Booking Calendar Booking Form Pre-Webinar Booking Infomation Post-Webinar NSWOCC WOC Institute Continuing Education Webinar Series Guide for Partners Introduction As a part of our commitment to continuing education for NSWOCs, SWANs, and other allied healthcare professionals, the NSWOCC Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute hosts a series of 1-hour educational webinars throughout the year (excluding summer months) open to NSWOCC Members and the public. Depending on the topic and timing of the webinar, each webinar receives between 200-400 registrants and between 50-250 attendees live. Webinars receive registrants and attendees from across Canada and beyond. The majority of registrants and attendees are NSWOCC Members, while many other healthcare professionals attend too. We use Zoom Webinar to host all webinars. The cost to host a sponsored webinar is $2,000. Booking a webinar All webinars must be booked a minimum of 28 days in advance through the NSWOCC website on this page. When you book a webinar, you will reserve a full week block . This will ensure that other webinars will not be booked right before/after your webinar date or oversaturate our educational calendar. You can then choose the final date/time to host the webinar no later than 21 days in advance. Once a webinar is booked, NSWOCC will work with your company to create marketing material, promote the webinar to our mailing lists and over social media, and can help moderate the opening and Q&A portions of the webinar. We will also take care of sending certificates of attendance to attendees and editing & exporting the recorded webinar to be made available on our website. Certificates of attendance and the webinar recording are completed within 48 hours of the webinar. In the interest of providing equal opportunity to all industry partners, NSWOCC will not book a webinar with the same company more than twice in any 4-month span, unless a prior partnership agreement or Memorandum of Agreement has been signed. After booking, NSWOCC will reach out to your primary contact via email within 3 business days with a confirmation email for your webinar booking. If someone has already booked your selected date, NSWOCC will inform you that you have been added to a waiting list in the event of a cancellation or postponement. See below for more information. Booking Calendar (Available spots) Booking Infomation Offering an educational webinar in French and English As a commitment to offering education in both official languages, we strongly encourage hosting the education in both languages during two different sessions during your booked week. The cost to offer a webinar in both official languages will remain the same price as just booking one. Hosting a webinar at multiple hours to accommodate time zones As a commitment to offering equal access to education for members across Canada, we offer the opportunity to host your webinar up to two times during your booked week at different time slots. For example, you could host a webinar on a Wednesday at 12pm Eastern Time, then another one on either the same day, or a different day during the same week at 12pm Mountain Time. The times we recommend booking a webinar are: 12pm-1pm Eastern (9am-10am Pacific) 2pm-3pm Eastern (11am-12pm Pacific) 6pm-7pm Eastern (3pm-4pm Pacific) 7pm-8pm Eastern (4pm-5pm Pacific) Pre-Webinar Creating the digital promotional webinar flyer To create your digital promotional flyer, please provide the following information no later than 21 days before the webinar date: Webinar title 3-5 measurable learning objectives Each speaker(s): pronouns, full credentials, email, short biography, and headshot Emails for all company representatives you’d like to have added as panelists for the Zoom webinar Optional: provide a preferred cover photo in the JPG or PNG format that does not advertise a particular product or company Which registration fields you want to include (the default options are: First Name*, Last Name*, Email*, Organization, Job Title, City, Province*, Country*). * Indicates a mandatory field. NSWOCC will then create the first draft of the flyer, create the Zoom and event page for the webinar, then send your main company contact(s) to review and approved. Promoting the Webinar Once the final event page and promotional webinar flyer are approved, NSWOCC will prepare the promotions. NSWOCC will begin promoting the webinars no later than 2 weeks before the webinar date(s) over LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and by email to a dedicated mailing list (which includes previous webinar attendees and all NSWOCC Members). NSWOCC will then promote the webinar through the same channels one week before the webinar date(s). As the sponsoring company, you are absolutely welcome and encouraged to promote the webinar through your own channels as well. Pre-webinar Report Roughly two days before the webinar (unless you request it further in advance) NSWOCC will provide you with the Registration Report, including the contact information for each registrant who opts-in to have their information shared with NSWOCC and the sponsoring company. Post-Webinar Reports No later than 48 hours after the webinar (we usually try to do this by the