What is WOC Nursing?

Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing is a specialized field of nursing involving the care of patients with abdominal stomas, dermal wounds, pressure injuries, incontinence and related skin conditions. WOC nurses are in demand in colorectal surgery, urology, pediatrics, oncology and rehabilitation departments, to name a few. Their expertise makes them valuable not only in the hospital; but also in outpatient clinics, private practice, home care, at extended care facilities, in industry and research, and in nursing education programs. Nearly one million people in North American have ostomies, and 70,000 new ostomy surgeries are performed each year. Recognizing that people with ostomies, fistulas, pressure ulcers and incontinence have special needs, Cleveland Clinic pioneered the Enterostomal Therapy (ET) Program, now called Wound, Ostomy Continence (WOC) Nursing.

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