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I’m pleased to announce the arrival of Gladiator Therapeutics in Canada. They have developed wearable devices that harness the power of far infrared technology. Their products can reduce inflammation, increase circulation, prevent tissue necrosis, stimulate healing via stem cell signalling, increase mitochondrial function and improve tissue oxygenation. Furthermore, this technology can be worn 24/7, does not interact with medications, requires no direct or battery power as it is activated by body heat and does not have an end of life. I would encourage you to review the research article https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/11/9/878 which references accelerated wound healing using this technology. I would welcome any inquiries regarding this novel technology and can be reached through the contact information below. Dr Joseph Lawrence Gladiator Therapeutics Canada gladiatorfir@gmail.com

The long-term care (LTC) system in Ontario is facing a perfect storm. With an aging population, increasing chronic disease rates, and critical infrastructure challenges, the need for reform and innovation in LTC has never been greater. According to a recent report by the Ontario Long Term Care Home Association (OLTCA) , more than 40,000 seniors are currently on waitlists for LTC beds, and the strain on the system is only set to worsen as the population ages. In response to these challenges, specialized nurses like Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) emerge as critical players in addressing the gaps and inefficiencies in Ontario’s LTC sector. The State of Long-Term Care in Ontario Ontario’s long-term care system has been struggling to keep up with the growing demand for services. The OLTCA recently shared a report that highlights several pressing issues: Aging Infrastructure : Around 40% of Ontario's LTC homes are over 40 years old, and the outdated facilities are ill-equipped to meet modern care standards. Understaffing : LTC homes are grappling with insufficient staffing, which leads to increased burnout among healthcare workers and affects the quality of care provided to residents. Waitlists and Bed Shortages : With 40,000 seniors waiting for placement, Ontario's LTC homes are struggling to meet the demand for beds. This often results in seniors staying in hospitals longer than necessary, exacerbating hospital capacity issues and healthcare costs. As Ontario’s population continues to age, the need for a solution becomes even more urgent. One in four Canadians will be elderly by 2036 , and 1 in 13 Ontarians will be over the age of 80 by 2040 , further amplifying the demand for LTC services. The NSWOC Power of 3 Campaign: A Solution for LTC Challenges The NSWOC Power of 3  campaign highlights how Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) can address some of the critical challenges facing the long-term care systems in Ontario, and more broadly across Canada. NSWOCs are registered nurses with advanced training in three key areas: wound, ostomy, and continence care. By leveraging their specialized skills, NSWOCs are uniquely positioned to enhance care quality, reduce complications, and alleviate financial pressures on the healthcare system. Wound Care Expertise: Chronic wounds, pressure injuries, and skin tears are common problems in LTC settings, particularly among elderly residents with limited mobility or cognitive impairments. NSWOCs are equipped with the knowledge and skills to design and implement evidence-based wound care plans that speed healing and prevent further complications. By using advanced products and strategies, NSWOCs can help reduce hospital readmissions due to wound-related complications, which in turn alleviates pressure on hospitals and long-term care facilities alike. Ostomy and Continence Management: Continence and ostomy challenges are prevalent in long-term care, particularly among residents with dementia or other cognitive conditions. NSWOCs play a crucial role in preventing issues like skin breakdown caused by incontinence or improper ostomy care. Through their specialized expertise, NSWOCs ensure that residents receive the most appropriate and cost-effective products, minimizing discomfort and reducing the risk of infections or other complications. This is essential for maintaining residents’ quality of life and preventing avoidable hospitalizations. Addressing Ontario’s Long-Term Care Crisis The NSWOC Power of 3 campaign aligns with OLTCA’s mission to improve long-term care by addressing two key areas of concern: the quality of care provided to residents and the efficiency of the healthcare system as a whole. Cost-Efficient, Evidence-Based Care NSWOCs contribute to cost savings by reducing the likelihood of complications that often lead to hospital transfers. They also play a pivotal role in educating staff and residents’ families on best practices, which leads to more consistent, high-quality care. Given that healthcare spending in Canada exceeds $250 billion annually, with over 35% of provincial/territorial budgets dedicated to healthcare (CIHI, 2018), employing NSWOCs in LTC settings can help control costs while improving the quality of care. Specialized Care for Complex Needs As Ontario’s elderly population grows, LTC facilities face increasingly complex care needs. Older residents are more prone to conditions such as pressure injuries, skin tears, and continence issues, which require a high level of expertise to manage effectively. NSWOCs offer this expertise through their tri-specialization, providing not only direct patient care but also serving as leaders on interdisciplinary healthcare teams. By promoting evidence-informed practices and guiding treatment protocols, NSWOCs help ensure that LTC residents receive the specialized care they need to thrive. Leadership and Research Contributions NSWOCs are not just care providers—they are leaders and researchers who help shape the future of wound, ostomy, and continence care. They contribute to the development of best practices, inform healthcare policies, and conduct research that improves the quality of care provided to patients across the continuum. In Ontario’s LTC homes, where resources are often stretched thin, NSWOCs play a critical role in bridging the gap between clinical practice and the latest advancements in care. Conclusion: A Sustainable Path Forward Ontario’s long-term care system is at a crossroads. With rising demand, aging infrastructure, and persistent staffing challenges, LTC homes need innovative solutions to provide high-quality, cost-efficient care. NSWOCs, through their specialized expertise, offer a practical way to address the unique needs of LTC residents while also easing the financial burden on the broader healthcare system. By integrating more NSWOCs into long-term care settings, Ontario can take meaningful steps toward improving the quality of care for its aging population, reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring a sustainable future for LTC facilities across the province. The NSWOC Power of 3 campaign shines a light on the vital role these specialized nurses play in helping Ontario navigate the complex challenges of long-term care and the broader healthcare landscape. Sources Statistics Canada (1971-2021), Ontario Ministry of Finance Projections. Preyra Solutions Group (PSG), Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA), and Ontario Ministry of Finance Projections. Ontario Caregiver Organization, Spotlight Report 2023 ; Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Your Health System, Caregiver Distress , 2023. Ontario Caregiver Organization, Spotlight Report 2023 . Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Your Health System, New Long-Term Care Residents Who Potentially Could Have Been Cared for at Home . Intellihealth, CCRS main and assessment package 2022/23 data. Data retrieved December 2023. Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, Inspector’s Quality Solution (IQS) Database, January 2024. Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, Client Profile Database (CPRO), July 2024. Ontario Long-Term Care Staffing Study, July 30, 2020. Ontario Health, Wait Times for Long-Term Care . Statistics Canada, Job Vacancies, Payroll Employees, and Job Vacancy Rate by Industry Sector, Monthly, Adjusted for Seasonality , Table 14-10-0406-01, Release Date January 25, 2024. Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA), internal analysis, Fall 2022. Preyra Solutions Group (PSG). Abacus Data, Survey of 1,000 Ontarians Aged 68-76 , May 2023. Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA), The Data , https://www.oltca.com/about-long-term-care/the-data/ . Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), Power of 3 Campaign , https://www.nswoc.ca/powerof3 .

