effort to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of pressure injury prevention & management. We invite you to read and share the meeting proceedings with your colleagues as we work together on improving Pressure Injury prevention and management across Canada. For more information, visit https://cpiap.com/summit

EdemaWear is now listed by Ontario Health atHome, meaning patients across Ontario have widespread access to EdemaWear for compression. Ontario Health atHome Code Size Maximum limb circumference Use Length Stripe colour Product code PS4525 Small 45 cm (18”) Foot to knee or wrist to shoulder 55 cm (22”) Navy stripe CA0600001 PS4526 Medium 75 cm (30”) Foot to groin or wrist to shoulder 86 cm (34”) Yellow stripe CA0960001 PS4527 Large 115 cm (46”) Knee to groin 60 cm (24”) Red stripe CA120L001 PS4528 X Large 150 cm (60”) Knee to groin 60 cm (24”) Aqua stripe CA160XL01 Choosing the correct stockinet size is the most important factor in determining the effectiveness and comfort of EdemaWear. The vast majority of patients use small (PS4525) or medium (PS4526). Ontario Health atHome codes and product descriptions are presented in the table. There are several clinical resources to help guide evidence-informed practice. Renowned Canadian wound care experts Dr. Gary Sibbald and Pat Coutts led the webinar on low compression  following the publication of the study in Advances in Skin & Wound Care on the  Evaluation of Longitudinal and Tubular Compression Treatment for Lower Limb Edema .  The British Columbia Provincial Nursing Skin and Wound Committee has updated the Lower Limb Compression Application product information sheet for EdemaWear. The September 2024 update is available on the Connecting Learners With Knowledge (CLWK) website.   A poster by Rosemary Hill from Lions Gate Hospital in BC discusses a case series demonstrating a reduction in edema in patients using a fuzzy-wale longitudinal compression stockinette. The wider availability of EdemaWear through Ontario Health atHome and the newly revised product information sheet created by the British Columbia Provincial Professional Practice Stream in September 2024 will help ensure patients across Canada can have access to compression where appropriate after assessment of lower limb vascular supply. EdemaWear is brought to you in Canada by Quart Medical. Reference: Sibbald, R. G., Elliott, J. & Coutts, P., & Persaud-Jaimangal, R. (2020). Evaluation of Longitudinal and Tubular Compression Treatment for Lower Limb Edema. Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 33 . 643-649. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASW.0000720264.41419.38

MATRX Seating Line offers  skin protection and positioning cushions for wheelchair users. Cushions in the skin protection category  are designed in a special way, to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries, and demonstrated to be effective through research. MATRX individually molded foam, foam/polymer, and foam/fluid cushions provide superior postural control, functional outcomes, and excellent pressure distribution. Join the webinar  Skin Protection and Positioning with MATRX Wheelchair Cushions   on January 23, 2025 12:00 – 13:00 (EST) to learn about Matrx Wheelchair Seating.    This session will present wheelchair seating concepts important for client safety.  Design of MATRX wheelchair seating will be explored through the links with pressure injury prevention and treatment goals. Case studies will demonstrate examples of collaboration of wound care nurses and rehabilitation professionals that helped heal the wounds. This session is aimed to improve the participants’ understanding of wheelchair seating and strengthen teamwork between the nurses and specialists involved in wheelchair prescriptions.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2024-2025 Mid-Year Report is now available for your review. This report reflects the remarkable progress and achievements of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) over the past year. 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. You will see that NSWOCC has had many accomplishments since we last met in-person during our Annual Members Meeting in May 2024. 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. Looking Ahead : The NSWOCC Board, Core Program leaders, and key staff are continuing to implement the 2024-2027 strategic plan, aiming to sustain a vibrant and growing association. Your continued support is invaluable as we shape the future of NSWOCC together. We also look forward to seeing you at our 44th National Conference at the Hotel Bonaventure in Montréal, QC from May 21-25, 2025. Access the detailed Mid-Year Report on the NSWOCC website or by clicking above. Your feedback is always welcome at office@nswoc.ca . Thank you for being an integral part of our national network! With best regards, Catherine Harley Chief Executive Officer Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada

