Frequently Asked
Questions
There's
a lot to know about starting a new educational program. So we've compiled this
list of Frequently Asked Questions, to help address any questions or concerns
you may have.
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How do I become a
WOC Nurse?
The most common pathway to become a WOC Nurse is to
attend a formal WOC Nursing Education Program. Admission requirements for these
education programs are (1) the registered nurse must have a baccalaureate
degree in nursing or be an RN with a baccalaureate degree with documentation of
baccalaureate level nursing competence in Nursing Health Assessment, Community
Health Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Management, and Research and Statistics,
(2) current RN license, and (3) at least 1 year of experience in nursing. Many
WOC Nursing Education Programs are 8-9 weeks in length and require the
individual to relocate for the duration of the didactic portion of the
curriculum. Some WOC Nursing Education Programs are designed as a
correspondence course that the student completes independently at home over a
9-12 month time period. Upon successful completion of a WOC Nursing Education
Program, the graduate is eligible to take the board certification examination,
which is administered by the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification
Board (WOCNCB). Additional information about the board certification exam can
be found at
http://www.wocnbc.org.
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Are there any
scholarships available?
Scholarships are available through the WOCN (Wound
Ostomy Continence Nurses Society). For information, point your browser to
http://www.wocnbc.org and click on education. Applicants are also
encouraged to conduct online searches for grants that may be available through
nonprofit organizations and foundations in your city and state that express an
interest in providing funds for nurses, continuing education, underserved
populations, rural populations, etc.
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When will I hear
about my application status?
Applications are reviewed every month. Completed
applications received by the 15st of the month will be reviewed by the
following month and the applicant notified of their status. Applicants are
encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible so that it can be
processed in time for the applicant to be eligible to apply for financial
assistance and scholarships.
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How do I complete
the Clinical Practicum?
The webWOC Nursing Education Program is a split
option distance-learning program. Theory is presented online and live with the
faculty; clinical is completed with Preceptors in a location the student
selects near their home.
Accreditation requires that the student successfully complete the Foundations
course and the course for a specialty content area (wounds, ostomies or
continence) before they can begin the clinical practicum for that specialty
content area.
Because most Preceptors practice the full scope of WOC Nursing, graduates of
the webWOC Nursing Education Program recommend that students wait to begin
their Clinical Practicum until after they have completed ALL of their
coursework. By doing so, once the student is in the clinical setting they are
able to work side by side with their Preceptor and participate in the care of
all the patients that Preceptor cares for. This will minimize interruptions and
provide a more satisfying clinical experience.
Students can initiate the process of identifying potential Preceptors and
provide their names in the "Goal Statement" component of their Program
application. However, acceptance into the Program in NOT contingent upon the
applicant having their Clinical Preceptors and experience planned out! Once
accepted into the Program, the Faculty of the webWOC Nursing Education Program
will contact the student to discuss their plans for the Clinical Practicum and
provide guidance. All Preceptors must complete a very brief application and be
approved as a Preceptor in the webWOC Nursing Education Program.
It is critical that applicants begin to approach and identify potential
Preceptors as soon as they are accepted into the Program, and have Preceptors
confirmed as Preceptors prior to beginning the Program. This gives the
Preceptor time to become oriented to the expectations of the webWOC Nursing
Education Program and will minimize distractions for the student during their
coursework. It will also provide adequate time to establish clinical contracts
directly with the Preceptor’s facility or agency as required by Minnesota law
and Metropolitan State University
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What is the
technology I need to participate in this Program?
Information on the technology specifications for
online learning courses can be found at the following link: http://www.metrostate.edu/col/students/gs_technology.html
What are the characteristics of a successful learner online? Check out this
resource and be sure to take the quiz... it is fun :-)
http://www.metrostate.edu/col/students/gs_testdrive.html
Technology support is a routine part of online courses in webWOC Nursing
Education Program. Here is additional information:
http://www.metrostate.edu/col/students/su_support.html
What is WOC
Nursing?
WOC Nursing is a specialty nursing practice that focuses on the care of the
patients with a wound, ostomy or incontinence. The specialty has been in
existence since the early 1960’s. Historically, the specialty was called
enterostomal therapy and then ET Nursing since its origins are in the care of
the patient with an ostomy. Over time, the scope of practice evolved to include
skin and wound care and continence care in the 1980’s. The name Wound Ostomy
Continence (WOC) Nurse was adopted in the early 1990’s to more accurately
reflect the full scope of the specialty.
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What is the
practice of WOC Nursing like?
In the U.S., the WOC Nurse is most commonly employed in the acute care setting.
However, the WOC Nurse actually practices in all care settings (long term care,
home care, etc), private practice and industry. WOC Nursing positions are
located in various departments of the health care system (i.e. education,
nursing, consultation, urology, gerontology, wound care, surgery). Most WOC
Nurses work during regular day hours, Monday through Friday, and may or may not
establish "on call" responsibilities.
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What are the
incentives to Practice WOC Nursing?
A board certified WOC Nurse who is baccalaureate prepared can expect a highly
collaborative practice with the medical staff and other health care
professionals while also being autonomous. The WOC Nurse who is masters
prepared can also expect to function as an advanced practice level (as defined
by each individual state nurse practice act), which may position the master’s
prepared WOC Nurse to receive reimbursement for services and prescriptive
authority. Many employers provide continuing education for WOC Nurses and
expect the WOC Nurse to attend at least one national level conference annually.
Salary ranges may be slightly higher with a certificate in WOC Nursing and are
typically based upon level of education (baccalaureate versus master’s) and
responsibilities. Visit http://www.wocn.org for additional information on WOC
Nursing.
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What if I have
more questions or need more information?
You may contact
us by emailing partners@webwocnurse.com
or by calling (612) 331-4601.
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