Join NSWOCC in celebrating SWAN™ Week 2024 next week on September 16-20, 2024! We will have a full week of programming, including a introductory kickoff call to celebrate SWANs, multiple webinars, and even journal club! Read more below to register in advance.  The theme of SWAN™ Week 2024 is:   “SWANs Beyond the Bedside: Supporting the transformation of care delivery” SWANs go beyond direct patient care by advocating for individuals, helping them navigate the health care system, and ensuring their voices are heard in care planning and decision-making. With their specialized education, SWANs offer more than just care—they uphold and share best practices that improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall efficiency of the health care system. SWANs help support quality improvement initiatives, using their specialized training to identify gaps in care, while implementing & sharing best practices in wound, ostomy and continence care. SWANs work with NSWOCs to disseminate knowledge related to wound, ostomy and continence care & practice to others while participating in the professional development of SWAN colleagues through peer mentorship. SWANs, in collaboration with NSWOCs, use their specialized skills to support the transformation of wound, ostomy, and continence care, leading to better patient outcomes and a more sustainable health care system for all Canadians.   To celebrate, we encourage you to download, print, and share the SWAN Week Flyer, and share messages on social media using the assets below. Download the social media images Celebrate with us this week! SWAN Week Celebration Call Monday, September 16 7pm ET/4pm PT SWAN Community of Practice Meeting & Info Night Tuesday, September 17 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT Webinar: “Integrating Silver Dressings into the Antimicrobial Toolkit & Tips for Biofilm Eradication” Wednesday, September 18 7pm ET/4pm PT Journal Club: “3D-Printing Applications in Ostomy Device Creation and Complex Intestinal Fistula Management” Wednesday, September 18 8pm ET/5pm PT Webinar: “SWANs in Action: Case Studies & Collaboration Across Canada” Thursday, September 19 7pm ET/4pm PT Learn more about the SWAN™ Role SWAN™s will have an enhanced ability to provide optimal care for individuals with wound, ostomy, and continence issues as members of a collaborative Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) team. The program is designed to provide nurses the ability to become nurse leaders and provide optimal wound, ostomy, and continence care under the direction of the NSWOC, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Wound, Ostomy or Continence).

