Woctalk

Resources:American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)APTA Specialist CertificationAcademy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound ManagementAmerican Board of Wound Management (ABWM)  About the SpeakerRenee Cordrey, PT, PhD, MSPT, MPH, CWS, FAAWC, found her wound care passion while a physical therapist student. Since then, she has become board certified in wound care and focused her career on that specialty. She has worked in acute care, long term care, outpatient wound clinics, and academia. She is currently a physical therapist with Enhabit Home Health.She has been very active within the wound care community throughout her career, having served four terms on the Board of Directors of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC) and in various roles with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®), the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM), the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders, and Health Volunteers Overseas. She was honored w

Resources:Ostomy & Continent Diversion Patient Bill of RightsKindred BoxOstomy 211Pouches of LoveFriends of Ostomates Worldwide - USAUOAA Support Group FinderWOCN® Society Public Policy & Advocacy informationWOCN Society ChaptersWOCTalk Podcast Ep 137: Policy Changes That Could Impact Your WOC Practice About the Speaker:Kathleen Lawrence, MSN, RN, CWOCN, WOCNF, has had a wonderful career path in nursing. Her journey has included acute care, medical surgical nursing, home care, hospice and over 30 years as a wound ostomy and continence nurse practicing the full WOC scope of practice. Her work in WOC nursing has included acute care in-patient, and the development of a comprehensive wound ostomy and continence service for inpatient, outpatient, and contract entities in a rural Vermont setting. Contracts included subacute care, long-term care, pediatric clinics for special needs, home care and hospice. Currently Kate is the Program Director of wound, ostomy and continence services at the VNA and Hospice o

Interested in advancing your pediatric WOC care knowledge? Click here to view all active courses available for Contact Hours in the WOCN Society’s Continuing Education Center (CEC).To view a collection of hot topic pediatric articles in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®), click here.The Editorial Board of the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing invites Authors to submit Manuscripts. Click here for additional information.Applications are now live for the next class of WOCN Fellows. Learn more and submit a nomination by January 30, 2026.To view the WOCN Society’s Public Policy hot topics and resources, click here. About the SpeakerFerne Elsass is a dedicated Wound and Ostomy Nurse based in Norfolk, VA, bringing over 26 years of experience in pediatric nursing. Her clinical background includes extensive work in neonatal and pediatric intensive care, as well as trauma education. Ferne holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in nursing from Liberty

Resources:American Cancer SocietyAmerican College of Surgeons Ostomy Home Skills ProgramCorstrata Virtual Ostomy Support ServicesCrohn’s and Colitis Foundation of AmericaEmbracing Ostomy LifeGirls With GutsJWOCN® articles:Outcome Criteria for Discharging the Patient With a New Ostomy From Home Health CareSurvey Results on Use of a Convex Pouching System in the Postoperative PeriodPreoperative Stoma Site Marking Decreases Stoma and Peristomal ComplicationsCharacteristics of Convex Skin Barriers and Clinical ApplicationOstomy101Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights (PBOR)Ostomy Care Associate (OCA®) ProgramOstomy ConnectionPhoenix magazinePeristomal Skin Assessment GuideTravel Communication CardUnited Ostomy Associations of AmericaWatch the symposia session from WOCNext® 2025, (S03) Anticipatory Guidance: Elevating Future Ostomy Care About the Speaker:Debra Netsch, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNP, CWOCN-AP, CFCN, has been a WOC nurse for 40 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for 29 years. In practicin

Episode ResourcesThe WOCN DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses with a Bright Future is provided by the WOCN Society, a supportive association of the DAISY Foundation, to recognize a new tri-specialty wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) certified nurse within the first five (5) years of WOC practice who is destined to make a significant contribution to WOC nursing as a compassionate clinician, educator, consultant, researcher, administrator, and professional leader. Nominations are being accepted now through January 9, 2026. To learn more visit wocn.org/DAISY To learn more about the work of The DAISY Foundation, visit daisyfoundation.org.Click here to learn more and purchase the 25th Anniversary Edition of the book by DAISY Foundation co-founders, "Shining the Light on All the Right”.About The DAISY FoundationIn 1999, Bonnie's stepson Patrick, age 33, developed the auto-immune disease ITP.  Bonnie and her husband Mark were at his side when Patrick died after 8 weeks in the hospital. The nursing care they exper