following day), we will send your company the Registration Report, Attendee Report, Chat, Q&A Report, and Performance Report for the webinar. The contact information for each registrant who opts-in to have their information shared with NSWOCC and your company will be including in those reports. Certificates of Attendance and Webinar Recording We will also send an email to our mailing lists including to the registrants of the webinar with the webinar recording and directions for how to obtain a certificate of attendance for those who watch the webinar as a recording. We will send out the certificates of attendance to all those who attend the webinar live on Zoom automatically without them having to take an extra step. Post-Webinar Survey If you want to include a post-webinar survey as well, please send us the link to it and I will add it to Zoom to appear in the participants’ browser after the webinar ends, as well as within the post-webinar eblast. You are welcome to send out your own pre or post webinar email to your own mailing list and to the contact that are included in the webinar registration reports we send you; you won’t need to send NSWOCC any details for this. Pre-Webinar Post-Webinar Booking Calendar Webinar booking for 2026 is now available! To make a booking, please click the "book now" button beside the block and follow the next steps on the following page. January 4 to January 8, 2027 Book below Load more Booking Calendar Booking Form In the interest of providing equal opportunity to all Industry partners, NSWOCC will not book a webinar with the same company more than twice in any 2-month span, unless a prior partnership agreement or Memorandum of Agreement has been signed. After booking, NSWOCC will reach out to your primary contact via email within 3 business days with a confirmation email for your webinar booking. If someone has already booked your selected date, NSWOCC will inform you that you have been added to a waiting list in the event of a cancellation or postponement. Sponsoring Company/Organization Primary Contact Name Primary Contact Email Select the week you'd like to book Webinar Title Short description of the webinar topic 3-5 Measurable Webinar Learning Objectives Speaker name(s) and Credentials Speaker bio(s) Please note that if you do not have all of the above available yet, you will just need to provide the no later than 21 days before the webinar date: 3-5 measurable learning objectives Each speaker(s): full credentials, email, short biography, and headshot Emails for all company representatives you’d like to have added as panelists for the Zoom webinar Optional: provide a preferred cover photo in the JPG or PNG format that does not advertise a particular product or company Preferred registration fields (the default options are: First Name*, Last Name*, Email*, Organization, Job Title, City, Province*, Country*). * Indicates a mandatory field. Complete the booking Your content has been submitted. NSWOCC will be in touch with you in the next few business days. Booking Form

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered charity and membership-based association for over 500 nurses specialized in the nursing care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence and over 700 members overall. SWAN Week 2026: September 14-18, 2026 The NSWOCC Board of Directors and the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN®) Community of Practice are proud to announce SWAN Week 2026: “Quality improvement SOARS with SWANs” Learn more > NSWOCC News 1 2 3 4 5 Upcoming Events WoundWISE® Wound Care Skills Lab — Scarborough/North York 2026 Sep 21, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites, 175 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1J3, Canada More info Register Now SWAN Community of Practice Meeting Sep 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Microsoft Teams More info Register Now 4 days to the event "Are you in a Pressure Cooker?" Atlantic Education Day 2026 Sep 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ADT Red Shores Racetrack & Casino, 58 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown, PE C1A 9S8, Canada More info Register Now 5 days to the event NSWOCC Atlantic Regional Meeting Sep 26, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ADT Delta Hotels Prince Edward, 18 Queen St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4A1, Canada More info Register Now 9 days to the event Advancing Pressure Injury Prevention and Management: Integrating Skin Management and NPWT to Optimize the Wound Environm Sep 30, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 15 days to the event Beyond the Basics: Advanced Antimicrobial Solutions for Bioburden Control and Wound Healing Oct 06, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now 22 days to the event The Evidence for Implementing the geko® Wound Therapy Device to Improve Wound Healing in Leg Ulcers Oct 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EDT Webinar More info Register Now Multiple Dates 24 days to the event NSWOCC Members Journal Club Oct 15, 2026, 8:00 p.m. EDT – Oct 16, 2026, 9:00 p.m. EDT Zoom More info Register Now Load More About NSWOCC Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) is