Fall is nearly here, which means that the application window for the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Certification renewal by continuous learning is now open! If you have previously received your CNA Certification, your credential will only be valid for a five-year term . At the end of five years,  you must renew  by submitting a record of continuous learning hours or rewriting the exam. Unsure how? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about renewing your certification by continuous learning! Why should you renew? The CNA certification  is a nationally recognized nursing specialty credential for nurses. Once certified, you can proudly use the credentials associated with your specialty (WOCC(C) ) after your name. As a CNA-certified nurse, you demonstrate that you "care to be the best", as certified nurses are… Recognized nationally for their practice excellence and commitment to lifelong learning Valued by employers, because their certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and brings many benefits to organizations Viewed as having enhanced professional credibility How do you renew my certification through continuous learning (CL) hours? Continuous learning is a great way to maintain your CNA certification. If you're due for certification renewal, the application window for renewal by continuous learning is open from January 15 to December 15 2024. Did you know? As an NSWOCC Member, you are eligible for additional Exam Prep Benefits and continuous learning hours to make the renewal process seamless. Eligible Continuous Learning Activities By registering as an NSWOCC Member, you automatically gain access to 4 continuous learning hours per year, adding up to a total of 20 hours during the five-year period between certification writing and renewal. Participating in NSWOCC activities can also earn you CL hours: NSWOCC Members Journal Club : Qualifies as CL hours under " Independent Study. " NSWOCC WOC Institute Continuing Education Webinars : Qualifies as CL hours under " Webinars ." WOC Institute Preceptors  are e ligible for CL hours . Professional Publications: Authors of articles, textbook chapters, teaching guides, or Best Practice Recommendations Documents are eligible for CL hours . All NSWOCC Board Members and Core Program Leaders can claim 25 hours of CL activities. If you have any questions or you don’t see an activity you completed, please do not hesitate to contact CNA at certification@cna-aiic.ca . Not a NSWOCC Member? Not to worry! Simply visit the link below to learn more about becoming a member. Did you know? Completing the Advanced Wound Debridement Course counts for 32 hours that you can apply towards your Renewal by Continuous Learning for the WOCC(C) credential through the Canadian Nurses Association! Learn more about this program by clicking the link below. [NEW!] Track Your Learning with NSWOCC: To keep track of your CL hours effortlessly, use our brand new tracking form, Simply log your completed activities and submit them as part of your renewal application at the end of your five-year term. Continuous Learning (CL) Activities — General Guidelines: The CNA Certification Program offers flexibility in the type of CL activities you can count toward renewing your certification credential. Here are some key guidelines: CL activities must relate to improving knowledge and skills in your nursing practice specialty. Each CL activity must be completed within the five-year certification term. Count one CL hour for each clock hour. Count any CL activities that are 30 minutes or longer. No pre-authorization is required to count your CL activities. Count the same CL activity only once during the five-year term, unless it’s at a higher level. At NSWOCC, we are here to support you in your journey toward CNA renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Please feel free to reach out to office@nswoc.ca  or chair@wocinstitute.ca  with any questions or concerns.

Can you believe it? It's that time of the year again - the application window for the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) certification exam is now open! This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information that you need to achieve this nationally-recognized certification, and, for NSWOC students completing the program, apply to graduate. Let's get started! What is the CNA certification? The CNA certification  is a nationally recognized nursing specialty credential for nurses. Once certified, you can proudly use the credentials associated with your specialty (WOCC(C) ) after your name. As a CNA-certified nurse, you demonstrate that you "care to be the best", as certified nurses are… Recognized nationally for their practice excellence and commitment to lifelong learning Valued by employers, because their certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and brings many benefits to organizations Viewed as having enhanced professional credibility How do you achieve your initial certification? To become certified, you must pass a rigorous computer-based exam. For those aiming to write their initial certification exam this Fall, the application period is open from June 10 to September 30. The exam writing window will take place from November 1 to 15, and you can expect to receive your results in December. If you become certified, your credential will be valid for a five-year term. At the end of five years,  you can renew  by submitting a record of continuous learning hours or rewriting the exam. How can you prepare for the exam? Take the NSWOC Prep Course: Prepare confidently for the CNA Certification Exam with our comprehensive NSWOC Prep Course. The course includes a review of core competencies, relevant wound, ostomy, and continence curriculum, sample exam questions, and a dedicated study group for support. To access the course, log in to www.nswoc.ca  and visit the "Members Login" area. Click on "View available downloads" in the left-hand sidebar and select "NSWOCC CNA Certification Prep Course." Join the Online Study Group: As an NSWOCC Member, you have the added benefit of joining the NSWOCC CNA Certification Exam study group. For joining this supportive community, please contact chair@wocinstitute.ca . Not a NSWOCC Member yet? Don't worry! You can easily register to become a member by clicking the link below. What else do you need to do? Don't forget! If you are an NSWOC student with a plan to complete our program this Fall, you must apply to graduate . Once you have provided proof of (CNA) WOCC(C) certification exam registration, you can submit your application to graduate using the link below. Please note graduation occurs annually during the NSWOCC Conference in May of each year. As this exam season, we want to wish all of you the best of luck in your studies. Remember, this is your time to shine and show all the hard work and dedication you've put in throughout the term. Good luck, and we’re cheering for you every step of the way!

