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We are pleased to announce a significant development regarding the availability of specialized Medina Catheters (curved and straight) for people living with a Kock Pouch in Canada. Over the past eight months, we have been in discussions with Health Canada to address the lack of these essential supplies since the previous supplier's acquisition by a Swedish company. Today, we had a successful meeting with Health Canada and have identified a solution that allows Canadians with a Kock Pouch to access these specialized catheters without needing to order from the USA or Europe. To inform you about how to access these catheters, we will be holding several information sessions. The dates and times for these sessions are as follows: July 29 at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT: RSVP on Zoom August 1 at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT: RSVP on Zoom August 8 at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT: RSVP on Zoom September 4 at 7 PM EDT/4 PM PDT: RSVP on Zoom If you are interested in attending one of these information sessions, please RSVP on Zoom using the provided links. Warm regards, Cathy Harley (she/her) Chief Executive Officer Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)

The NSWOCC Board of Directors is seeking a Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) interested in raising awareness of the SWAN role and building the SWAN Community of Practice. The primary focus is to advance the profession of SWANs across Canada. This community aims to bring SWANs together to discuss the SWAN role, identify areas requiring advocacy, and create opportunities for SWANs to enhance their knowledge and skills, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain an understanding of governance. Objectives: Unite SWANs in a community of practice to identify issues and advocate for change. Identify opportunities for SWAN Associates in wound, ostomy, and continence care, develop supporting projects, and implement them. Provide a forum to develop strategies for promoting the SWAN role, raising awareness, and demonstrating the value of SWANs in the Canadian healthcare system. Responsibilities to the Board: Attend fall annual face-to-face board meetings as a non-voting participant. Report to the board and membership on the activities of the SWAN Community of Practice through annual and mid-year written reports. Follow direction from the Board of Directors to develop and implement projects based on the current Strategic and Operational plans. Responsibilities to the Core Program: Provide leadership for the SWAN Community of Practice by organizing monthly meetings (except in July and August) and setting project goals and timelines. Establish annual core program goals, objectives, and timelines as directed by the NSWOCC Board of Directors. Recruit interested NSWOCC SWAN Associates to form project teams addressing specific deliverables. Match volunteers to appropriate portfolios/projects. Monitor progress towards identified goals and objectives. Maintain communication between the SWAN Community of Practice and the board. Collaborate with the Board to develop and maintain a succession planning process for the core program leader to ensure smooth transitions and continuation of ongoing projects. Qualifications: RPN/LPN or Diploma RN Graduate of the NSWOCC Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Program Active NSWOCC Associate in good standing Term: 2-year term with the option of a second, 2-year term. Application Process: If you are interested in applying for the SWAN Community of Practice Leader position, please send an email with an expression of interest and a copy of your resume to office@nswoc.ca. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 5, 2024. For further information on this leadership role, please email the NSWOCC CEO Catherine Harley at office@nswoc.ca.

June 17-23 2024 is World Continence Week (WCW)! WCW is an annual initiative devised and managed by WFIPP (World Federation for Incontinence and Pelvic Problems), with the endorsement and support of the International Continence Society (ICS), European Association of Urology(EAU) and the Ibero-American Society of Neurourology and Urogynaecology (SINUG). It is a global initiative intended to raise awareness of bladder & bowel issues, chronic pelvic pain and other debilitating conditions which impact greatly on the lives of patients, families and carers. The main themes for 2024 are Shared Decision Making, Incontinence and Mental Health and Commitment to Collaboration in Continence Care (the 4 C’s Project). The objective of WCW is to raise global awareness of such conditions and help remove stigmas and taboos via events, publications, press releases and more. In so doing, WFIPP aims to provide a reliable and easily accessible forum for those seeking information – patients, families, carers, healthcare professionals, institutions (scientific and academic), industry, and patient advisory groups around the world. To learn more, help share the message of WCW, and get involved, please visit the link below! #commitmenttocollaborationincontinencecare #WCW2024 #continencematters #supportincontinence

