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- Announcing the launch of the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (CJWOC)!
Starting with its Spring 2025 Issue, the CJWOC will be the official publication of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). Replacing the NSWOC Advance , this peer-reviewed journal represents an important evolution toward a more scientific and academic-focused publication that reflects the high level of research that raises the standard of our wound, ostomy and continence specialty in Canada. The Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (CJWOC) will be published three times per year—in Spring, Fall, and Winter—and is available in both digital and print formats. The journal is indexed in CINAHL and EBSCOhost through EBSCO Publishing, as well as in Cengage Learning/Gale, ensuring wide accessibility for healthcare professionals and researchers. NSWOCC Members can access the first issue! Join the CJWOC Community by submitting a manuscript - First time authors welcome! 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. For more submission information or editorial guidelines, click below or reach out to an Editorial Board representative for free writing and coaching support. Please note that you must review the Editorial Guidelines prior to submitting a manuscript. The license of copyright form and publication release for photographs/diagrams must also be completed in order to submit a manuscript. If you have any questions, please send an email to our Editor-in-Chief at cjwoc@nswoc.ca , copying office@nswoc.ca . Learn more at www.cjwoc.ca .
- A message from WCET: A year to remember and a journey to celebrate
“Happiness is a journey not a destination” – Buddha Laurent Chabal BSc (CBP), RN, OncPall (Cert), Dip (WH), ET, EAWT Specialized Stoma Nurse. Ensemble Hospitalier de la Côte - Morges’ Hospital Lecturer. Geneva School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland. Haute école de santé Genève, HES-SO Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale WCET® President Member of the WCET® Education Committee As we are celebrating the 45th year of the WCET® Journal, this year has a special acknowledgement to my own Nursing and Stoma Nurse journey. As some of you will have heard me say, being a Nurse is my second life. Prior to that I had been a student at the University studying biology and more specifically “Cellular Biology and Physiology”(1). This is a pathway which definitely helped me in my career, even though at the time I had no idea it would, or that it would bring me where I stand today. It was also the time that I moved from France to Switzerland, although since a young age, I had traveled back and forth between these two countries to see my mom’s family on holidays. It has now been 30 years that I became a Nurse. I started at Morges’ Hospital, Switzerland in July 1995. After years of practice on an internal medical unit, and some oncology care, with two years spent in the Hospital’s Pain Control Unit, I was officially certified as a Stoma Nurse in July 2005. I then joined the WCET® Executive Board (EB) in June 2014, at the end of the WCET® Congress held in Gothenburg, Finland. What amazes me is that I am still learning from patients, families and colleagues, even though I am working in the Stoma, Wound and Continence field for more than 20 years (which I started in July 2003 even before being trained). I feel blessed to serve as an Executive Board member for more than 10 years. I am proud of the job done so far: I was instrumental in the revision of the BullETin changing it into the Magazine as it is now I have seen our Journal be professionally translated into 4 languages other than English; thanks to the effort of our Past Immediate President, Dr Elizabeth A Ayello, and the support of Coloplast China regarding its Chinese version, and to Calmoseptine® for its Portuguese and Spanish version. For now, WCET® is still supporting the French version, and all electronic versions (including the English one) which are available via the website(2) in free access. These languages are the top 5 most spoken languages of our membership. Our organization has won 3 prestigious awards in a row, thanks goes to our outstanding members (EB and others, past and present) We joined the International Council of Nurses (ICN) as an affiliate organization, allowing our work to be seen on the international specialty and non-specialty nursing stage Led the creation of the WCET® Past President Advisory Panel Led the WCET® Journal “Best Article of the Year” initiative. Please refer to the next Journal joint message for more information about it. I feel very fortunate to have been Vice-President and President Elect in the COVID-19 period, when we also underwent a change of company