Rutgers University School of Nursing–Camden Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Education Program (WOCNEP)
Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOC) nursing plays a critical
role in the safe patient care of individuals across the life span and
across health care settings (acute care, home care, assisted living,
long-term care). As the population ages and with the dramatic surge in
chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular
disease, oncologic disorders, and urinary/fecal incontinence, the demand
for WOC specialized nurses is growing rapidly.
WOC nurses (formerly called enterostomal therapists) provide acute
and rehabilitative care to people with acute and/or chronic complex
wounds, fecal or urinary diversions (ostomies), and/or urinary or fecal
incontinence. Specialized WOC nurses are incredibly valuable to
health care organizations for their ability to treat pressure ulcers,
surgical incisions, draining and traumatic wounds, complex
enterocutaneous fistulas, and percutaneous tubes and drains. WOC nurses
specialize in care of individuals with disorders of the integumentary,
genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems.
Benefit to becoming a WOC nurse specialist through Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden WOCNEP
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The professional prestige of being a WOC nurse specialist
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The likelihood of higher salary and benefits
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The potential effect on beginning advanced practice education because of graduate credits
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Eligibility to sit for national certification from the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board
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Gaining continuing education credits that your home state may require
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Personal satisfaction of providing quality care to vulnerable patients
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The opportunity to study at an institution renowned for research, scholarship, and academic excellence
Th School of Nursing–Camden offers its WOC program as a
stand-alone graduate nursing certificate. The three graduate nursing
courses (totaling 14 credits) are offered annually (fall, spring,
summer) and are comprised of two didactic courses and a 160-hour
clinical practicum. The credits may be transferred into doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) degree programs
since they are graduate level. Students must have their baccalaureate degree in nursing to apply for this program.
Students who complete the School of
Nursing–Camden WOCNEP are qualified to sit for the Wound Ostomy
Continence Nursing Certification Exams offered by the WOC Nursing
Certification Board (WOCNCB). WOCN certification is recognized by
the American Nurses Association.
