The Cleveland Clinic Wound Care Program is globally recognized for its pioneering contributions to specialized nursing education. Specifically, the R. B. Turnbull Jr. MD Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) Nursing Education Program stands as a landmark achievement, being the first of its kind in the world. For nurses seeking to specialize in the complex and crucial field of wound, ostomy, and continence care, Cleveland Clinic offers an unparalleled educational journey rooted in history and driven by innovation.
The Origin and Evolution of WOC Nursing at Cleveland Clinic
In 1958, Cleveland Clinic’s own Dr. Rupert B. Turnbull Jr., a distinguished figure in colorectal surgery, recognized an unmet need. Learning about Norma Gill, a former patient providing support to ostomy patients, Dr. Turnbull invited her to join his team. This marked the inception of Enterostomal Therapy, with Norma Gill becoming the world’s first Enterostomal Therapist. Together, Dr. Turnbull and Ms. Gill established the very first training program for this burgeoning specialty, initially known as Enterostomal Therapy training, which later evolved into the esteemed R.B. Turnbull, Jr. MD School of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing, and is currently known as the R. B. Turnbull Jr. MD WOC Nursing Education Program (WOCNEP).
For over six decades, the Cleveland Clinic wound care program through its WOC Nursing Education Program has been at the forefront of shaping the WOC nursing specialty. It has trained over 2,000 of the estimated 6,000 WOC nurse specialists worldwide. The program’s longevity and global impact underscore its reputation for excellence and its significant contribution to healthcare.
Understanding WOC Nursing and its Significance
Wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nursing is a specialized area of practice focused on the care of patients with a range of complex conditions. This includes individuals with abdominal stomas, various types of wounds (such as acute, chronic, and pressure injuries), incontinence, and related dermatological conditions. WOC nurses are essential healthcare professionals equipped to handle these sensitive and often challenging aspects of patient care.
The Cleveland Clinic wound care program in WOC nursing education prepares nurses to be integral in numerous facets of patient management. Graduates are skilled in pre- and post-operative care for ostomy patients, experts in preventing and treating pressure injuries and complex wounds, and specialists in managing urinary and fecal incontinence. The curriculum emphasizes not only the technical skills but also the crucial psychological support, discharge planning, and rehabilitative counseling that patients require.
Why Choose WOC Nursing? The Career Advantages
The demand for WOC nurses is substantial and growing. With nearly a million people in North America living with ostomies and approximately 70,000 new ostomy surgeries performed annually, the need for specialized WOC care is evident. Patients with ostomies, wounds, and incontinence require a level of expertise that only WOC nurses can provide, making them indispensable members of the healthcare team.
WOC nurses find opportunities across diverse medical specialties including colorectal surgery, urology, pediatrics, oncology, and rehabilitation. Their expertise is highly valued in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home healthcare, long-term care facilities, private practices, industry, research, and nursing education. The versatility of a WOC nurse’s skills opens doors to a wide array of career paths.
Furthermore, WOC nurses benefit from a strong professional community. The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®), formed in 1968 at Dr. Turnbull Jr.’s suggestion, provides a robust network of over 5,000 members. WOCN® supports its members through advocacy, education, and research, further solidifying WOC nursing as a respected and continually evolving specialty. WOC nurses are recognized as highly skilled, certified specialists within the nursing profession.
The R. B. Turnbull Jr. MD WOC Nursing Education Program: Mission and Philosophy
The Cleveland Clinic wound care program, embodied by the R. B. Turnbull Jr. MD WOC Nursing Education Program, is deeply aligned with the Cleveland Clinic’s mission and the Digestive Diseases Institute. The program’s mission is to lead WOC nursing practice through superior education, research, innovation, and collaborative partnerships. It is committed to educating healthcare providers at all levels and serving the wider community with expert knowledge.
The program’s philosophy is grounded in evidence-based practices and a holistic approach to patient care. The curriculum is meticulously designed to equip nurses with the tools to provide comprehensive care and education to individuals with WOC needs. It reflects the standards and guidelines set by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®), ensuring students receive the most current and relevant training.
