I would like to be a WOCN

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Specializes in med-surg/or/ambulatory/geriatric psyc.

I am currently in LPN school-get pinned July 20th, and then I have been accepted into my school's RN and start that in Aug. What do I need to be a WOCN? And where does a person find a job as a WOCN? I have a permanent colostomy and when I told my colorectal surgeon that I was going to nursing school, he told me that it is rare to have a WOCN that actually has a colostomy-and he has encouraged me to set my sites for this career. Can anyone tell me what I need in order to persue that career?

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it is my understanding that as of january of this year, one needs to have a bachelor's in nursing to sit for the WOCN exam. it is a prestigious title.

there is another certification, WCC, for those who do not have a BSN. this is a wound care clinician title.

will you be getting your BSN or an ADN?

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Specializes in med-surg/or/ambulatory/geriatric psyc.
it is my understanding that as of january of this year, one needs to have a bachelor's in nursing to sit for the WOCN exam. it is a prestigious title.

there is another certification, WCC, for those who do not have a BSN. this is a wound care clinician title.

will you be getting your BSN or an ADN?

I will be getting my ADN through this program and then either go from RN to BSN or RN to MSN online. I am wondering which one I should go for in order to work towards my WOCN? I am not sure how long either program takes and I am sure the RN to MSN also consists of actually getting a BSN somewhere along the line. Is there some pre-requisites that I could think about trying to get out of the way now in order to work towards a BSN?

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what ADN school are you in now? you might want to check with the online school (which one?) about prerequisites towards your BSN.

Once you get your BSN, you'll be able to sit for the WOCN exam.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.

You can go to the WOCN website for tons of information about the certification. I don't know what part of the country you are in, but Emory in Atlanta has a class to prepare you for the exam.

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Specializes in LTAC, Telemetry, Thoracic Surgery, ED.

There are several organizations that certify for wound care. There is still one that will allow LPN's/RN's with 2 years of direct would care experience to sit for their exam.

see the website http://www.wcei.net/

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Specializes in Wound-Ostomy.

I think you have a great plan. Your physician is right to tell you that it would be good to be a WOC nurse. You will be able to teach so well because of your own experience with your surgery & colostomy.

I am on my way to becoming a CWOCN - have been working in the WOC department for the most part of 2 years & just finished my BSN (I've been an RN for about 4 years). I will probably persue MSN as well - but it is not required. Actually my job title is now Wound-Ostomy Nurse. What is required of you will probably depend a lot on the facility in which you work.

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great info,I will be on all those sites. thanks

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