We are happy to share that several new job postings for NSWOCs and other healthcare positions have now been posted on our website. These postings range in terms of roles and locations across Canada. If you are looking for the next big step in your career, then make sure to visit our jobs page to see what positions are open near you! New postings include… Registered Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care Dufferin Area Family Health Team Orangeville, ON, Canada Business Development Coordinator Kane Biotech Canada Registered Nurse Niagara Health Clinical Practice Consultant – Wound, Ostomy & Continence (WOC) Permanent, Interior Health Cranbrook, BC, Canada Want to post healthcare job on the NSWOCC website? Please submit the form below!

On June 7, 2024, over 100 patients, health care administration, government and academic decision makers, senior nurses from acute care, community and continuing care, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs), and industry came together to address the access to specialized wound, ostomy, and continence care in Ontario in order to: provide the current status on best practices in wound, ostomy and continence within the Province of Ontario; evaluate a patient’s experience living with an ostomy in the Province of Ontario; determine the economic burden for people living with an ostomy through the review of the ostomy impact study; discuss the delivery of quality care supporting a positive patient experience in the Ontario home care setting; and discuss interprofessional wound, ostomy, and continence innovation in the Province of Ontario. This proceedings report summarizes the state of wound, ostomy, and continence care across Ontario. It emphasizes the need for access to specialized, interprofessional, and collaborative care. As Ontarians, we must advocate together for improvements in care and how health care dollars are spent to reduce the patient and economic burden. We invite you to access the meeting proceedings and to share this report with your colleagues.

Ottawa, July 18, 2024 – We are pleased to announce that Mr. Jonathan Mancor of Ottawa, Ontario has filled the position of the NSWOCC Executive Assistant. Jonathan  graduated from John Abbott College in Montreal with a diploma in Graphic and Web Design. He then went on to attend Algonquin College where he graduated in Internet Applications and Web Development. He is currently completing a bachelor of science in computing and information systems at Athabasca University. Jonathan has experience working in marketing within the healthcare sector. He previously worked for Orleans Family Health Clinic where he worked with pharmacists and healthcare professionals. He has also held a marketing role with Jean Coutu Pharmacy in Ottawa. Most recently, Jonathan worked in marketing for Kardish Health Food where he was responsible for campaigns relating to health food. Jonathan will report to the NSWOCC CEO Catherine Harley and he will work with with Catherine, Troy Curtis, the Director of Operations for NSWOCC, and Kimberly LeBlanc, the WOC Institute Chair to support NSWOCC initiatives. We look forward to having Jonathan as a part of the NSWOCC team where he will apply his knowledge and skill set to advancing the NSWOCC and the specialized nurses that we serve. Please join us in welcoming Jonathan to NSWOCC! About NSWOCC and the WOC Institute Nurses Specializing in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity association for over 700 nurses specializing in the nursing care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence. The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute is wholly owned and operated by the NSWOCC. For more information, please visit www.nswoc.ca and www.wocinstitute.ca or email office@nswoc.ca.

In collaboration with the UK-based Society of Tissue Viability, we are proud to announce the publication of a brand new article:  The development of international Wound Debridement Best Practice Recommendations: Consensus between Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada and the Society of Tissue Viability. Through the efforts of a working group brought together between The Society of Tissue Viability and NSWOCC with The NSWOCC Canadian Debridement Best Practices Recommendations document as our guide, this article serves as a comprehensive resource on all types of debridement. For Tissue Viability Nurses, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs), Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners with a foundation in wound care, and SWANs with a foundation in wound care, this article is for you! Let’s learn more about it below: Abstract Debridement is an important component of wound management and can improve outcomes for patients. Debridement needs to be done by an appropriately trained health professional, but the scope of practice, credentials, training, competencies, and regulatory requirements regarding wound debridement can differ. Best Practice Recommendations were created to positively influence patient safety related to all methods of debridement, across the continuum of care, and to be implemented widely by nurses at all professional levels in Canada. Article Highlights Wound debridement, when carried out by a trained and competent healthcare professional, can improve wound healing and patient outcomes. Best practice recommendations for wound debridement were created for nurses in Canada. Delphi methods were used to develop 15 consensus statements, so they are standardised and relevant on an international level, for all healthcare professionals who perform wound debridement. To read the full article and learn more about this important topic, simply visit the link below. Happy reading!

