One year in, can I be a WOC nurse?

[katinthehatter]

I have been searching different avenues of nursing and WOC is one that appeals to me.

I have 3 months experience in the Cleveland Clinic but didn't make it past orientation due to time management. I worked 4 months in a skilled nursing facility in their long term, transitional, and chronic rehab units. Right now I'm in New York working as an agency nurse. In all three locations, I've seen wounds and have done wound care and taken care of people with foleys and suprapubic catheters. Ostomies we're rare but they were fascinating to work with.

I long to be an educator one day but I recognize that O need more experience working. This seems like wonderful specialty to be a part of.

[tamselndistress, BSN, RN]

Kat I had just a little over a year in floor experience and some case management, with very little to no wound care experience, before investing in my WOCN certification through Emory University. 

I got hired on as a per diem in acute care and it's been a learning curve but doable. If you have good support and keep up on the education/learning you will do well!

 

[Candogal]

You do not need to be certified for an outpatient wound RN position. I began 2 outpatient wound jobs without my certification and finally became certified but quite a few  of the RNs working in wounds are not.