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  • Join NSWOCC in Celebrating Pride Month 2025

    As Pride Month 2025 begins, we at Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) proudly stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This month is a vital time to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and recognize the ongoing mission towards equality & equity. Our commitment at NSWOCC is rooted in the belief that " Every Person Deserves Specialized Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care ." This includes fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels safe, respected, and valued. At NSWOCC, we believe that true celebration of Pride goes beyond just words of recognition. In addition, it involves taking actionable steps to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. To achieve equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility among the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community and other marginalized groups, NSWOCC will provide: A Safe Environment:   NSWOCC strives to create an open, inclusive, and equitable environment in which every person has the opportunity to flourish. NSWOCC will support zero-tolerance for discrimination and harassment. Respectful Communication: Enforce respectful communication and cooperation between all constituents.  Support accessible digital communications. Equitable Access: Provide access and information to its Board, Core Program Leaders Members, Students, Partners including Industry, Staff, Faculty, and potential applicants in order that they may support the organization's work. Support architectural access to all for on-site events. Equitable Opportunity: Provide equitable opportunity for inclusivity. Have Leaders, Members, Students, Volunteers and Staff who reflect the increasingly diverse population that we serve bringing a broad scope of contributions. Offer opportunities that engage all Members and Students in the work of NSWOCC.  Supporting Policies: Develop and align policies and practices tailored to marginalized and racialized groups. Cultural Safety Practices:  Explore, develop, and implement cultural safety practices. Cultural humility and Safety: this is achieved by a genuine attempt to understand the individual as it relates to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education and or religion. Ultimately, Pride Month is not just about the past and present; it's also about paving the way for a more inclusive future. As Pride Month unfolds, let's remember that each step toward inclusivity and understanding makes a difference. On behalf of NSWOCC, we wish you a safe and happy Pride Month! 2SLGBTQIA+ Basics course for Health Care Professionals We encourage you to learn more about how you can provide better care via our on-demand 2SLGBTQIA+ Basics course for Health Care Professionals at https://www.wocinstitute.ca/2slgbtqia . Course outcomes: Learn the facts regarding gender, sexuality, and sex assigned at birth. Increase your knowledge of current language and terminology used by and within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Improve your ability to practice cultural humility and provide care that is inclusive, gender-affirming, and trauma-informed. Enhance your capacity to advocate for change within the work environment. Gain confidence in your ability to provide a safe space for all patients.

  • Apply Now: Norma N. Gill Foundation® WCET® Congress Travel Scholarship

    Looking forward to the WCET® - NSWOCC® 2026 Biennial Joint Congress in Vancouver, BC, we're excited to announce the opening of applications for the Norma N. Gill Foundation® WCET® Congress Travel Scholarship (CTS). This scholarship is available to WCET Members with at least two years of membership. Don’t miss this chance to secure funding for your travel to the Congress. Key Details: Application Deadline:  June 15, 2025, at 5:00 pm EDT Eligibility Criteria: Member of WCET® for at least 2 years prior to application Completed a WCET® recognized education program (e.g., WOC-EP/NSWOC Program) or similar qualification in stoma, wound, and continence nursing Responsible for ET nursing in your hospital/community or have a strong interest in developing ET nursing in your country For more details and to apply, visit  WCET® Congress Travel Scholarship Application . We encourage all eligible members to apply promptly. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Norma N. Gill Committee at  nngf@wcetn.org  or  admin@wcetn.org . Registration & Call for Abstracts Registration for the Congress opens early Fall 2025! To learn more about the Congress, and to submit an abstract, please visit  https://www.nswoc.ca/joint-congress-2026 .

  • NSWOCC Celebrates CEO Cathy Harley, Academic Chair Kimberly LeBlanc, Past President Marcia Leard and Atlantic Regional Director Denise Nicholson on King Charles III Coronation Medal

    Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to congratulate our CEO, Cathy Harley, Academic Chair, Kimberly LeBlanc, Past President Marcia Leard, and Atlantic Regional Director, Denise Nicholson on being awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This national honour recognizes their extraordinary dedication and countless hours of volunteerism in service to nursing and health care in Canada and beyond. Presented by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the Coronation Medal celebrates individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact through leadership, service, and a commitment to values shared by His Majesty King Charles III and Canadians — including community service, equity, environmental stewardship, and inclusion. Cathy Harley For more than two decades, Cathy has quietly and tirelessly advanced the field of wound, ostomy, and continence care — always working behind the scenes and never seeking the spotlight. Her leadership has profoundly shaped the direction of NSWOCC, strengthened nursing in Canada, and inspired health professionals across the globe. Her impact is immeasurable — not only within NSWOCC, but throughout the Canadian and global health care communities. Last year, at our 43rd National Conference in Calgary, we celebrated Cathy’s 20 years of dedicated service to NSWOCC. Today, we are honoured to see her commitment recognized on a national stage. Kimberly LeBlanc Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc is a trailblazer in nursing whose leadership has left an indelible mark on wound, ostomy, and continence care — both in Canada and around the world. A globally respected educator, researcher, and clinician, Kim has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge, practice, and innovation in health care. As the current Academic Chair of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute and President of the Canadian Nurses Association, Kim continues to shape the future of nursing with passion and purpose. Her influence extends across academic institutions, professional organizations, and global networks, where her voice is recognized as one of clarity, expertise, and vision. Marcia Leard Marcia Leard is a native of Prince Edward Island and was an NSWOC at the Prince County Hospital in Summerside, PE since 2003. She graduated from the A J McMaster School of Nursing in Moncton NB in 1989 and completed her Bachelors Degree in Nursing Science at Brandon University in 1995. Marcia has experienced a diverse career including positions in emergency, obstetrics, med- surg, peds and nursing station relief in northwestern Ontario, but was thrilled to return home in 2001 and work in her home town. Marcia awarded the prestigious King Charles III Commemorative Medal for her remarkable contributions to nursing in Prince Edward Island. Marcia was recognized alongside Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island Dr. Wassim Salamoun. About Denise Denise Nicholson’s journey into wound, ostomy, and continence care has been shaped by deep personal experience, professional dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives. From her early days on a surgical unit in Fredericton to her current role as Atlantic Regional Director for NSWOCC, Denise’s passion has only grown stronger with time. Since graduating as an ET in 2016, Denise has been a driving force for change in New Brunswick and beyond. Her volunteerism, including with the Ostomy Youth Camp and local support groups, reflects a heartfelt commitment to community, compassion, and care. We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Cathy, Kim, and Denise on this well-deserved recognition. Your legacies of service continues to inspire us all.

  • Celebrating National Nursing Week 2025!

    From May 12–18, NSWOCC is proud to join the Canadian Nurses Association and communities across the country in celebrating National Nursing Week 2025. National Nursing Week annual celebrations take place from the Monday to the Sunday of the same week as Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. This year’s theme, The Power of Nurses to Transform Health, shines a spotlight on the vital role nurses play in shaping the future of health care, fostering innovation, and championing patient-focused care. This special week is a chance to acknowledge and appreciate the unwavering commitment and essential work of nurses both nationwide and around the globe. NSWOCC is incredibly proud of the nurses in our membership—our NSWOCC family. Whether you are supporting patients in wound, ostomy, or continence care, mentoring future leaders, or advancing practice through research and advocacy, you are making a meaningful difference every day. Wishing each and every one of you a joyful and empowering National Nursing Week! To learn more and join the celebration with us and the Canadian Nurses Association, visit: https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/news-events/national-nursing-week

  • Notice of NSWOCC 2025 Annual Membership Meeting (AMM)