We’re excited to celebrate a significant milestone for the wound care community! A new set of best practice recommendations has been published in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN) addressing the intricate challenges of managing malignant cutaneous wounds. These wounds, often associated with cancer diagnoses, demand expert care to alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. The publication, titled “ Executive Summary: Topical Management of Malignant Cutaneous Wounds - Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Health Care Professionals Developed by Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (in collaboration with the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association), ”   represents the collaboration of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) and the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association. Authored by a distinguished group of Canadian experts, this comprehensive guide offers 23 evidence-informed recommendations tailored to health care professionals, interdisciplinary teams, and support systems. Abstract: Malignant cutaneous wounds pose unique challenges in patient care, requiring specialized attention to alleviate local symptoms and enhance health-related quality of life. As the prevalence of these wounds continues to rise with improving cancer survival rates, it is essential to establish comprehensive best practice recommendations for their topical management. To address this need, a task force was assembled from across Canada, consisting of members from Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada and the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association. The purpose of these recommendations is to provide a framework for the topical management of malignant cutaneous wounds for health care professionals, emphasizing the substantial role of their support persons. Recognizing the impact of cultural humility and the need to deliver care that respects individual beliefs and practices is crucial in providing effective and equitable care. The 23 presented recommendations aim to guide nurses, the interdisciplinary team, and the health system to enhance the overall quality of malignant cutaneous wound care management. Authors: Debra Johnston, MN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Valerie Chaplain, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Quebec Montfort Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Marilyn Kerr, MClSc-WH, BN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Alberta Seniors Health, Central Zone, Camrose, Alberta, Canada. Jennifer Malley, MN, BN, RN, CHPCN(C), Extra-Mural Program, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Valentina Popov, BN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC (C), ParaMed Home Health Care, Kitchener, Onatrio, Canada. Dawn Ross, BScN, RN, CHPCN(C), Nova Scotia Health Authority, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. Jordan Smart, MClSc-WH, BN, RN, NSWOC WOCC(C), Lethbridge Home Care, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. We extend our congratulations to the authors and encourage everyone in the wound care and palliative care fields to explore this groundbreaking work. Let’s continue advancing excellence in patient care together! Access the publication below.

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to announce that the Canadian Consensus Statement on the Management of Venous Leg Ulcers has been endorsed by our Board of Directors and is currently under review for publication in the International Wound Journal. This Consensus Statement provides a concise, practical guide for clinicians to apply best practices at the bedside, enhancing the quality of care for patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) in a cost-effective manner. We extend our gratitude to the incredible team of experts, including NSWOCC members, who collaborated to create this valuable resource: Access the Document To download the full Canadian Consensus Statement on the Management of Venous Leg Ulcers, visit this link . We sincerely thank Dr. Michael Stacey and the entire panel for their dedication to advancing care for patients with venous leg ulcers. Together, we are shaping a future of improved outcomes for patients across Canada and beyond.

On behalf of The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO): The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) are proud and delighted to announce the publication of the Best Practice Guideline (BPG) Diabetic foot ulcers: Prevention, assessment and management, Third edition. The purpose of this BPG is to provide nurses and members of the interprofessional team, persons at risk of or living with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and their care partners with evidence-based recommendations on the prevention, assessment and management of DFUs. This publication supports the excellence in service that health providers are committed to delivering every day. RNAO is delighted to provide this key resource. To access and download the publication, visit the link below!

On Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) reaffirms its commitment to enhancing skin health and preventing all wounds including pressure injuries in post-acute care settings, including long-term care, community, and primary care. To demonstrate this dedication, and to recognize the role that Personal Support Workers, Healthcare Assistants, and Caregivers play in pressure injury prevention, NSWOCC is proud to offer 200 free registrations to the Personal Support Worker (PSW) and Caregiver Skin Health Course. This will be done on a first come first served basis. This initiative aims to support skin health and wound prevention for our most vulnerable populations. We invite you to take advantage of this free education, and/or to share this message with your peers and colleagues who may be interested in taking advantage of the education themselves. The course is made for Personal Support Workers (PSW), Healthcare Assistants, and Caregivers who are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by patients dealing with MASD, skin tears, and pressure injuries . Learn more about the course at https://www.wocinstitute.ca/psw . To access your free education registration, please complete the form below: https://www.nswoc.ca/psw-course-registration-form . To qualify, the applicant must: Be a Personal Support Worker (PSW), Healthcare Assistant, or Family Caregiver Work in post-acute care (long-term Care, community, complex continuing care, etc.) and/or reside anywhere in Canada NSWOCC thanks you for your dedication to improved patient outcomes!