management, a challenge we had to deal with as a team, under Dr Elizabeth A. Ayello presidency. I got to work closely with such amazing Wound Ostomy and/or Continence Nurses dedicated to their work, giving their time and energy, without expecting anything in return, for a purpose which goes far beyond themselves. As an EB member have witnessed the celebration of the 100th anniversary of our founder, Norma N. Gill, the 45th birthday of our organization, Sadly I had to witness several pioneers leaving life’s stage – most recently we lost Norma’s daughter, Sally J. Thompson(3) who will be greatly missed. I was honoured to attend the 2024 Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses (WOCN®) Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, where our tri specialty was created from the ground up. In addition, this year marks the 120th anniversary of the Nursing school where I was trained in Geneva, “Le Bon Secours” now called “Haute Ecole de Santé” and the 25th anniversary of the Ensemble Hospitalier de la Côte, where I work as a Clinician. Denise Hibbert will be taking over as the next WCET® President. This year will mark the special attention and follow up on WCET® matters in order to make ready for her to be able to step in at the end of our next WCET® Biennial Congress in 2026, this will be a celebration of our 25th biennial Congress. We will know by the end of this year who our next President Elect will be as the call for nominations has gone out and the election will run in July. I can also say I could not be happier to end my presidency when attending this next biennial congress which will be a WCET-NSWOCC joint congress, held in Vancouver from April 24 to 28, 2026. I feel very confident WCET® will continue its journey in very good hands when the time comes for me to formally pass the torch to Denise and her team. Chabal LO. 2022. WCET® Welcomes new President: Laurent O. Chabal. NSWOC Advance 52(2):52-54 https://wcetn.org/page/ReadJournal Ayello EA & Chabal LO. 2024. Sally J (born Gill) Thompson, ET 1 June 1952 - 19 October 2024. WCET® Journal 44(4):11.
- geko™: Unparalleled evidence in support of wound healing
The geko™ Wound Therapy device improves blood flow, reduces edema, and accelerates wound healing. The following are the most recent articles about the geko™ Wound Therapy Device with links to the articles: Harding et al: geko™ device Increases Microcirculatory Flux in Mixed Etiology Leg Ulcers. Advances in Skin & Wound Care 38(1):p 25-30, 1/2 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/ASW.0000000000000261 Link to Paper Collarte A, Dee N . Muscle pump activation for hard-to-heal leg ulcers. J Community Nurs 39(1): 28–36 2025. Link to Paper Stacey MC, Sibbald RG, Evans R. Continuous muscle pump activation by neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve in the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers: A position paper. Int Wound J. 2024 Sep;21(9):e70040. doi: 10.1111/iwj.70040. PMID: 39223104; PMCID: PMC11368661. Link to Paper Tuson R, Metry A, Harding K . Cost-effectiveness analysis of the geko™ device (an NMES technology) in managing venous leg ulcers in UK healthcare settings. Int Wound J. 2024 Oct;21(10): e70048. doi: 10.1111/iwj.70048. PMID: 39396902; PMCID: PMC11471310 Link to Paper Sibbald, R.G., Geng , R., Slomovic , J., Stacey , M. The muscle pump activator device: From evidence to lived experiences. Int Wound J. Volume 21, Issue 8 . 2024. Link to Paper Bull RH, Clements D, Collarte AJ, Harding KG. The impact of a new intervention for venous leg ulcers: A within-patient controlled trial. Int Wound J. 2023;1‐9. doi: 10.1111/iwj.14107 Link to Paper
- In Memoriam: Anne Margaret Voll-Reitzel
It is with heavy hearts that Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) acknowledges the passing of one of our former members, Anne Margaret Voll-Reitzel. Anne graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University in 1987, and over the next 30 years, she dedicated herself to nursing with a focus on providing exceptional care. Anne later completed a Master’s in Clinical Sciences at Western University. In 2007, Anne completed the NSWOC Program (formerly known as ET-NEP). Her career culminated in her role as a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (formerly called Enterostomal Therapist) at Health Sciences North in Sudbury. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Anne's family, friends, and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne's memory may be made to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice in North Bay, an organization close to her heart. Donations can be made here: Nipissing Serenity Hospice - Donate . For those who wish to read more about Anne’s life, please visit her obituary: Anne Margaret VOLL-REITZEL Obituary .