    This is the official notice of the Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Annual Members Meeting (AMM) taking place Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 5:00PM – 6:30 PM EDT in-person at the Hotel Bonaventure Montréal, Montréal, QC (located in the Place Bonaventure) 900 Rue De la Gauchetière O, Montréal, QC H5A 1E4. This AMM meeting will be held as a part of the 44th NSWOCC National Conference taking place May 21-25, 2025, as an in-person conference. After the AMM, we invite everyone to attend our Posters & Products Innovation Expo where food and refreshments will be available. All NSWOCC Members are welcome to attend if their membership status is current. NSWOCC Members are titled " Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Member " in the membership database. For the full description of voting Members, please refer to NSWOCC Operating By-law 1-3.01 Classes and Conditions of Membership. All Members (both in-person and electronically over Zoom) will have 1 vote.  The following Associates are also welcome to attend as non-voting participants: Allied Healthcare Professional Associate Full-time Student Nurse Associate Government/Administrative Professionals Associate Industry Associate Industry Associate Plus International Associate NSWOC Student Associate Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Associate Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Student Associate Please make sure that you renew your membership today by logging into your membership account at https://membersnswoc.ca/ . To become an NSWOCC Member or Associate, visit https://www.nswoc.ca/become-a-member . HOW TO RSVP Make sure to RSVP to make your vote count and your voice heard, as well as to learn about key association business, and celebrate successes. Food will be available immediately following the meeting. In addition to being held in-person, the 2025 AMM will also be held via Zoom Webinar in order to include those Members who were unable to travel to Montreal, QC. For those unable to attend in-person, Members may still RSVP in advance to attend the meeting on Zoom. Associates are not able to attend online.  Only current, active NSWOCC Members will be eligible to vote. All NSWOCC Members will be accommodated; however, and walk-ins can register at the door if they are unable to register in advance of the AMM. To attend either in-person or on Zoom, please RSVP by clicking below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mVaLNxXCQweC6xZVMcmMJA 2025 AMM Members Package NSWOCC Members can access the 2025 AMM Members Package by clicking the files below, or by logging into your membership account at  https://membersnswoc.ca/ . The package contains the Annual Members Meeting Agenda, the NSWOCC 2024-2025 Annual Report, the draft NSWOCC 2024 AMM Meeting Minutes, and the 2024 Election Slate of Directors and Officers of the Association. 2025 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! You can now access the 2025 Annual Report by clicking the file below.  Please review the package carefully prior to the May 22, 2025 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

  • Unveiling the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC)

    The mission statement of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is “ Leading excellence is our passion, enhancing lives is our inspiration, Innovation is our commitment.” We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to excellence & innovation by introducing the new official journal of NSWOCC: the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) . The CJWOC represents a bold leap forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence in wound, ostomy and continence care. This exciting transformation marks a significant milestone, replacing the NSWOC Advance with a more scientific and academically focused journal.The CJWOC is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal with no article processing fees for authors, offering a platform for Canadian clinicians to share cutting-edge research, critical insights, and innovative practices in wound, ostomy, and continence. We encourage you to explore this publication and consider how the innovative and creative ways in which you practice could make for an informative and educational article.   NSWOCC Members can read the first, Spring 2025 issue by clicking the cover image in this email, accessing it directly via your membership account at www.membersnswoc.ca , or by visiting our dedicated CJWOC website at  https://cjwoc.ca/ . This dedicated site allows you to to access the latest issue, submit manuscripts, and more! This issue features the following peer-reviewed articles: "SCI-IEQCC Network and SCI-Ontario: Working Together to Develop and Implement a Skin Check Video Resource for Pressure Injury Prevention in Spinal Cord Injury" "The Canadian Wound Care Education Framework" Calling all authors! The CJWOC publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts on topics related to wound, ostomy and continence nursing practice. Submit your clinical article or case study now and share your research and experiences with colleagues across Canada. As an NSWOCC member, one of the amazing membership benefits is support for publishing clinical cases, articles, research, and more! Our editor-in-chief is able to help you with writing and publishing your ideas, even if you're a novice writer.  For further information about submissions or general inquiries, please contact: Lina Martins, MScN, BScN, RN, WOCC(C) cjwoc@nswoc.ca Thank you to the Editorial Board for their effort in launching this journal!   Lina Martins, MScN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) CJWOC Editor-in-Chief / Éditrice en chef du JCPSC JWOCN Canadian Feature Section Editor / Éditrice de la section canadienne du JWOCN Editorial Board Member for Ontario / Membre de l'équipe éditoriale de l'Ontario Louise Forest-Lalande, inf., MEd., stomothérapeute French Editor / Éditrice (français) Editorial Board Member for Québec & Atlantic Canada / Membre de l'équipe éditoriale du Québec et des Maritimes Julie Gagnon, inf., MScN, stomothérapeute  French Language Associate / Collaboratrice (français) Karen Campbell, PhD, MScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Editorial Board Member for British Columbia & Yukon / Membre de l'équipe éditoriale de la Colombie-Britannique et du Yukon Kevin Woo, PhD, RN, FAPWCA, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Editorial Board Member for Prairies, Northwest Territories, & Nunavut / Membre de l'équipe éditoriale des Prairies, des Territoires du Nord-Ouest et du Nunavut

  • Introducing the WOC Review Podcast - A New Voice in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care