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to join the worldwide movement to stop pressure injuries by marking Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day  on November 21, 2024 . This global initiative emphasizes the importance of public awareness and education in preventing pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, which affect millions each year and significantly impact patient quality of life. In collaboration with the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP) , an Official Interest Group of NSWOCC, we invite healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to participate online in the Canadian Pressure Injury Summit : “A Nation Under Pressure” . Taking place on Monday, November 18, 2024 , from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET , this free event will bring together federal and provincial decision-makers, healthcare leaders, and interdisciplinary experts to discuss actionable solutions for Canada’s growing pressure injury concerns. It’s important to acknowledge the essential role of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs)  and Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs)  in preventing and managing pressure injuries. NSWOC and SWAN Expertise in Pressure Injury Prevention: NSWOCs and SWANs are uniquely equipped to make a profound impact on pressure injury care: NSWOC Role : With their specialized training, NSWOCs provide high-quality, evidence-based care that reduces hospital-acquired conditions and supports better patient outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs. Their expertise is vital in advocating for and delivering personalized care, which is a crucial factor in preventing and managing pressure injuries across all healthcare settings. For more information about the NSWOC Power of 3, visit www.nswoc.ca/powerof3 SWAN Role : Under the direction of an NSWOC, SWANs deliver individualized patient education on preventing pressure injuries, skin tears, diabetic foot ulcers, and wound management. They assess patients’ pressure injury risk and develop personalized care plans based on patient history, wound classification, and risk factors such as mobility, positioning, and previous skin breakdown. For more information about the SWAN role, visit https://www.wocinstitute.ca/swan-links . Together, we aim to improve healthcare & patient outcomes and alleviate the cost burdens associated with pressure injuries, ensuring quality, sustainable care across Canada. As the prevalence of pressure injuries remains at a concerningly high in Canadian healthcare settings, this Summit aims to rally nationwide support and identify strategies to reduce the occurrence of preventable injuries. Register for the Summit at https://www.cpiap.com/summit  and join us as we work together to STOP Pressure Injuries. For more information, visit www.nswoc.ca  or contact office@nswoc.ca .

Job Posting: Part-time Contract Positions: Academic Advisors – NSWOC Program and SWAN Program The Wound Ostomy Continence Institute is seeking part-time, contracted Academic Advisors for the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOC) Program and the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program. These positions offer an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in nurse education and professional development. Position Details: Academic Advisors for the NSWOC Program & SWAN Program Position Type: Part-time, Contract Application Deadline: November 10, 2024 About the Role: We are seeking experienced Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) with a passion for adult education and student mentorship in an online, paced learning environment. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of recent clinical NSWOC nursing experience, with preference given to those holding a Master’s degree and WOCC(C) certification. Responsibilities: NSWOC Program Academic Advisors: Student Interaction: Engage with students in an online environment to support their learning journey. Course Involvement: Mark assignments and participate in discussion forums. Cohort Management: Oversee progress for up to 25 students per cohort, participating in two cohorts per year (schedule based on course assignment). SWAN Program Academic Advisors: Student Interaction: Provide guidance and support to RPNs/LPNs and Diploma Nurses. Course Involvement: Monitor student progress and offer feedback. Cohort Management: Work with up to 25 students per cohort, with intakes in September and January. Why apply? This position offers a unique chance to be part of an esteemed academic team, providing essential mentorship and shaping the future of NSWOC and SWAN practitioners in Canada. Application Process: To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by November 10, 2024, to office@nswoc.ca . For more information, contact: Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc, Chair of the Wound Ostomy Continence InstituteEmail: chair@wocinstitute.ca Phone: 613-864-1029 We look forward to welcoming dedicated professionals to our team and continuing to advance nursing education in Canada.