- Celebrating Michelle Buffalo: A Leader in Indigenous Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is privileged to have remarkable leaders who shape the future of healthcare. Today, we shine a well-deserved spotlight on Michelle Buffalo, our Indigenous Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Health Core Program Leader, whose work continues to make a profound impact on Indigenous communities across Canada. In an inspiring feature published in Canadian Nurse , Michelle’s unique journey as a nurse and her deep commitment to serving Indigenous communities are highlighted. As a member of Alberta’s Samson Cree Nation, Michelle has dedicated her career to not only advancing wound, ostomy, and continence care but also to blending cultural sensitivity with specialized skills. Her work in remote communities like Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, where she works with the Nunee Health Board Society, reflects her relentless passion for bridging the gap in healthcare access. Through her work with NSWOCC's Indigenous Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Health Core Program, Michelle has advocated for better healthcare policies and helped create the Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Sharing Circle , which provides resources and education for both patients and healthcare providers. Michelle’s leadership, passion for wound care, and commitment to making healthcare more accessible to Indigenous communities are an inspiration to us all. Read the full article on Michelle’s journey here: First Nations Nurse Brings Wound, Ostomy Care to Indigenous Communities
- Celebrating Dorace Ramage’s retirement from Perfuse Medtec Inc. & over 50 years in healthcare!
Dorace graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1974 and spent over 35 years with London Health Sciences Centre including roles as Operating Room charge nurse in Vascular Surgery, and as an Educational Consultant at CSTAR (Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics). Dorace joined Perfuse in January of 2013 when the geko™ device was first used on humans in Canada. These first uses were in cardiac surgery and transplant. Ultimately, the main focus ended up on wound therapy. She feverishly led the development of educational and clinical initiatives that ultimately lead the geko™ device to be recognized as a standard in wound care. She has been involved in numerous oral and poster presentations, has co-authored many publications, and presented on the geko™ device at local, provincial and national conferences. Dorace has shared her expertise in training hundreds of clinicians in her role as Clinical and Educational consultant at Perfuse Medtec Inc. Dorace is sadly missed by our team, but we are so delighted that she will be able to spend more time with her children, grandchildren and her amazing husband John.
- What is E-Stim for Wound Healing?
E-Stim involves delivering a controlled electrical current directly to a wound or its surrounding tissues using electrodes, Silverlon dressings, and the Micro Z II stimulator. This therapy enhances the body’s natural healing process by improving local circulation, which helps keep the wound clean, deliver fresh nutrients, and promote the generation of new skin. Clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of E-Stim in promoting wound closure. E-Stim, when used in conjunction with the support of NSWOC nurses, is a preferred therapy under Ontario Health @ Home. Contact Maureen McNiece at McNiece TENS for an in-service, protocols, and studies. m.mcniece@mcniecetens.ca 1-800-681-8367 519-681-8367 www.mcniecetens.ca
- Recognizing March 31, 2025 as International Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31st marks International Transgender Day of Visibility , a time to celebrate the contributions of transgender individuals and acknowledge the challenges they continue to face. At NSWOCC, we are committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in wound, ostomy, and continence care. True inclusivity means ensuring that every individual—regardless of gender identity—receives respectful, informed, and equitable healthcare. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive community for all. Let’s continue working together toward a future where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported! In recognition of this day, we are also highlighting Deanna Clatworthy’s workshop at our upcoming National Conference from May 21-25 2025 in Montreal, QC. Learn more and register for this important workshop below! Post-Surgical Care for Gender Diverse Patients and Common Complications of Gender Affirming Surgeries Date & Time Wednesday, May 21st | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Description This insightful session will cover common treatments used for gender dysphoria, their effects, and potential side effects. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of common health issues affecting gender diverse patients, including a thorough review of gender-affirming surgical procedures and the management of post-surgical complications. The workshop aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide inclusive and informed care for gender diverse patients. This workshop aligns with our IDEAs conference theme: Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility shared. It highlights the importance of specialized wound, ostomy, and continence care through an inclusive and diverse lens. Learning Objectives On completion of this workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Identify medications commonly used for medical transition and the side effects that may occur, and how to support a patient who is experiencing negative side effects. 