a registered charity and membership-based association for over 600 nurses specialized in the care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence and over 1,600 members overall. NSWOCC acts in the public interest for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®) to give national leadership in wound, ostomy and continence promoting high standards for NSWOC practice, education, research and administration to achieve quality specialized nursing care. NSWOCC speaks for NSWOCs and gives them a strong national association through which they can support each other and speak with a powerful, unified voice. NSWOCC is working towards taking an active role in legislative policy which could influence the health care decisions that affect NSWOC professionals every day. Read the NSWOCC Position Statement Who are NSWOC®s? A Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC®) is a registered nurse with advanced and specialized knowledge and clinical skills in wound, ostomy and continence care who has graduated from a World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET®) recognized education program. Recognized as Nurses who have specialized training in wound, ostomy and continence by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence are the ONLY nursing specialty with CNA certification in wound, ostomy and continence care (WOCC(C)). From acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, community, long term care and in independent practice, an NSWOC® provides specialized holistic assessment and management as an interprofessional team member to meet the needs of individuals/families with ostomies, acute and chronic wounds and urinary and fecal continence problems. Learn more The Power of 3 Resources for NSWOCs Job Postings Re-Certification Position Statements Best Practice Recommendations Become an NSWOC The Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute’s flagship program is our Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program. The NSWOC Program is a state of the art, paced, 12-month, online program which prepares applicants with a BN/BScN and/or Nurse Practitioners (NPs) for the role of a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC). The final exam for the program is the Canadian Nurses Associate (CNA) certification exam, which, upon achievement, enables the NSWOC to use the credential WOCC(C). The NSWOC Program is a competency and standards of practice guided, rigorous program, aimed at insuring the high quality of its graduates. Through the CANMeds styled, competency-based preceptorship component of the program, the NSWOC Program strives to mentor and grow tomorrows nurse leaders. NSWOCs graduates are among the nursing elite. They demonstrate an advanced level of critical thinking, clinical skill and leadership qualities. The advantage of NSWOCs’ tri- specialization is especially clear when patients have needs that require more than one area of specialty. Learn more CNA Certification Exam Join NSWOCC Join over 600 nurses specialized in the care of patients with challenges in wound, ostomy and continence, and a total membership of over 1,100 healthcare professionals, industry members, students, and international associates all dedicated to wound, ostomy and continence education & care. Join NSWOCC Membership Benefits Membership Types Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program For practical nurses and diploma RNs who aspire to become respected nurse leaders and integral members of their organization’s wound, ostomy, and continence leadership team, the CNA-accredited SWAN program is the only program that offers: competency and evidence-informed advanced knowledge in wound, ostomy and continence management; confidence to transfer that knowledge into practice; recognition and respect for your competencies through the nationally recognized SWAN designation; and continuous learning and lifelong support through mentorship and collaboration in a SWAN-Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) team. The SWAN program is accredited by the Canadian Nurses Association. SWANs are uniquely recognized for their advanced knowledge and their contributions as wound, ostomy and continence nurse champions in their workplaces and communities across Canada. Skilled nurses provide optimal patient care. The goal of the SWAN™ Program is to educate and prepare more skilled wound, ostomy and continence nurses across the spectrum of care (e.g. acute care, long-term care and home care). Graduates will have an enhanced ability to provide optimal care for individuals with wound, ostomy and continence issues as members of a collaborative NSWOC team. The program is designed to provide non-specialty nurses the ability to provide optimal wound, ostomy and continence care under the direction of the NSWOC, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Wound, Ostomy or Continence) or Physician and to be integral members of the WOC team. Learn more! Official Interest Groups