ResourcesTo listen to Michelle Rice’s previous Ostomy Observations episode from Season 3 titled “Managing Pediatric Ostomy Patients: Practice Pearls”, click here.To learn more about Youth Rally, a one of a kind camp experience for youth living with conditions of the bowel and/or bladder system, click here.Camp Boggy Creek makes it possible for children with serious illnesses and their families to experience a free, life-changing camp where safety, respect, love, and joy come together to enrich their physical and behavioral health. To learn more, click here.The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Camp Oasis gives kids living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis a space to just be kids. They provide a safe environment where friendships ignite, confidence soars, and epic adventures become life-long memories. Camp Oasis is FUN without the fear of judgment or feeling different. To learn more about Camp Oasis, click here. Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®) articles referenced in this epis

Episode resources:United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA)Colorectal Cancer AllianceColon Cancer Coalition About the Speakers:Daniel “Dry Dock” Shockley is a retired Navy veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In 2012, at age 51, he was diagnosed with attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (AFAP) following his first colonoscopy, despite being asymptomatic and having no family history. He underwent a successful total proctocolectomy with a permanent ileostomy immediately after receiving his DNA germline test results.Since his diagnosis, Daniel has served as an ostomy ambassador for both the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) and involved with the WOCN® Society in supporting ostomy patient education and advocacy. Drawing on his military experience, he embraces challenges with a mindset of adaptability, resilience, and positivity. Over the past 12 years, he has collaborated with ostomy organizations and patients nationally and internationally, advocati

About the Speakers:Jennifer Rowe, BSN, RN, CWON, Kelsey Swiss, BSN, RN, CWOCN, and Melanie Vinette, BSN, RN, CWON, CMSRN, are part of a six-member WOC nursing team dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Their work spans inpatient and outpatient settings, including an outpatient ostomy clinic and a monthly ostomy support group. The team collaborates closely with colorectal surgeons, general surgeons, and surgical nurse practitioners to coordinate care, provide preoperative education, and mark stomas.Education is a core focus for their team, delivered through on-the-floor real-time teaching, Med-Surg and NICU academies, shadow experiences with student nurses and new hires, and a nursing assistant academy. They also participate in the hospital’s value analysis committee, introducing new products and implementing cost-effective strategies while ensuring the highest quality of patient care. Their approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and mentorship to support both patients and the ne

ResourcesClick here to view and use the Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for Clinicians and Consumers. You can also bookmark and/or share the following web address with your colleagues and patients: psag.wocn.org.Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®) articles referenced in this episode:A Randomized Controlled Trial Determining Variances in Ostomy Skin Conditions and the Economic Impact (ADVOCATE Trial)Lessons Learned About Peristomal Skin Complications Secondary Analysis of the ADVOCATE TrialThe Incidence of Stoma and Peristomal Complications During the First 3 Months After Ostomy CreationPeristomal Skin Itch: An Integrative Review Other articles referenced in this episode:Peristomal DermatologyAssessment of itch: more to be learned and improvements to be madePsychometric validation of the Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0 About the SpeakerJoyce Pittman, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, CWOCN, WOCNF, FAANDr. Pittman is an Associate Professor at University of South Alabama and nurse scientist at USA Health focu

Episode Resources:LEAD Guideline (4th Edition)Mobile Guideline SeriesKnowledge-to-Action Framework - Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)PAD National Action Plan - American Heart AssociationGet With the Guidelines - American Heart Association2024 LEAD Guideline Executive Summary - Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®)ECRI Guidelines TrustWorld Federation of Vascular SocietiesInternational Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF)WOCNext® Conference SessionsWOCN Society Document Library: Wound Resources About the Speaker:Phyllis Bonham, PhD, MSN, RN, CWOCN, DPNAP, FAAN, brings nearly 60 years of nursing experience, with more than 50 years dedicated to wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) care in clinical, academic, administrative, and research roles. She developed and directed the WOCN® Society–Accredited Wound Care Education Program at MUSC for 17 years and is widely recognized as a speaker, educator, and published author in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks on lower-extremi