    The mission statement of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is “Leading excellence is our passion, enhancing lives is our inspiration, Innovation is our commitment.” As part of this ongoing mission, we are excited to announce the launch of the WOC Review Podcast , the official podcast of the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) . The CJWOC  represents a bold leap forward, shifting the focus from the previous NSWOC Advance  to a more academically-driven, scientific platform. The CJWOC is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, allowing Canadian clinicians to share cutting-edge research, critical insights, and innovative practices in wound, ostomy, and continence care. The WOC Review Podcast  is a vital extension of this commitment, offering listeners expert insights through episodes that delve into key topics featured in the journal. Hosted on our CJWOC site , the podcast covers a variety of themes: Crossroads  – Exploring intersections of wound, ostomy, and continence care Tissue Issues  – Focused on wound care and prevention Brief Exchanges  – Addressing continence management Gut Feelings  – Delving into ostomy care and innovation Current Episodes: Episode 1: Welcome to the WOC Review An introduction to the WOC Review podcast, outlining our mission to advance wound, ostomy, and continence care. Listen at https://cjwoc.ca/index.php/cjwoc/podcast Episode 2: Building the Foundation: Canada’s Wound Care Education Framework   A deep dive into Canada's new wound care education framework, designed to standardize and elevate training for healthcare professionals. [Related Article: The Canadian Wound Care Education Framework ] Listen at https://cjwoc.ca/index.php/cjwoc/podcast Episode 3: Lights, Camera, Skin Check: Preventing Pressure Injuries Discussing innovative strategies for preventing pressure injuries. [Related Article: SCI-IEQCC Network and SCI-Ontario: Working Together to Develop and Implement a Skin Check Video Resource for Pressure Injury Prevention in Spinal Cord Injury ] Listen at https://cjwoc.ca/index.php/cjwoc/podcast We invite you to subscribe  and listen to all episodes directly on our CJWOC podcast page . Read the CJWOC NSWOCC Members:  You can access the first Spring 2025 issue by clicking the cover image in this post, visiting your membership account , or heading over to our dedicated CJWOC  website at https://cjwoc.ca/index.php/cjwoc/index for the latest updates, manuscript submissions, and more.

  • Attend the 2025 Summit on Atopic Dermatitis - a FREE virtual conference

    Date:  Saturday, May 10, 2025 Time:  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET Location:  Virtual (Free to attend) Register Now:   Click here to register Download the Agenda:   skinspectrum.ca/ad As an NSWOCC Member, you play a key role in the early recognition, education, and support of patients and families impacted by chronic skin conditions. That’s why we’re encouraging all NSWOCC Members to attend the 2025 Summit on Atopic Dermatitis —a free, virtual half-day event designed to provide comprehensive, up-to-date education on one of the most common and complex inflammatory skin conditions. Why Attend? This year’s summit seeks to address the gaps in clinical education  surrounding atopic dermatitis (AD) —especially across the skin spectrum. The agenda includes expert-led sessions focused on: Recognizing AD  in various skin tones Communicating with families and caregivers Managing pediatric patients  with AD Identifying common triggers  and comorbidities Understanding the latest available therapies You’ll gain practical knowledge and clinical tools to improve your ability to support diverse patient populations, especially children, in both acute and community care settings. Learning Objectives By the end of the summit, attendees will be able to: Confidently diagnose AD across a range of skin types Use effective communication strategies with pediatric patients and families Implement treatment and prevention protocols  tailored to diverse patients Evaluate the latest therapies  and how they may fit into your practice Recognize and manage common triggers  of flare-ups How to Participate Attendance is free, and registration is now open! 👉 Click here to register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1417442159837/WN_OLhH8xVtSTyOpqj6hF0WMA#/registration 📄 Download the full program  to preview session topics and timing. A Must-Attend for NSWOCC Members Whether you’re working in acute care, long-term care, or the community, this summit offers essential learning that aligns with our mission to advance skin health and improve patient outcomes. Don’t miss the opportunity to deepen your understanding of AD and build greater confidence in managing this chronic condition.

