Five States, One Vision: Celebrating the Launch of the Midwest Chapter of the WOCN® Society

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On September 18–19, the heartland pulsed with purpose as Des Moines, Iowa, welcomed wound, ostomy, and continence nurses from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois for the official launch of the Midwest Chapter of the WOCN® Society. The theme—“The Heartland: Five States, One Midwest WOC Vision”—was more than a slogan. It was a rallying cry for unity, innovation, and shared excellence in patient care.

WEB WOC® Faculty Take Center Stage
The preconference kicked off with hands-on learning led by WEB WOC’s own Sue Bruch, MS, RN, ARNP, ACNP-BC, CWOCN, CFCN. Her Fistula Workshop offered attendees a deep dive into holistic, patient-centered care for complex fistula cases, blending clinical precision with compassionate strategy.

JoAnn Ermer-Seltun, MS, RN, ARNP, FNP-BC, CWOCN, CFCN—WEB WOC president and co-director—delivered a standout session titled “One Vision for Bladder Control: Tackling ‘I Gotta Go Now’ with Pharmacology.” Her lecture unpacked the latest pharmacological and behavioral interventions for lower urinary tract symptoms, empowering nurses with actionable insights and renewed confidence.

National Voices, Local Impact
The conference featured powerhouse presentations from nationally recognized leaders:
  • Dr. Joyce Black, PhD, RN, FAAN, illuminated the nuances of staging pressure injuries in persons with dark skin tones and acute skin failure.
  • Dr. Janet Cuddigan, PhD, RN, CWCN, FAAN, delivered a science-rich update on NPIAP guidelines.
  • Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FCNS, FAAN, inspired attendees with strategies for driving change and repositioning interventions for critically ill patients.
Other Noteworthy Speakers and Topics
  • Suzanne Ehman, DPT, PhD, CWS, CLWT, CLT-LANA, DN-cert, led a workshop on compression strategies for lymphedema, from toe wrapping to total limb management.
  • Stacie Fisher-Biller, MSN, FNP-BC, COCN-AP, RNFA, shared practical insights on launching a community-based ostomy clinic.
  • Amanda Paprocki, BSN, CWOCN, simplified care strategies for patients with convex ostomy needs.
  • JoAnn Green, MS, PT, explored collaborative approaches to overcoming incontinence through innovative teamwork.
A Chapter with Momentum
This launch wasn’t just a milestone—it was a movement. With expert faculty, visionary speakers, and a shared commitment to excellence, the Midwest Chapter of the WOCN Society is poised to elevate practice, strengthen collaboration, and improve outcomes across the region.
From the rolling plains to the bustling cities, WOC nurses in the Midwest now have a unified platform to learn, lead, and lift each other higher. The future is bright—and it starts here.