Episode Resources:WOCNext Abstract DetailsAbstract Author ResourcesePoster InformationPrevious Accepted AbstractsAbstracts in JWOCN® Online SupplementInterested in an abstract mentor? Email abstracts@wocn.orgAbout the Speaker:Donna Bliss, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, WOCNF, is a Professor, Chair of the Adult and Gerontological Health Cooperative, and School of Nursing Foundation Professor of Nursing Research at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN. She has 25 years of funded research and 125+ publications and presentations about assessing, preventing, and managing fecal incontinence and incontinence associated skin damage. She is a forerunner in investigating disparities in skin damage and assessing dark skin. Donna is an active member of the WOCN® Society and is the 202-2026 WOCNext® Abstract Chair. During the WOCNext 2023 event, Donna was awarded the Barbara Braden Future is Bright Award and was also inducted into the inaugural class of the WOCN Fellow Program.Editing and post-production w

ResourcesClick here to learn about United Ostomy Associates of America (UOAA) National Quality Ostomy Care Campaign, including the Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights,.Click here to view a list of patient resources that the WOCN Society has curated, including services, products, and publications. You can also bookmark and/or share the following web address with your colleagues and patients: IDeserveaWOCNurse.com.Click here to view and use the Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for Clinicians and Consumers,. You can also bookmark and/or share the following web address with your colleagues and patients: psag.wocn.org.Click here to learn more about Janet’s session at WOCNext® 2025, “I Have an Ostomy, Where can I go?: Challenges of Setting Up An Ostomy Clinic,.”The WOCN Society, in collaboration with the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and the American Urological Association (AUA), developed the educational resources to assist clinicians in selecting an effective stoma site.

Episode Resources:View the JWOCN® article “Clean Versus Sterile: Management of Chronic Wounds”View the infographic “Clean Versus Sterile: The Ongoing Debate in Chronic Wound Care”About the Speaker:Andrew Storer, PhD, DNP, RN, NP, CWCN-AP, FAANP. Dr. Andrew Storer serves as the Clinical Editor for the WOCN Society where he provides leadership and editorial expertise for the development, revision, and publication of WOCN clinical and professional practice literature. He is board certified in Advanced Practice in Wound Care and triple board certified as a family, emergency and acute care nurse practitioner. He is recognized nationally as a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners for his contributions to nurse practitioner education and practice. He serves as the Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services, Chief Nursing Officer, and Associate Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY. At Roswell Park his colleagues and he were awarded the first K-12 gra

Episode Resources:Learn about the WOCN® DAISY AwardView Dylan’s practice innovation abstract/ePoster:PI41 - Stopping the Leak: Evaluating the effectiveness of ostomy education on nursing student’s knowledge, skills, and attitudeshttps://wocn.confex.com/wocn/2025am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/14603View Dylan’s case series abstract/ePoster:CS11 - Reduced leakage through the use of light convexity in the immediate post-operative period: a case serieshttps://wocn.confex.com/wocn/2025am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/14703World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET)Sigma Theta TauAmerican Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)WOCN® Southeast Chapter About the Speaker:Dylan Carpenter, MSN, RN, CWOCN, PCCN, MEDSURG-BC, is a certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) based in Alabama. He earned his BSN from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2020 and completed his MSN in Nursing Education at the University of North Alabama in 2024. Dylan became a WOC nurse in 2024 and currently provides specialized care

Episode Resources:(coming soon!) Message from the President – featured in the July/August JWOCN®Peristomal Skin Assessment Guide for CliniciansPeristomal Skin Assessment Guide for ConsumersSupport Surface AlgorithmBody Worn Absorbent Product GuideA View From Here: Ostomy Life Coach – featured in the May/June JWOCN®Minnesota Wild Rice Soup RecipeAbout the Speaker:Christine Berke, MSN, APRN-NP, AGPCNP-BC, CWOCN-AP, has been a nurse for 42 years, a certified WOC nurse for 24 years, and a nurse practitioner for the past 17 years. She has served on the WOCN® Society Board of Directors for nine years and counting, holding roles as Director, Secretary, President-Elect, and now President.In 2009, Chris established a wound and ostomy clinic at a tertiary, university-affiliated hospital—after helping to launch a smaller clinic in 2008. Since 2003, she has contributed to numerous WOCN Society committees and played a key role in developing the inaugural advanced practice exams for the WOCNCB between 2011 and 2012, contin