2. Discuss common infections and health issues within the gender diverse community and understand how to treat them. 3. Recognize gender affirming surgical procedures, common complications and how to support patients who are experiencing these complications to avoid wound healing delays and other negative outcomes. Meet the presenter: Deanna Clatworthy, MN, BScN, RN, NP(c) Deanna Clatworthy, is a clinical nurse specialist who specializes in HIV, sexual health and gender affirming care. She attended McMaster University where she completed her BScN and her Addiction Counselling diploma. She attended Western University for her Master in Nursing and is currently completing her Nurse Practitioner diploma there. She also recently completed a post-graduate diploma in Infectious Disease. Deanna is passionate about equitable, accessible and holistic healthcare for marginalized communities. Deanna led the development of two gender-affirming care clinics and has provided gender affirming care to over 1000 gender-diverse patients. Deanna attended GRS Montreal to train in post-surgical care and loves to share her niche knowledge and experience. Limited Spaces Available – Register Now! Pre-conference workshops have limited capacity, and spots are filling fast! If you plan to attend pre-conference workshops on Wednesday, May 21st, or post-conference workshops on Sunday, May 25th, ensure you select your workshops during registration. How to Add a Workshop to Your Registration Visit the registration page Click on a ticket category and log in using the email you previously used for registration. On the following screen (see below), select the appropriate tab: "Wed. Workshops 0900-1200" to add a morning workshop. "Wed. Workshops 1300-1700" to add an afternoon workshop. "Sun. Workshops 0830-1200" to add a Sunday workshop. Please only add tickets for workshops you plan to attend to ensure availability for other attendees. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact Troy at tcurtis@nswoc.ca . Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in providing specialized, inclusive care!
- Introducing New Faces at Hollister: Jasmine Chan and Karen Spencer Join the Hollister Clinical Education Team
As a global healthcare company, Hollister is committed to improving the lives of those who use our products. Our mission centres around providing exceptional products and services to our customers. Jasmine Chan has joined Hollister's Clinical Education Team as a full-time Clinical Support Specialist We are thrilled to introduce Jasmine Chan, who has joined Hollister's Education Team as a full-time Clinical Support Specialist In her new role, Jasmine will manage educational events, provide clinical support to associates and Secure Start/Customer Service Teams, and contribute to the implementation of new clinical programs that set Hollister apart as a valued business partner. Jasmine has begun her studies in the Nurses Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence Educational Program. She graduated from McMaster University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has worked at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Additionally, she taught part-time at Georgian College as a Clinical Instructor. During the pandemic, Jasmine took on the role of Professional Practice Project Lead and Mentor, overseeing 100 externs in their daily tasks and duties. Since joining Hollister in June 2023, she has been dedicated to supporting clinicians and customers through the Secure Start program. Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys hot yoga, hiking, and spending time with friends. She resides in Newmarket with her husband, Ben. Karen Spencer, BN, NSWOC, IIWCC has joined our Clinical Education Team as Clinical Resource Manager Hollister Limited is thrilled to announce that Karen Spencer, BN, NSWOC, IIWCC has joined our Clinical Education Team as Clinical Resource Manager Karen brings over thirty years of dedicated experience in the field of ostomy care. She began her journey in surgical nursing and then earned her Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Certificate from the University of Toronto in 1989. Her extensive clinical background includes acute care and community roles in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she worked with the Manitoba Ostomy Program and St. Boniface Hospital. Additionally, Karen has contributed to the CAET Board in various capacities. In 2004, Karen joined Hollister as a Clinical Resource Manager in Canada. Her career then took her to the United States, where she assumed the role of Director of Global Clinical Education. In this position, Karen has had the privilege of collaborating with nurses worldwide. She has been instrumental in supporting research and developing educational materials and programs for both clinicians and patients, aimed at advancing the ostomy nursing profession and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with an ostomy. Karen's contributions to the field are well-recognized. She has published work on peristomal skin health and convexity and has shared her knowledge through lectures at national and international conferences. We are excited to welcome Karen back to our Canadian team and look forward to the invaluable insights and expertise she will bring to our clinical education initiatives. Karen is excited to reconnect with Canadian NSWOC nurses during her travels and at the upcoming NSWOC Conference. Let's give her a warm welcome back to Canada!
