A 40-hr clinical practicum with an approved preceptor is required to complete each Scope of Practice. A full scope of practice requires 120 hours of experience with the preceptor.

Single Scope Learner: 5 weeks from completion of theory
Dual Scope Learner: 10 weeks from completion of theory
Full Scope Learner: 15 weeks from completion of theory

The WOCN Certification Board administers the Experiential Pathway.  Learner finishes the theory course through WEB WOC to earn the Contact Hours.  Learner does not complete the practicum but works directly with the WOCN Certification Board. 1500 hours of clinical experience in each scope is required for this route of the practicum completion.  For more information on eligibility, please visit http://wocncb.org/certification/wound-ostomy-continence/eligibility

The WEB WOC Program is here to support learners when identifying potential preceptors.  While learners are responsible for identifying potential preceptors, we can help you!  Most WEB WOC learners are able to find preceptors in large medical centers near home, but occasionally learners have to travel to access a preceptor or facility.  The Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society Member Directory may also be a useful resource. The WOCN® Preceptor Directory is not affiliated with the WEB WOC Nursing Education Program.

1. Be prepared to work around the preceptor’s schedule vs asking the preceptor to work around your schedule.
2. Contact preceptors at least 2-3 months prior to when you expect to complete your didactic courses and begin your clinical hours.
3. We recommend that you plan to spend at least 2-3 days per week with your preceptor, so the progress of a patient can be noted over multiple visits.
4. Full Scope learners are allowed a maximum of 2 preceptors.  Single & Dual Scope learners are allowed 1 preceptor.

Approximately 80% of our learners report that they do not pay preceptors for their time in the clinical practicum. However, many preceptors do charge for that service. Any financial arrangements made between the preceptor and learner is separate from the WEB WOC Nursing Education and not included in the listed program costs.

For a list of WEB WOC Contracted Facilities, please contact us directly at practicum@webwocnurse.com.

A contract between WEB WOC Nursing Education Program and your preceptor’s facility is required prior to beginning your clinical experience. WEB WOC will facilitate this process but requires the contact information of the person in charge of contracting at your preceptor’s facility (someone with the authority to review and sign legal contracts for the facility). The contracting process can take 8-10 weeks.  The Practicum Advisor will notify the learner if a Clinical Contracting Form is needed.

Full Scope learners (wound, ostomy and continence) are required to complete 120 clinical hours (40 hours per scope). Ten (10) of every 40 hours may focus on foundations of professional practice, and can be utilized in the area of most need, an area of special interest, or in observation of unique practices, settings or procedures.

Learners participating in a Wound and/or Ostomy practicum should plan to see patients primarily in acute care settings.  Other care settings such as outpatient clinics, home or long-term care may qualify if evidence of adequate patient diversity, complexity, and volume. Learners completing a Continence practicum may work with preceptors whose primary care setting is the outpatient clinic.

To ensure learners receive the best possible Clinical Practicum educational experience possible, the WEB WOC Nursing Education Program requires that Preceptors meet the following standards:

1. 1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing or a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree in a health-related field or unrelated field with competency demonstrated in assessment, public health, leadership and research/statistics.
   2. Certification: Board certified in tri-specialty as a CWOCN® or has current WOCNCB® specialty certification in the specialty in which they teach/precept. (Clinical practicum preceptors for wound and ostomy scope of practice MUST be certified by the WOCNCB.  Clinical practicum preceptor for continence scope of practice may use alternate clinical providers who specialize in bowel and bladder control including but not limited to physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistance, physical therapists, and urological technicians if there is no CWOCN or CCCN in the area that does this.)
   3. At least one year of clinical experience in the specialty after certification.
   4. Evidence of patient diversity, complexity and volume.
   5. You are qualified as a preceptor if you have done ONE of the following:

• • • Taken a preceptor course or workshop; OR

• • • Precepted a nursing student, new hire, or provided an educational staff in-service (structured learning program) on clinical skills, policy or procedures, etc.

Prior to beginning your clinical practicum, please review the following required clinical experiences with your preceptor.

Greetings from WEB WOC® Leadership Team! We would like to personally ‘Thank You’ for sharing your time and expertise in advancing the professional development of WEB WOC learners in WOC nursing specialty. Your role is KEY to promoting a safe culture for future patients challenged with skin, wound, ostomy, or continence care issues. Click here to download the PDF.

WEB WOC understands that it takes extra time, patience, sacrifice, and expertise to share your passion with a learner. You are an unsung HERO and WEB WOC® Programs acknowledges this accolade! Thank You!

PURPOSE: This guide outlines the preceptor’s role, responsibilities of the preceptor in guiding, evaluating and signing off on learner’s competencies and practicum experience.

Preceptor Role, Responsibilities & Tips

1. Welcome and orient the learner to your clinical setting:  Introduction to key staff/nurse manager/healthcare providers, tour of facility, location of restrooms, personal space, emergency exits and codes etc.
2. Introduce as a nurse specializing in wound, ostomy, or continence care. Avoid using the word ‘student’ because this nurse is a licensed professional. This approach will enhance patient care opportunities.
3. Begin each day with an overview of patient care activities, meetings, breaks/lunch, and expectations realizing this may change and evolve.
4. Monitor, assist as needed and provide constructive feedback with assessment, technical skills, patient education, and documentation,
5. Assistance with critical thinking; having the student identify alternative interventions (What are other options that would be appropriate?).
6. Assessment of the student’s level of independence and ability to meet clinical objectives and competencies. See attached Clinical Competencies for each scope of practice.
7. Encourage the learner to ask questions outside of the patient’s room, both before and after the clinical experience. Provide time at the end of day to debrief regarding patient care activities, what they did well, and any areas of improvement needed.
8. Encourage “Active” participation. The WOC nurse learner needs ‘hands on’ experience! We discourage observational experiences, except for diagnostic studies, urodynamic procedures or surgery!

Please feel free to contact WEB WOC anytime should you have any questions or concerns regarding precepting or the learner’s theory base, clinical recommendations, their skill level or professionalism at practicum@webwocnurse.com

Success of the WEB WOC learner, program and providing a culture of safety for future WOC patients is enhanced by YOU, an unsung HERO!

Thank you again and best regards in providing this clinical practicum for the WEB WOC learner!

JoAnn Ermer-Seltun MS, RN, ARNP, FNP-BC, CWOCN, CFCN
WEB WOC® President, Co-Director & Faculty Member

Debra Netsch, DNP, APRN, CNP, CWOCN-AP, CFCN
WEB WOC® Co-Director, ANCC Accredited Provider Program Director & Faculty Member