  • NSWOCC Members are invited to the 37th Annual Urology Excellence Conference

    On behalf of the Canadian Urological Association (CUA) and the Urology Nurses of Canada (UNC), we are pleased to extend a special invitation for NSWOCC Members to attend the upcoming 37th Annual Urology Excellence Conference , held in partnership with the CUA, on Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario. This collaborative event brings together leading urology professionals, researchers, and nurses from across Canada for a full day of expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and educational programming tailored to frontline care providers. 🗓 Event Highlights – Friday, June 27: A Tool for Preventing and Diagnosing UTIs – Fran Stewart, RN, NCA Cognitive Biases in Urologic Care – Dr. Mike Leverage Practical Teaching for Clean Intermittent Catheterization – Susan Kuhl, RN Peri-Operative Care for Trans and Gender Diverse Patients – Dr. Alexi Millman Managing Sexual Dysfunction in Prostate Cancer Survivors – Dr. Gerry Brock UNC AGM, Awards Ceremony, and Exhibitor Networking 🎟 Registration Includes: Full-day access to the Urology Excellence Conference (June 27) Admission to the CUA Scientific Program (June 28–29) Welcome Reception at the National Arts Centre (June 27) Special Rate for UNC Members: $275 Non-Member Rate: $375 Register today at https://unc.org/registration/ We encourage NSWOCC Members interested in urological health, continence care, and interdisciplinary learning to take advantage of this exceptional event in the heart of Canada’s capital.

  • What to do in Montreal During the National Conference

    By Jessica Jones, RN, BN, stomothérapeute, WOCC(C) The National Conference is just one way to enjoy Montréal! One of our Membership Core Program Members, Jessica Jones, RN, BN, stomothérapeute, WOCC(C), put together a list of things to do and places to eat to make your Things to do: Botanical Gardens (Viau or Pie IX metro); by the end of May the garden should be starting to spring into bloom. This site also boasts Olympic stadium, the biodome, planetarium and insectarium (buy a combined ticket to save money) as well as Saputo stadium, home of the Montreal impact if you want to catch a soccer game.  Atwater Market (Lionel Groulx Metro). La Grande roue de Montreal; enjoy sweeping city views.  Old Montreal, Old Port and Notre Dame Basilica; wander around this area on foot and enjoy the historic side of Montreal with its impressive architecture, street performers and food trucks. Spa Bota Bota; after 5 days of conference unwind at this spa located on a boat in the St-Laurence. Oratoire Saint-Joseph (Cote des Neiges Metro); whether or not you decide to walk up all the stairs on your knees, according to tradition, it is a beautiful walk with stunning views.  Eaton centre, the worlds largest underground mall in case the weather isn’t cooperating. Credit © Sylvie Li - Tourisme Montréal Places to eat: Save La Banquise  (Mont-Royal Metro) unanimously voted the best poutine in Montreal by Quebec NSWOC’s  Schwartz’s Deli  (Sherbrooke Metro) classic Montreal smoke meat.  St-Viateur Bagel  (Mont-Royal Metro) Montreal is famously known for their bagels. Nothing beats one of these fresh out of the oven.  Splurge Garde Manger , upscale tasting menus by famous Montreal Chef Chuck Hughs. Make sure to reserve early.  Saturday afternoon Tea at the Fairmount Queen Elizabeth Hotel : nothing says fancy like tiny sandwiches at the hotel where John and Yoko had their famous anti-war bed-in in 1969. Credit © Alison Slattery - Tourisme Montréal Credit © Laurène Tinel - Tourisme Montréal

  • Marcia Leard, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Honoured with King Charles III Commemorative Medal

    On April 3, 2025, Marcia Leard, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Past President of NSWOCC, was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Commemorative Medal for her remarkable contributions to nursing in Prince Edward Island. Marcia was recognized alongside Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island Dr. Wassim Salamoun. The Coronation Medal celebrates the ascension of His Majesty King Charles III to the throne of Canada and is overseen by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall. It is awarded to individuals who have significantly enhanced their community, province, territory, or Canada as a whole, or who have achieved extraordinary success internationally, bringing credit to Canada. Congratulations, Marcia, on this well-deserved honour! #TeamNSWOC