- Honouring Black History Month
The Government of Canada has announced the theme for Black History Month 2025: "Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations." This annual celebration provides an opportunity to recognize and honour the achievements of Black communities across Canada. For more details, visit here . As February marks Black History Month, it is a time to celebrate the diversity and accomplishments of Black Canadians while reflecting on Canada's history and the ongoing challenges faced, including systemic barriers and discrimination. NSWOCC acknowledges the pivotal role of Black nurses in shaping Canada's nursing profession, having spotlighted figures like Dr. Carrie M. Best , Bernise Redmon, and Clotilda Adessa Yakimchuk in past years. This year, under the theme of "uplifting future generations," we commit to addressing healthcare inequities. Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black nurses in healthcare and the need for greater study into wound, ostomy, and continence care for Black and dark-skinned individuals, NSWOCC is holding a panel at our upcoming National Conference titled "Addressing Healthcare Inequities in the Care of Black and Brown Skin,” which will be presented by Lori Zozolotto, BScN, RN, NSWOC, Shelly Philip LaForest, MN, BN, RN, CVAA(c), PhD student, and Dania Versailles, MScN, MScMHNP, BScN, RN, CPMHN(C). This aligns with our conference theme "IDEAs: Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, shared," featuring sessions such as "Assessing Pressure Injuries in Different Skin Tones" and "Skin Tears in People with Different Skin Tones." Explore the full program at NSWOCC Conference 2025 . We are grateful to each panelist and presenter for sharing their knowledge and expertise. We invite you to join us in honouring Black History Month this February. Let's continue this educational journey together this month and as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment.
- Supporting ostomates worldwide: Expanding the impact of the NSWOCC community
At Friends of Ostomates Worldwide Canada (FOWC), our mission is simple: to ensure that ostomates in need have access to life-changing supplies, no matter where they live. Through partnerships with medical professionals, community organizations, and volunteers, we collect and distribute donated ostomy supplies to ostomates in countries where access to supplies is very limited. Today, our shipments support ostomates in Kenya, Ukraine, Iran, and beyond, providing dignity and improved quality of life to thousands. As we launch a new year of activities, we want to take a moment to recognize a leadership transition within our organization. After years of dedicated service, Lorne Aronson has stepped down as our Board Chair. Under his leadership, FOWC expanded its reach, strengthened partnerships, and built a solid foundation for the future. We are incredibly grateful for his vision and tireless advocacy for ostomates worldwide. Stepping into the role is Joel Goldenberg, who brings deep commitment and experience to guide FOWC forward. We are excited for the road ahead under his leadership. FOWC’s impact is only possible because of our generous supporters. If you’d like to learn more about our work, visit our website . We are always eager to accept donations of unused ostomy supplies—if you or someone you know has supplies to contribute, you can find details on how to donate here . Together, we can continue making a difference for ostomates around the world.
- Tips for Submitting an Abstract & Creating a Poster for the NSWOCC 44th National Conference
Whether you’re a seasoned NSWOC or SWAN, or just starting your career, NSWOCC and the WOC Institute want to help you showcase your work and share innovative practices in wound, ostomy, and continence care. Troy Curtis, NSWOCC Director of Operations, and Kimberly LeBlanc, Academic Chair of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, recorded a presentation on tips for writing oral and poster abstracts for the 44th National Conference. You can watch the recording below. We’ve also outlined our key tips and practical strategies to guide you through the abstract creation process in this news post. Submission Guidelines & Deadlines: Oral Abstracts Deadline: February 28, 2025 Poster Abstracts Deadline: March 31, 2025 Submission Link: Submit an Abstract Abstracts must be in English or French and adhere to the conference guidelines (e.g., abstract body should be under 300 words, single-spaced, and free of author identifiers). Read the full guidelines online at https://www.nswoccconference.com/abstracts Topic Areas: NSWOCC welcomes abstracts on topics related to wound, ostomy, incontinence, or leadership—whether your work is research-based, a case study, practice-oriented, or demonstrates nursing leadership within the NSWOC specialty. Define Your Core Message and Purpose Start with a Clear Focus: Identify the unique aspect of your work. For example, you might showcase how a new wound debridement technique significantly improved healing times in your facility. Ensure that your abstract stays focused and aligns with the conference’s formatting and word count requirements. Align With Your Experience: Reflect on your workplace projects or quality improvement initiatives. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a junior nurse, your practical experience can make a strong contribution. Embrace Timely and Hot Topics Current Trends Matter: Discuss emerging trends, such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in patient care. For instance, one long-term care home successfully implemented AI for real-time translation, enhancing communication between multilingual staff and residents. Other examples: Cost-effectiveness in care practices Quality initiatives improving patient outcomes Address “hot topics” currently discussed among NSWOC and SWAN professionals If you’re already involved in research or projects that are already producing measurable outcomes—now is the perfect time to share your insights and submit an abstract. Be Proactive: Remember, research takes time . Starting to consider what research you might want to share early gives you ample time to develop and refine your abstract when abstract submission deadline approach. Consider Timeless Topics Share new approaches to evergreen issues: Consider topics that consistently impact practice. A case series on skin tears or an evaluation of a new patient education program in ostomy care can provide lasting value, for example. Share solutions to common challenges faced by caregivers Consider Scholarly Reviews: Masters or PhD nurses who are already conducting scholarly reviews and research may consider submitting an abstract on scholarly reviews, systematic reviews, etc. Whether you’re detailing a quality improvement project or presenting a systematic review of best practices, these timeless topics not only add to the literature but also pave the way for publishing in the future. Design an Attractive, Clear, and Informative Poster Clarity and Layout: Your poster should clearly present your introduction, research questions, methodology, results, and key findings/conclusions. A balanced layout helps reviewers quickly grasp your findings. Visual Appeal: Use graphs, tables, and photos (with proper patient and facility consent) to support your data. Ensure that visual elements are clear and enhance the readability of your poster. Proper Attribution: Always include the names of your affiliations and any funding or sponsorship details at the bottom of your poster. Use generic terms for products to avoid bias. Reporting Your Research Effectively Complete Your Study Before Submission: Abstracts presenting incomplete research are typically rejected. Ensure that your project is finished and your data fully analyzed. Detail Your Methods and Outcomes: Whether you’re reporting a randomized control trial comparing wound dressings or a case study on innovative ostomy care, describe your methodology, results, and implications for practice clearly and succinctly. Use data and visual aids (charts/graphs) to support your claims Support with Evidence: Support your claims with solid evidence Present Clearly Craft a Compelling Title and Abstract Grab the Reviewer’s Attention: Create a title that is both informative and engaging. For example, “Revolutionizing Wound Healing: A New Protocol in NSWOCC Practice” instantly conveys the significance of your work. Write Succinctly: Remember: more is less. Aim for clear, concise language that delivers your message in fewer words without sacrificing important points. Review and Revise: Have colleagues proofread your abstract. Fine-tuning the language for clarity, avoiding plagiarism, and ensuring adherence to guidelines is crucial for success. Additional Tips: Consent, Ethics, and AI Patient Consent and Ethics: Always secure consent if your abstract includes patient photos or sensitive data. Verify with your facility’s policy regarding ethics, especially for case studies involving more than three individuals. The Role of AI: While AI tools can help with idea generation or checking grammar, avoid relying on them to write your content. Authenticity is key, and over-reliance on AI can lead to inaccuracies or unintended plagiarism. Don’t Be Afraid of Rejection—Embrace Feedback Value Your Unique Perspective: Whether you're new to poster presentations or a seasoned professional, your work is valuable. Rejection is often a result of not meeting specific criteria, not a reflection of your potential. Learn and Improve: Use feedback from reviewers to enhance future submissions. The NSWOCC National Conference is known for its supportive environment, so take advantage of the opportunity to grow and refine your research presentation skills. Stay Confident: Every submission is an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of wound, ostomy, and continence care Ready to Share Your Work? Submit Your Abstract Today! Your research, case study, or quality improvement project can make a significant impact on wound, ostomy, and continence care. We invite all NSWOCC Members—from students to seasoned NSWOCs and SWANs—to submit your abstracts for the 44th National Conference. Oral Abstracts Deadline: February 28, 2025 Poster Abstracts Deadline: March 31, 2025 Submit Here: NSWOCC Abstract Submission Need Assistance? Contact: abstracts@nswoc.ca or reach out directly to Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc at chair@wocinstitute.ca We look forward to seeing your innovative work and learning from your valuable experiences at the conference. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your contributions to advancing NSWOC and SWAN practice!

