There has never been a more exciting time to be involved with NSWOCC. By joining NSWOCC, you remain a part of a nationwide network of Nurses who have Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence who promote the highest standards of patient care in the areas of wound, ostomy and continence. NSWOCs are right across the the continuum of care from acute to community Join NSWOCC Register now by clicking the link below. Join NSWOCC Membership Benefits Communications, Publications & Opportunities to Publish Important Electronic Communication Subscription to the NSWOCC mailing list for exclusive regular communication about important wound, ostomy and continence news, association updates, upcoming events, and more! CINAHL Library Subscription Access CINAHL Complete, which contains: Full text for more than 1,350 journals indexed in CINAHL Database Indexing for more than 5,400 journals Searchable cited references for more than 1,500 journals Full text dating back to 1937 Nearly 5 million records Author affiliations 170 Continuing Education Modules (see to how they appear in the database, please use this link: Evidence-based Care Sheets * Quick Lessons providing Overviews of Disease and Conditions Research Instruments *Evidence-based care sheets: summaries on specific key topics, which are focused on nursing practice. Each evidence-based care sheet incorporates the latest evidence, statistics, research and references on a given topic. The references are ranked, using a coding matrix, according to the type of literature they represent (systematic reviews, meta-analysis, etc). The Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) Subscription to 3 issues of the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence : the official publication of NSWOCC. The CJWOC is published three times per year in French and English—in Spring, Fall, and Winter—and is available in both digital and print formats. Journal of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN) Discounted subscription to the peer-reviewed JWOCN Opportunity to Publish... ...clinical cases, articles, and/or research in the NSWOC Advance ...in the Canadian feature section of the JWOCN Continuing Education & Advancing Practice Continuing Education Webinar Series in English & French Members-only discounted registration for the NSWOCC National Conference & education days, as well as other educational conferences and workshops Free access to CNA Certification Prep Course for WOCC(C) exam Access to NSWOC Mentorship Program Early access to best practice recommendations (BPR) in wound, ostomy, & continence Participate in building BPRs, Position Statements and Decision Aids National Networking & Involvement Join the NSWOCC Journal Club to discuss wound, ostomy, and continence topics with colleagues from across Canada! Access to national network of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) through our members-only directory & database Local access to regional NSWOCC groups for information and support allow you to develop networks on a more regional or provincial level Join, participate, and lead an NSWOCC Core Program or Community of Practice : National Conference Planning Research and Practice Professional Practice Indigenous WOC Health Community Engagement Membership Publications SWAN Community of Practice French Community of Practice Indigenous Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Health Harm Reduction Community of Practice Paediatric Community of Practice Advocacy Support for advocating the NSWOC Position Access to the Power of 3 Campaign Participate in the Community Engagement & Ostomy Advocacy Committee International Recognition Access to International Skin Tear Advisory Panel information Partnership with the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists® Exposure to global Best Practice Recommendations in wound, ostomy, & continence Membership Benefits Perkopolis Discounts Nurses Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence Canada is partnered with Perkopolis to provide Members with over 5000 exclusive perks! Perkopolis is Canada’s largest employee perk program with offers available across Canada and globally. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or quality time with loved ones, their exclusive offers have something for everyone. Perks with companies like Apple, The Body Shop, WestJet, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Avis, and more! Learn more Support for your CNA Certification Renewal by Continuous Learning and Initial Certification Exam: 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 eligible 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. Those who completed the Advanced Wound Debridement Course are eligible for 32 continuous learning hours. Track Your Learning: To keep track of your CL hours effortlessly, use CNA's form, "Continuous Learning for Certification Renewal: Activities and Competencies." 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. NSWOC Prep Course for the CNA Certification Exam: 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