  • NSWOC Week 2025: April 14-18, 2025

    Team Canada: NSWOCs bring the gold standard to your interprofessional team #TeamNSWOC Click the image to download it. NSWOC Week 2025 is fast approaching, and this year’s theme, " Team Canada: NSWOCs bring the gold standard to your interprofessional team ," shines a spotlight on the essential role Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) play in delivering high-quality care to all wound, ostomy and continence patients across Canada. Why NSWOCs are Essential to Interprofessional Teams NSWOCs bring an unparalleled level of expertise to the healthcare teams they are a part of. With their tri-specialization in wound care, ostomy management, and continence care, NSWOCs ensure that patients facing complex, multifaceted challenges receive the highest standard of care possible. As we celebrate NSWOC Week 2025, it’s important to recognize that NSWOCs are not just providers of direct care—they are leaders in the healthcare system and on interprofessional healthcare teams. Their work goes far beyond patient care, positively influencing interdisciplinary teams through: Evidence-informed leadership  on healthcare teams, guiding decision-making and ensuring cost-effective, high-quality care. Advanced, specialized approaches  to the assessment and management of wounds, ostomies, and continence challenges. Patient education  that empowers individuals and their families to take an active role in their care. Contributions to research , developing protocols, guidelines, and evidence-based practices that shape the future of healthcare. The Impact of NSWOCs on Patient Outcomes (taken from the Power of 3 Campaign) NSWOCs are key to improving the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of healthcare. Studies have shown that home care agencies employing NSWOCs are more likely to see significant improvements in patient outcomes. For example, patients receiving care from NSWOCs experience a notable reduction in pressure injuries, urinary incontinence, and lower extremity ulcers. In fact, pressure injuries are nearly twice as likely to improve, while urinary incontinence shows a 40% improvement, and lower extremity ulcers and surgical wounds improve by 20% to 40% (Westra et al., 2013). Moreover, NSWOCs help patients with ostomies select the right pouching system, tailored to their needs, ostomy type, and abdominal skin contours, thus preventing complications (LeBlanc et al., 2019). They also play a vital role in preventing continence-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and incontinence-associated dermatitis, contributing to better overall care and reducing complications (LeBlanc et al., 2019). The Power of 3: Why NSWOCs Are the Gold Standard You can access the full Power of 3 campaign online, which also has its own presentation file, social media assets, white paper, and more! Visit https://www.nswoc.ca/powerof3 . Join the Celebration: Share Your #TeamNSWOC Story or Nominate an NSWOC for an award! As we look forward to NSWOC Week 2025, let’s take the time to express our gratitude to NSWOCs across Canada. Their contributions—whether in direct care, team leadership, research, or patient education—truly embody the gold standard in Canadian healthcare. We encourage you to join the celebration and recognize your NSWOC colleagues! Share your stories, projects, or recognize someone special by submitting the form below. We’ll feature these NSWOCs and stories on our website or in our newsletter, and you can also nominate an NSWOC for the 2025 NSWOCC Membership Award. Don’t forget to take part in our social media campaign by sharing a photo of yourself and your colleagues using the hashtag #TeamNSWOC . Thank you to all NSWOCs for your unwavering commitment to excellence. Your expertise and dedication make a profound difference, not only in the lives of patients but also in shaping the future of healthcare delivery across Canada. Let’s continue to celebrate and amplify the impact of NSWOCs in our healthcare system! Download the NSWOC Week flyer and campaign materials now! Download the flyer! Click an image to download it. The NSWOC Power of 3 Many points are drawn from the Power of 3 campaign, which also has its own presentation file, social media assets, white paper, and more! To view the Power of 3, please click the button below. Activities related to NSWOC Week 2025 Recognize NSWOCs & Nominate an NSWOC for an Award Want to share an interesting story, project or initiative, or recognize an NSWOC colleague? Submit the form below and we can include it in a featured section on the NSWOCC website and/or in an upcoming newsletter! We would be happy to hear any events, projects, or initiatives you or a colleague are working on. We will make sure to feature it on social media and our website during NSWOC Week. Want to take it one step further? Nominate someone for the 2024-2025 NSWOCC Membership Award! The NSWOCC Membership Award recognizes NSWOCC Members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field of wound, ostomy, and continence care. This annual award celebrates Members who embody the spirit of our specialty through their actions, initiatives, service, leadership, and/or resilience. The award may celebrate those who: Provide exceptional wound, ostomy, and/or continence care to patients. Implement innovative workplace initiatives to improve quality of care. Exhibit outstanding leadership or mentorship to NSWOCs, SWANs, students, and/or colleagues. Share inspiring stories of resilience or perseverance. Undertake any other contributions to the field of wound, ostomy and/or continence deemed worthy of recognition. Nominate them now below! Join the campaign: Submit your photo Be a part of our NSWOC Week campaign posts by sharing a photo of yourself and your colleagues in NSWOC gear - a lab coat, “We Will WOC You” T-Shirts, with an NSWOC mug, or any other gear you have! Share how you are celebrating NSWOC Week using #TeamNSWOC Leading up to NSWOC Week, and during the week, make sure to use the hashtag #TeamNSWOC so we can follow and re-share how you’re celebrating on social media! Follow NSWOCC on Social Media! Don’t forget to follow us too!

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