[debralynn]

At age 45 I think I have finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up. I think I would like to be in ostomy education for my patients. I am just an LPN now, do I have to have my BSN for this? I have always heard to be in any education field you must have your BSN, is this true?

[CardioTrans]

In order to be certified as a CWOCN nurse you have to have your BSN now and go through an approved class. I work with a nurse that has her diploma in nursing and is CWOCN certified, but she was grandfathered in because she was certified prior to the requirement change. She has been certified for almost 30 yrs now.

[purplemania]

While I would encourage you to get your BSN and WOCN if that is your burning desire, I would also state that you might approach the wound care nurse in your facility about being an assistant. The RN can delegate certain patients and interventions to you while you are getting an education. This could be mutually beneficial. Some facilities (including home health) will pay a nurse to attend WOCN school, but they will probably want you to get your RN first. Maybe you could work out a deal with someone. I say "try it!!"