Online WOCN training

Specialties Wound

Published

Hi all -

I'm an RN with Home Health at this point in time, and have come to the realization that I do not know as much as I would like to about wounds and ostomies. I've been a nurse for 6 years, done the hospital and LTC route, and think I would really like to get WON certification (not continence).

I'm looking at online programs because there's no way I can be away from home and family for a long period of time, and so far I've looked at Metropolitan State University and Emory.

Does anyone out there have anything to say about these programs?

How well prepared did you feel you were for certification?

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I took the Webwoc wound course. I did feel very well prepared for the test, though most of what you learn is in the preceptorship rather than the course material.

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I would definitely recommend the Emory online program! I felt that the instructors were very responsive to always quick to grade, answer questions, etc. I loved how I could study anytime I wanted (as a night-shifter). The week you spend in Atlanta is also incredibly helpful for tying everything together. When looking at programs, consider that most people think Cleveland Clinic and Emory are pretty much the online programs you want to stick to. I know it can also be a challenge to get all the necessary clinical hours when also working full-time. Some people went all the way through the classes but really got stuck when it came to finding the preceptors and scheduling the 120 hours (if WOC). I know of several large (1,000+ beds in southeast and midwest) hospitals who refuse to hire anyone on their wound team who isn't WOCN certified (as opposed to the shorter programs). Just things to consider-Good luck!!

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Specializes in CWON - Certified Wound and Ostomy Nurse.

Emory all the way (although I am sure Cleveland Clinic has a good program). Meggie is spot on with her statement, too. I loved their instructors and they are very friendly and approachable. Magnet hospitals seem to be some of the bigger advocates of hiring CWOCN's. I would recommend getting your continence certification at some point in time. It's actually a very interesting specialty and the education provided (at least by Emory) really helped solidify how important but often overlooked continence is in determining patient care.

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Thanks for your replies! I'm looking more seriously into the programs right now but am getting hung up on the different credentialing bodies - just started a new thread on those. Emory does seem to be a great program, but pricey. And I would have to go down there for a Bridge week, which is going to be $$ too.

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TammyG, how did you find your preceptor?

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LogCabinMom, WebWoc has a list of preceptors in each region that have been pre-approved. For wounds, I found my own preceptor and then had that preceptor approved by the program. But for ostomy and continence, I used one of their pre-approved preceptors. It was not a problem, though I understand that some individuals who live in rural areas had to travel to find a preceptor, in some cases.

WOCN is the gold standard of wound credentialing. As far as I know, all WOC nurses in hospitals are WOCNs. WCC is open to non-RNs and so is not a nursing certification per se.

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