We are pleased to share our Executive Board and Board Directors for the upcoming term! Congratulations to those who have been elected. Let's learn more about our Executive board and Board Directors below! Meet our Executive Board NEW President: Corey Heerschap, MScCH(WPC), BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), IIWCC Corey Heerschap, MScCH (WPC), BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), IIWCC is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Wound and Ostomy at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ontario. Corey has been working in the wound care field since he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Laurentian University in 2012. NEW President-Elect: Bev Smith RN, BScN, NSWOC Bev Smith was born and raised in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia where her Indigenous Ancestors from the Miꞌkmaq First Nations of Potlotek, Cape Breton settled in the early 1900’s. After graduating high school, Bev moved to Edmonton and completed her BScN at the University of Alberta. After working in acute care for several years, an opportunity to work alongside the hospital’s only NSWOC presented itself and Bev was excited to take on the new challenge. Bev enrolled in the then CAET wound, ostomy and continence education program and graduated as a NSWOC in 2008. NEW Secretary: Roxie Demers RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) My name is Roxie Demers. I am a Registered Nurse with the designation of Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence and I am employed by SE Health in Hamilton. I have worked there for two and a half years. Before SE Health I worked at a regional hospital as a Skin and Wound Nurse. I completed my IIWCC in 2018 and decided to continue my education and acquire my NSWOC certification in 2020. I am Wound, Ostomy and Continence certified with the Canadian Nurses Association. Treasurer: Misty Stephens RN, MClSc(WH), BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Misty Stephens started her career as an ICU trauma nurse and then transitioned into being an NSWOC in 2013. Since then she has been working in acute care as the certified NSWOC. She is the chair of BC provincial skin and wound committee and value analysis teams. Misty is the regional NSWOC BC / Yukon director. Past President: Marcia Leard RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Marcia Leard is a native of Prince Edward Island and has been the NSWOC at the Prince County Hospital in Summerside, PE since 2003. She graduated from the A J McMaster School of Nursing in Moncton NB in 1989 and completed her Bachelors Degree in Nursing Science at Brandon University in 1995. Marcia has experienced a diverse career including positions in emergency, obstetrics, med- surg, peds and nursing station relief in northwestern Ontario, but was thrilled to return home in 2001 and work in her home town. Chief Executive Officer: Catherine Harley (she/her) RN, eMBA, IIWCC Catherine has served as the Executive Director for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada (NSWOCC) for the past 12 years and was also the first Executive Director for the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) for 5 years. Past experience includes serving as the Director of Global Strategic Marketing, Wound Care Core Business for ConvaTec division of Bristol-Myers Squibb in Skillman, New Jersey and Business Unit Manager for Wound and Skin Care based in Montreal Quebec prior to that. Meet our Board Directors BC & Yukon: Rochelle De Clerk BScN, NSWOC Rochelle De Clerk's love for wound care began in nursing school at Trent University in Ontario. It was during her 2nd year practicum that she realized wound care really interested her. Rochelle moved to BC during her 4th year of nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse in Richmond Hospital in 2009. She has worked in a few different fields of nursing including Cardiac, Medical, and Surgical. Her passion for wound care really began when she became a Community Care Nurse in Salmon Arm, B.C. in 2012. NEW Prairies, NWT and Nunavut: Angela Koziak RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) My name is Angela Koziak and I have lived in Alberta my entire life. I live in Beaumont with my spouse Mark, my kids Noah (16), and Kailey (7). My stepson Castin (20) lives on his own now. I graduated from the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta in 2004. As a student I worked in long term care. After graduation I worked in medicine and ICU. After having my son, I became a Case Manager in Supportive Living. Soon after, I met Bev Smith who inspired in me a fascination with wound care, encouraged me to join the direct nursing team and to take the NSWOC program. NEW Ontario: Joshua Moralejo RN, BScN, MScCH: WPC, NSWOC, WOCC(C), IIWCC Joshua is a Registered Nurse who has developed a passion for wound and ostomy care. He completed the CAWC Levels 1-3 Series (2011), the IIWCC (2014), Advanced Ostomy Care and Management (2016) and the Master of Science in Community Health – Wound Prevention and Care (2020) at the University of Toronto, and the NSWOC Program at the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute (2023). In 2023, he received the Canadian Nurses Association Certification in Wound, Ostomy & Continence. Quebec: Audray Lafortune Bsc., infirmière clinicienne, stomothérapeute, PSCC(C) My name is Audray Lafortune. I’ve been an RN since 2010 and a NSWOC since 2018. I started my career, as many people do, working in the hospital on various medical floors. It was the switch to home care that led me to discover my interest in wound care. A switch in employment, landed me a remplacement on the NSWOC team and from there I discovered a passion. For many the work of the NSWOC team is mostly unknown, but I discovered a field of great autonomy, highly competent nurses and daily challenges to make patients' lives better. NEW Atlantic: Denise Nicholson RN, BN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) My passion for wound care started early in my over 20-year nursing career when I worked on a surgical unit in Fredericton, NB. I also remember my first ostomy patient. He was a quadriplegic, and I was able to see how greatly his ostomy improved his quality of life. Then military life took my family and I to ON where I began working for an agency with an ET. I learned about the role and its value and my interest in ostomy and wound care further grew. Little did I know that soon after I would have someone dear to me need an ostomy. NEW SWAN: Sharon Hunter RPN, IIWCC, SWAN Bio coming soon!