We are pleased to announce a significant development regarding the availability of specialized Medina Catheters (curved and straight) for people living with a Kock Pouch in Canada. Over the past eight months, we have been in discussions with Health Canada to address the lack of these essential supplies since the previous supplier's acquisition by a Swedish company. Today, we had a successful meeting with Health Canada and have identified a solution that allows Canadians with a Kock Pouch to access these specialized catheters without needing to order from the USA or Europe. To inform you about how to access these catheters, we will be holding several information sessions. The dates and times for these sessions are as follows: July 29 at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT: RSVP on Zoom August 1 at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT: RSVP on Zoom August 8 at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT: RSVP on Zoom September 4 at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT: RSVP on Zoom If you are interested in attending one of these information sessions, please RSVP on Zoom using the provided links. Warm regards, Cathy Harley (she/her) Chief Executive Officer Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)

The NSWOCC Board of Directors is seeking a Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) interested in raising awareness of the SWAN role and building the SWAN Community of Practice. The primary focus is to advance the profession of SWANs across Canada. This community aims to bring SWANs together to discuss the SWAN role, identify areas requiring advocacy, and create opportunities for SWANs to enhance their knowledge and skills, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain an understanding of governance. Objectives: Unite SWANs in a community of practice to identify issues and advocate for change. Identify opportunities for SWAN Associates in wound, ostomy, and continence care, develop supporting projects, and implement them. Provide a forum to develop strategies for promoting the SWAN role, raising awareness, and demonstrating the value of SWANs in the Canadian healthcare system. Responsibilities to the Board: Attend fall annual face-to-face board meetings as a non-voting participant. Report to the board and membership on the activities of the SWAN Community of Practice through annual and mid-year written reports. Follow direction from the Board of Directors to develop and implement projects based on the current Strategic and Operational plans. Responsibilities to the Core Program: Provide leadership for the SWAN Community of Practice by organizing monthly meetings (except in July and August) and setting project goals and timelines. Establish annual core program goals, objectives, and timelines as directed by the NSWOCC Board of Directors. Recruit interested NSWOCC SWAN Associates to form project teams addressing specific deliverables. Match volunteers to appropriate portfolios/projects. Monitor progress towards identified goals and objectives. Maintain communication between the SWAN Community of Practice and the board. Collaborate with the Board to develop and maintain a succession planning process for the core program leader to ensure smooth transitions and continuation of ongoing projects. Qualifications: RPN/LPN or Diploma RN Graduate of the NSWOCC Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program Active NSWOCC Associate in good standing Term: 2-year term with the option of a second, 2-year term. Application Process: If you are interested in applying for the SWAN Community of Practice Leader position, please send an email with an expression of interest and a copy of your resume to office@nswoc.ca. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 5, 2024. For further information on this leadership role, please email the NSWOCC CEO Catherine Harley at office@nswoc.ca.

June 17-23 2024 is World Continence Week (WCW)! WCW is an annual initiative devised and managed by WFIPP (World Federation for Incontinence and Pelvic Problems), with the endorsement and support of the International Continence Society (ICS), European Association of Urology(EAU) and the Ibero-American Society of Neurourology and Urogynaecology (SINUG). It is a global initiative intended to raise awareness of bladder & bowel issues, chronic pelvic pain and other debilitating conditions which impact greatly on the lives of patients, families and carers. The main themes for 2024 are Shared Decision Making, Incontinence and Mental Health and Commitment to Collaboration in Continence Care (the 4 C’s Project). The objective of WCW is to raise global awareness of such conditions and help remove stigmas and taboos via events, publications, press releases and more. In so doing, WFIPP aims to provide a reliable and easily accessible forum for those seeking information – patients, families, carers, healthcare professionals, institutions (scientific and academic), industry, and patient advisory groups around the world. To learn more, help share the message of WCW, and get involved, please visit the link below! #commitmenttocollaborationincontinencecare #WCW2024 #continencematters #supportincontinence