SWAN Week 2026 Quality Improvement SOARS with SWAN®s! September 14–18, 2026 Earlier this year, during NSWOC Week 2026, we celebrated the theme “Quality Improvement starts with NSWOC®s.” This September, we’re continuing that story and celebrating the important connection between specialized expertise and frontline leadership: “Quality Improvement starts with NSWOCs®...and SOARS with SWANs®!” Together, NSWOCs® and Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs® ) are helping translate evidence into practice, strengthen care teams, and advance quality improvement across Canada’s health care system. Quality Improvement SOARS with SWANs! SWAN Week 2026, September 14–18, celebrates the impact of Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs) in advancing wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) care across Canada. This year’s theme highlights the leadership, competency, and day-to-day contributions of SWANs in every care setting — and the important role they play in advancing quality improvement throughout our health care system. With 500+ active SWANs and SWAN students approaching graduation participating in our growing SWAN Community of Practice, this week recognizes the nurses who champion evidence-based practice, mentor and educate colleagues, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve patient outcomes alongside Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs). Who are SWANs? SWANs are LPNs, RPNs, or diploma-prepared RNs who have completed the CNA-accredited SWAN Program. They are respected nurse leaders and integral members of their organization’s wound, ostomy, and continence leadership team. SWANs: Work collaboratively with NSWOCs and interprofessional teams. Perform focused assessment and support care planning for skin, wound, ostomy, and continence needs. Coach and mentor direct care staff, building capacity across units and facilities. Apply evidence-based practice, recommend appropriate products, and help navigate referrals. Contribute to quality improvement and cost-effective care. Throughout SWAN® Week, we’ll celebrate and showcase the many ways SWANs are making a difference within their organizations, care teams, and communities, including: Evidence-Based Practice — translating current evidence and best practices into consistent, high-quality wound, ostomy, and continence care. Integral Members of the Interdisciplinary Team — collaborating with NSWOCs and other health care professionals to strengthen care planning, continuity, and outcomes. Positive Impact on Health Care Outcomes — supporting prevention, early identification, timely intervention, and improved outcomes for patients and residents. Contributing to Standards and Policy Development — bringing frontline knowledge and WOC competencies to the development and implementation of policies, protocols, and standards of care. Education & Research — sharing knowledge, mentoring colleagues, supporting education at the point of care, and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and evidence-informed practice. Quality Improvement Initiatives — recognizing gaps in care, identifying opportunities for improvement, championing change, and helping turn quality improvement goals into everyday practice. Advanced Assessment & Care — bringing enhanced WOC knowledge and assessment skills directly to patients and residents while recognizing when specialized consultation or escalation is required. Help Us Celebrate SWANs Across Canada! SWAN Week is all about celebrating the people behind the impact — and we want to see and hear from you! Help us showcase the SWANs and SWAN®–NSWOC® teams who are making a difference in wound, ostomy, and continence care across Canada. Show Your SWAN® Pride! Are you a SWAN? Send us a photo of yourself in your SWAN lab coat, SWAN™ merchandise, or showing your SWAN pride! Throughout SWAN Week, we want to feature members of our growing SWAN community from across the country. Whether you're at work, with your colleagues, or simply showing off your SWAN gear, submit a photo that we can share through our SWAN Week communications and social media. Submit Your SWAN™ Week Photo → Recognize a SWAN® or SWAN® –NSWOC® Team Know a SWAN® who's doing incredible work? Is there a SWAN®–NSWOC® team making a difference in your organization or community? We want to hear about them! Submit a message of recognition, a story, a case example, or simply a few words of thanks celebrating the contributions of one or more SWANs. Recognition can be big or small — we want to highlight the everyday leadership, collaboration, quality improvement, and patient impact happening across the country. Selected stories and messages will be shared throughout SWAN Week 2026, including in our special SWAN Week newsletter and other communications, helping us recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of SWANs from coast to coast. Submit a SWAN™ Recognition → SWAN Week Resources Download the Flyer PDF SWAN Role Description SWAN Program Testimonials & Resources Zoom background Downloadable images Events & Meetings During SWAN Week Development of a new Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Toolkit for Indigenous Skin Tones (2) Tue, Sep 15 Webinar More info RSVP/Register now! 2 days to the event Wound Care Skills Lab — Hamilton 2026 Wed, Sep 16 Hamilton Convention Centre More info RSVP/Register now! 3 days to the event The Science of Slough - Understanding its impact and optimal treatment Thu, Sep 17 Webinar More info RSVP/Register now! 7 days to the event SWAN Community of Practice Meeting Mon, Sep 21 Microsoft Teams More info RSVP/Register