Students in the program are encouraged to develop into leaders in WOC nursing. Through interactive discussions, in-depth didactic education, practical projects, and hands-on clinical experiences, they learn to excel as clinicians, educators, consultants, and contributors to the growing body of WOC nursing knowledge. The ultimate goal is to prepare graduates to be effective, compassionate, and efficient members of any multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Distinctive Features of the Cleveland Clinic WOC Nursing Education Program
What truly distinguishes the Cleveland Clinic wound care program‘s WOC Nursing Education Program is its pioneering legacy. As the world’s first established program in WOC nursing education, it boasts over 64 years of experience in shaping WOC nurse specialists. Accreditation by WOCN® provides a direct path to certification through the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB®), adding significant professional value to graduates.
Key highlights of the program include:
- Specialized Preparation: Comprehensive training to become specialists in wound, ostomy, and/or continence care.
- Expert Faculty: Instructors are all full-scope certified CWOCNs, bringing real-world expertise to the classroom.
- Flexible Online Learning: Didactic courses are delivered online, offering 24/7 access to materials and fostering work-life balance.
- Diverse Clinical Opportunities: Clinical practicums are available across various geographical locations in the U.S., including at Cleveland Clinic, exposing students to a wide range of medical conditions and treatment modalities.
- Continuing Education: Provides continuing education certificates, enhancing professional development.
- Experiential Pathway to Certification: Offers an alternative route to WOCNCB certification through an experiential pathway.
- International Recognition: Recognized by the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists, ensuring global applicability of the education.
The online curriculum is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework at their convenience, using laptops or desktops for optimal access. Faculty are readily available for support and engagement through various online communication channels, ensuring a rich and interactive learning experience despite the online format.
Curriculum and Course Benefits
The online WOC nursing education offers numerous benefits, including:
- Interactive Learning Environment: Opportunities to engage with peers and faculty, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere.
- Home-Based Convenience: Complete coursework from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for relocation.
- Work-Life Balance: 24/7 access to courses accommodates diverse schedules and commitments.
- Cost-Effective Education: Reduced expenses on travel, housing, and meals (unless choosing a distant clinical site).
Each student undertakes a clinical practicum with an approved preceptor. The duration of clinical hours varies based on the chosen scope of study, with full-scope (tri-specialty) education requiring 120 hours (40 per specialty). Successful completion of both didactic and clinical components qualifies students for certification via the traditional WOCNCB pathway.
The curriculum prepares nurses to excel in pre- and post-operative ostomy management, wound and pressure injury prevention and treatment, and incontinence care. Students develop essential skills in evidence-based clinical practice, psychological support, discharge planning, and follow-up care, making them well-rounded WOC specialists.
Admission to the WOC Nursing Education Program
To be considered for admission to the Cleveland Clinic wound care program’s WOC Nursing Education Program, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Active U.S. Registered Nurse license and a baccalaureate degree or higher.
- For non-nursing baccalaureate degrees, demonstrated competencies in health assessment, leadership, research, and community health nursing are needed.
- One year of RN clinical experience post-licensure.
- Current clinical nursing experience within the last 5 years.
- Documentation of current clinical experience, refresher course completion, or clinical performance examination if experience is not current.
- Ability to attend didactic classes and complete clinical rotations in the U.S. without requiring student VISA sponsorship from Cleveland Clinic.
Take the Next Step in WOC Nursing
The Cleveland Clinic wound care program’s R. B. Turnbull Jr. MD WOC Nursing Education Program is an exceptional choice for nurses aiming to specialize in wound, ostomy, and continence care. With its rich history, innovative curriculum, and expert faculty, the program provides a solid foundation for a rewarding and in-demand career.
For more information on admissions or any inquiries, please contact:
Teresa Warnke
WOC Admissions & Business Office Coordinator II
Mobile Phone: 216.317.7163
Email: [email protected]
Embark on your journey to becoming a certified WOC nurse specialist with the pioneering Cleveland Clinic wound care program.