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) proudly announces the election of Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc PhD, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN as the new President of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), effective June 13, 2024. Dr. LeBlanc, currently serving as the Academic Chair of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role. As an esteemed representative of NSWOCC and specialized nurses nationwide, Dr. LeBlanc’s presidency at CNA from 2024 to 2026 is set to champion the interests of nurses across Canada. Dr. LeBlanc succeeds Dr. Sylvain Brousseau, RN, PhD, FFNMRCSI, FAA, whom NSWOCC acknowledges for his exemplary service as CNA President from 2022 to 2024. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. LeBlanc on this well-deserved achievement. Her tenure as President marks a significant milestone for specialized nursing in Canada, and we look forward to her advocacy and leadership.

In recognition of June being National Indigenous History Month, we encourage and challenge all NSWOCC Members to complete the free online Indigenous Canada Course offered by the University of Alberta. Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. For those who wish to receive a certificate upon completion, they are also available to purchase.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada. Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is privileged to work closely alongside our Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Core Program to help improve the lives of Indigenous People in the areas of wound, ostomy and continence care. As we reflect and honour the past of Indigenous people in Canada, we are also committed to working towards a better future in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation. We invite you to visit our Sharing Circle website at www.sharingcircle.online for resources and tools related to wound, ostomy and continence health care for Indigenous People. #NIHM2024

As Pride Month 2024 begins, we at Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) proudly stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This month is a vital time to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and recognize the ongoing mission towards equality & equity. Our commitment at NSWOCC is rooted in the belief that "Every Person Deserves Specialized Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care." This includes fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels safe, respected, and valued. At NSWOCC, we believe that true celebration of Pride goes beyond just words of recognition. In addition, it involves taking actionable steps to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. To achieve equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility among the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community and other marginalized groups, NSWOCC will provide: A Safe Environment: NSWOCC strives to create an open, inclusive, and equitable environment in which every person has the opportunity to flourish. NSWOCC will support zero-tolerance for discrimination and harassment. Respectful Communication: Enforce respectful communication and cooperation between all constituents. Support accessible digital communications. Equitable Access: Provide access and information to its Board, Core Program Leaders Members, Students, Partners including Industry, Staff, Faculty, and potential applicants in order that they may support the organization's work. Support architectural access to all for on-site events. Equitable Opportunity: Provide equitable opportunity for inclusivity. Have Leaders, Members, Students, Volunteers and Staff who reflect the increasingly diverse population that we serve bringing a broad scope of contributions. Offer opportunities that engage all Members and Students in the work of NSWOCC. Supporting Policies: Develop and align policies and practices tailored to marginalized and racialized groups. Cultural Safety Practices: Explore, develop, and implement cultural safety practices. Cultural humility and Safety: this is achieved by a genuine attempt to understand the individual as it relates to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education and or religion. Ultimately, Pride Month is not just about the past and present; it's also about paving the way for a more inclusive future. As Pride Month unfolds, let's remember that each step toward inclusivity and understanding makes a difference. On behalf of NSWOCC, we wish you a happy Pride Month!

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is thrilled to announce the release of a pioneering set of resources: the Urinary Catheter Decision Aids. These four decision aids are now readily available for download, aiming to streamline catheter selection processes and bolster patient care across Canada. NSWOCC invites you to widely distribute these invaluable resources among your peers and colleagues. The decision aids include: Adult Intermittent Urinary Catheter Decision Aid Adult Indwelling Urinary Catheter Decision Aid Paediatric Intermittent Urinary Catheter Decision Aid Paediatric Indwelling Urinary Catheter Decision Aid Background: Urethral catheterization is necessary for individuals unable to empty their bladder to otherwise prevent complications resulting from urinary retention. Feedback from Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs), in 2020, following the launch of the Clean Intermittent Urethral Catheterization in Adults - Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Nurses identified the lack of standardization in the use of urinary catheters across the health care spectrum. This identified a need for nursing decision aids to guide catheter selection and prompted the formation of a task force to develop standardized decision aids. A group of twenty-four nurses with expertise in the field of continence were drawn from relevant professional associations across Canada. The work of this expert group and the resulting four decision aids below provide a standardized approach to support nurses on appropriate catheter selection for intermittent and indwelling catheterization for patients of all ages. Acknowledgments: Under the adept leadership of Karen Campbell, this task force meticulously developed the four decision aids. NSWOCC extends our thanks to the following diligent task force members: Ehsan Adiban Tarik Alam Barbara Anderson Madeleine Ashcroft Genet Begashaw Jennifer Bilbie Michelle Buffalo Marcia Carr Berenice Chan Valérie Chaplain Natalie Kameka Corey Knott Carly Lindsay Jana Lognon Svea Ménard Valentina Popov Gina Porter Jodi Quinlan Gita Rafiee Laura Robbs Kaila Snider Ashley Thompson Andrea Trainor Additionally, NSWOCC acknowledges Louise Rudden for her invaluable contributions as a subject matter expert on paediatric catheterization. Coming Soon: The French translation of these Urinary Catheter Decision Aids will be available in the near future. La traduction française de ces aides à la décision sur les sondes urinaires sera bientôt disponible. Important Note: Nurses must practice within nursing regulatory body scope of practice and in accordance with health care organizational policies and procedures. Always refer to manufacturer’s instructions for use. Article: Development of a decision aid for nurses supporting urinary catheter selection Published in both French and English in the NSWOC Advance volume 35, Issue 1 (March 2024). Access the article here: https://www.flipbookserver.com/Decision-Aids