now! Videos, Recordings, and Testimonials Play Video Play Video 02:25 NSWOCC President Bev Smith, RN, BScN, NSWOC shared a warm welcome to SWAN Week 2026. Play Video Play Video 02:56 Meet Alanna Howse: One SWAN’s Journey As we celebrate SWAN® Week 2026, we’re highlighting the people behind the SWAN designation and the difference their knowledge, determination and leadership are making every day. Meet Alanna Howse, a SWAN graduate who describes completing the program as one of the most challenging — and rewarding — accomplishments of her nursing career. While completing the approximately six-month program, Alanna was working full-time, supporting her son through soccer five to six days a week and moving homes, all while balancing the demands of her studies. She found opportunities wherever she could: studying after night shifts, completing assignments late at night and even working on coursework from her vehicle while waiting during soccer practices. Today, that hard work is making a difference. Alanna is using what she learned to support both her patients and her nursing colleagues. She shares her wound care knowledge with fellow nurses, helps strengthen understanding of wound assessment and management, and educates patients about why their wounds developed, what may affect healing and how they can participate in achieving better outcomes. Becoming a SWAN has strengthened Alanna’s confidence, supported her professional growth and deepened her passion for wound care. And that impact extends beyond one nurse. When SWANs build their knowledge and confidence, they can help strengthen their teams, empower their patients and contribute to better, evidence-informed wound, ostomy and continence care. That’s how Quality Improvement SOARS with SWANs! Watch Alanna share her SWAN journey in her own words in this video. Learn more about SWAN Week 2026 and join the celebration: https://www.nswoc.ca/swan-week-2026 Play Video Play Video 30:29 SWAN® Week 2026 – “Discover the SWAN Program” Webinar SWAN Week 2026 officially kicked off on September 14 with the “Discover the SWAN Program” webinar, bringing together SWANs, students, educators and members of the wound, ostomy and continence community from across Canada. The webinar opened with remarks from NSWOCC® President Bev Smith, who introduced this year's theme, “Quality Improvement SOARS with SWANs!” Bev highlighted the leadership, competency and everyday contributions of SWANs and emphasized their role in advancing quality improvement, equity, access and culturally safe care across the healthcare system. She also reflected on the remarkable growth of the program from its first cohort in 2020 to more than 500 graduates. Vida Johnston, SWAN Co-Lead Academic Advisor, then took attendees through the history and evolution of the program. Development began in 2018–2019 in response to discussions about expanding access to specialized wound, ostomy and continence education for RPNs/LPNs. Since the first cohort launched in 2020, the program has continued to grow, including the establishment of the SWAN Community of Practice, accreditation through the Canadian Nurses Association, publication of SWAN-related work, funded cohorts and the launch of SWAN Week. Vida shared that there are now 623 SWANs across Canada, with another 103 students currently enrolled, demonstrating the program's growing national reach. Approximately 45% of SWANs work in long-term care, with SWANs also working in community care, acute care, clinics and industry. The program itself is now a 5.5-month, competency-based online program focused on evidence-informed care for stable and uncomplicated wound, ostomy and continence concerns, while emphasizing collaboration and referral to NSWOCs for more complex needs. A particularly exciting development is the progression toward SWAN certification through the Canadian Nurses Association, which is anticipated for 2027. Vida explained that the proposed certification will be portfolio-based rather than examination-based, recognizing ongoing education, professional activities and the work nurses are undertaking in their SWAN roles. Sharon Hunter, SWAN Director on the NSWOCC Board of Directors, spoke about her role as the voice of SWANs at the Board level and her commitment to advocating for SWANs across different regions and practice settings. She connected this year's quality improvement theme to the unique position SWANs hold at the point of care: working directly with patients, residents and clients while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, providing education and coaching colleagues, and helping ensure care plans reflect what matters to the individual. The webinar also highlighted opportunities for SWANs to remain connected through the SWAN Community of Practice. Annemarie Larocque, SWAN Community of Practice Lead, described the monthly meetings as a space for support, guidance, mentorship and problem-solving. Future sessions will increasingly explore the experiences of SWANs working in long-term care, community and acute care, while continuing to provide opportunities to discuss clinical topics, products, role development and strategies for working effectively alongside NSWOCs. The kickoff concluded by encouraging SWANs to