This podcast is part of the Ostomy Observations Series, a 6-part series included in the “Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow” Program. Both the Ostomy Observations podcast series and the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program are commercially supported through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. For more information, visit wocn.org/exceptionaloutcomes. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services. About the Speaker:Karla Lohnes, RN, MClScWH, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), has over 15 years of experience working as Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence. She has been certified in WOC nursing since 2012. She works in a tertiary care center providing pre-operative teaching and marking, post-operative ostomy teaching and outpatient support in an ostomy clinic.Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

View the WOCN Society’s public policy information.View the WOCN Society’s members-only online Public Policy Community to engage in communications about legislation, regulation or policy development, access to supplies or services for patients, or quality concerns.If you have questions for Kate or Chris, please email info@wocn.org.Visit the American Nurses Association Public Policy and Advocacy site for additional information and resources.Visit the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders site for additional information and resources. About the Speakers:Kate Lawrence, MSN, RN, CWOCN, WOCNF, has had a wonderful career path in nursing. Her journey has included acute care, medical surgical nursing, home care, hospice and over 30 years as a wound ostomy and continence nurse practicing the full WOC scope of practice.Her work in WOC nursing has included acute care in-patient, and the development of a comprehensive wound ostomy and continence service for inpatient, outpatient, and contract entities in a rural Vermont set

On this inspiring episode of WOCTalk, we sit down with Dr. Charleen Singh, Founder and Program Director, and Annie Ocampo, Philippines Liaison, for the International Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Education Program (IWOCNEP) to explore the growing global reach of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nursing specialty through IWOCNEP. IWOCNEP is a WOCN Society Accredited WOC Nursing Education Program whose philosophy is to build a supportive and collaborative community that utilizes innovation to disseminate the unique body of wound, ostomy, continence nursing knowledge to improve quality of life across the globe. Tune in as they discuss the unique challenges, cultural insights, and life-changing outcomes of international WOC education—along with firsthand stories from the field, the importance of collaboration, and how WOC nurses everywhere can support this global initiative.Episode Resources:To learn more about the International Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Education Program (IWOCNEP), click here.Clic

About the Speakers:Dr. Thureiyya K. Rodriguez, DHA, MSN, CWOCN, has over two decades of experience in healthcare and specializes in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. Dr. Rodriguez’s experience spans beyond inpatient and outpatient nursing. She has an extensive range of knowledge and expertise in staffing methodology and leadership nursing. Dr. Rodriguez’s experience in nursing practice and healthcare administration, combined with her tenure in both federal and private healthcare sectors, equips her to offer comprehensive and tailored solutions. Dr. Rodriguez has peer-reviewed publications in Nursing Made Incredibly Easy and is an active peer reviewer for Wolters-Kluwer: Advances in Skin and Wound Care. She is actively involved in the Northeast Region WOCN (NER WOCN) and National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). She is the owner of Thureiyya Rodriguez RN, PLLC and North-Browne Consulting Services.Katie Cesario, MA, RN, CWOCN, became a nurse in 2005 after obtaining her BSN from Pace University. Sh

In this episode of WOCTalk, we’re joined by Brooke Passy, Director of Meetings for the WOCN® Society, to give you a sneak peek into everything WOCNext® 2025 has to offer. Happening June 1–3, 2025, in sunny Orlando, Florida (with a virtual option, too!), this year’s event features a new streamlined schedule so you can learn more in less time.Tune in to hear what’s new, including:Interactive roundtable education sessions for more collaborationA Tuesday morning exhibit hall with breakfastExciting resort perks like pools, water parks, a golf course, spa, and nightly laser shows—plus, you’re just minutes from Disney parks and all that Orlando has to offerWhether you're attending in person or virtually, WOCNext remains the only event of its kind led by healthcare professionals for healthcare professionals—delivering what’s new, what’s needed, and what’s next in wound, ostomy, continence, and foot and nail care.On-demand access, evaluations, and Contact Hours will be available through September 15, 2025. Learn more