May 17th has been recognized in Canada as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). This significant day serves as an important reminder to honour the diversity and resilience of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities worldwide, while also shedding light on the persistent discrimination and challenges they experience. At NSWOCC, we stand firm in our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) as foundational values that define our organization. We strive for inclusivity by actively engaging and welcoming all voices, especially those who have historically been marginalized or excluded. By embracing these principles, we can work together to cultivate an environment where every member is valued, respected, and provided with equitable opportunities for growth and advancement. As we observe International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, let us renew our dedication to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community and beyond. Together, let us celebrate the richness of our membership and continue our collective efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. In solidarity, NSWOCC

NSWOCC is thrilled to announce the launch of our Virtual Care Toolkit! In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOCs) have pioneered virtual care solutions to ensure uninterrupted support for clients. Introducing the NSWOCC Virtual Care Toolkit: a comprehensive resource designed by a dedicated task force to empower NSWOCs in navigating the complexities of virtual care delivery. This toolkit, accessible online, addresses legal, technological, and equity considerations, offering practical guidance for delivering high-quality care virtually. From legal compliance to technology integration and inclusive care practices, the toolkit equips NSWOCs with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in virtual care. Although this document is focused on NSWOC practice, some Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs), in particular diploma registered nurse (RN) SWANs, may have the knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide some virtual consults. Thank you to the Task Force for building NSWOCC’s first Virtual Care Toolkit!

Choosing the right products for a dressing change can be time-consuming and overwhelming–particularly if there is no standardized product formulary or protocol. Dressings for skin tears are no exception. Identifying the skin tear type is essential to choosing the right treatment and products. Medline’s system of products is designed to help address some of the challenges facing clinicians today. One of those challenges is the growing awareness that skin tears represent a significant risk to individuals, especially as we age. Medline offers advanced wound and skin care products, including an innovative approach to treating skin tears. This new approach to skin tear treatment includes a kit containing all the components necessary for a skin tear dressing application. The kit also includes step-by-step application instructions guided by the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) Best Practice Recommendations  that will streamline and improve patient outcomes. The kit lists products recommended by ISTAP, including Marathon®, a no-sting cyanoacrylate liquid skin protectant. In a recent retrospective case series, Marathon was shown to be an effective treatment for Type 1 skin tears, its use on skin tears reduced time-to-heal and Marathon was cost-effective when compared to the traditional skin closure strips. In another case study, Marathon was shown to provide increased patient comfort, minimize pain and reduce infections for individuals residing in a Long-Term Care facility. This unique product is just one component of the innovative skin tear kit that will help you make the right choice to standardize skin tear care for your patient. References LeBlanc K et al. Best practice recommendations for the prevention and management of skin tears in aged skin. Wounds International 2018. Available to download from: https://woundsinternational.com/best-practice-statements/istap-best-practice-recommendations-prevention-and-management-skin-tears-aged-skin/ LeBlanc K and Christensen, D. Evaluation of a cyanoacrylate liquid skin protectant for the treatment of type 1 and 2 skin tears at a long-term care facility Wounds International 2020, Vol 11 Issue 2, Available to download from: https://woundsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/6a8521005eecd284ec3fd5477f40464e.pdf Hill R and Smith, S. Comparison of a cyanoacrylate liquid skin protectant to skin closure strips for the treatment of injury-related Type 1 skin tears in elderly patients. Journal of Wound Management. July, 2022. Pg 99-108. Available to download from: https://journals.cambridgemedia.com.au/application/files/9016/9320/4944/hill.pdf