stay involved throughout SWAN Week, share photos and stories, recognize SWAN colleagues and SWAN–NSWOC teams, and participate in the broader SWAN community. Impact in Practice - The SWAN Difference: “Our SWAN has been indispensable in strengthening wound care on our unit. One shift each week is dedicated to a skin project overseen by an NSWOC, and they lead reviews of our most clinically complex wounds. On other shifts, they act as a go-to resource for treatment plans and coaching. Since introducing the role, we’ve seen a marked reduction in wounds, including a heel ulcer once considered non-healable that is now nearly closed. They also worked with nursing and pharmacy to secure the right ostomy supplies for a resident with a high-output ileostomy, resulting in significant improvement in peristomal skin.” Read more testimonials

Secretary < Back Rebecca Dyck MClSc-WH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Secretary Rebecca Dyck has been nursing for fifteen years, and is a strong advocate for justice and equity in health care. She has spent a number of years learning how systemic racism and intersectionality affect the health of individuals and communities. After earning a Master of Clinical Science in Wound Healing at Western University ten years ago, Rebecca has been working with patients virtually and at the bedside to solve the puzzle that each wound presents. Rebecca also tutors students in the research course of the master’s program. More recently, Rebecca became a Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence and earned her national certification. Rebecca currently works as a Nurse Clinician on the Skin Wound Ostomy team at Hamilton Health Sciences, mainly with children and families at McMaster Children's Hospital. Her role encompasses direct patient care, staff education, and committee work to improve patient care within the organization. A recent focus has been hospital-acquired pressure injuries and developing resources to improve assessment of dark skin tones. Rebecca has volunteered with preteens, the Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle, and Caribbean migrant farm workers in Niagara. She keeps busy with her three children, can often be found with a book in her hand, and enjoys “old lady hobbies” such as sewing, gardening, and canning.

Community Engagement < Back Erin Rajhathy MClScWH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Community Engagement Erin Rajhathy is the Wound Resource Coordinator with South East Home and Community Care. Prior to moving back into the public sector, Erin worked for a medical distributor to support staff and contracted providers in three of the 14 Home and Community Care sectors in Ontario. She obtained her Master of Clinical Science in Wound Healing in 2018 and became certified in Wound, Ostomy and Continence in 2019. Erin is currently the Core Program Lead for Community Engagement with NSWOCC.

SWAN Community of Practice < Back Britney Butt MClSc(WH), BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) SWAN Community of Practice Education Bachelors of Nursing Science from the University of Ottawa NSWOCC program (previously CAET) Masters of Clinical Science – Wound Healing from the University of Western Ontario Current role CNA certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse NSWOC at North York General Hospital (Toronto). NSWOC Preceptor /Academic Advisor- Wound If you ever have any questions feel free to connect with me – Britney.butt@nygh.on.ca

Atlantic < Back Karla Lohnes RN, MClScWH, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Atlantic

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

Program Coordinator < Back Jonathan Mancor ISWA Program Coordinator

Digital Marketing Coordinator < Back Kate Baynes Digital Marketing Coordinator

Past President < Back Nevart Hotakorzian BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Past President Nevart Hotakorzian obtained her bachelor degree in nursing at the University de Montreal in 1994 and began her career at the MUHC (formerly known as the Royal Victoria Hospital). She worked as a nurse in general surgery and vascular surgery for the first years of her career. She became interested in advancing her studies to become a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence and graduated in 2004 from the Canadian Academy of Enterostomal Therapy (Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute). She currently holds a position as a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence in wound and ostomy consultations for the Jewish General Hospital at the CIUSSS West-Central-of-Montreal. She has also been the Regional Director for Quebec with Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada from 2015 to 2018 and is active with the Hollister Wound Advisory Board for Quebec since 2016. She recently completed the Leadership Program for Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Excellence from CAET in 2016. Through preceptorships for the Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute, Nevart continues to support NSWOCC development. As nursing continues to advance, Nevart is part of the first group of nurses who obtained their right to prescribe in Quebec through RAMQ.