Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCNs)
“Place Your Care in the Hands of an Expert”
Flagstaff Medical Center realizes the importance of having local access to expert nursing care. Wound, Ostomy and Continence nursing was also recently recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) as one of the newest nursing specialties.
The issues related to wound, ostomy and continence conditions are not always easy to acknowledge and discuss. Our specialized WOCNs provide education to patients and families, a focus on preventative care, specialized therapies, support and counseling. Knowledge is power, and when patients have the support, insight and understanding from WOCN professionals they often develop a higher degree of independence, can better manage their condition and have improved self esteem.
Wound, Ostomy and Continence issues are more common than many people realize. Here are some startling U.S. facts:
· Non-healing wounds affect a significant number of people. They are responsible for considerable pain, suffering and loss of function. Furthermore, without proper treatment, wounds can become infected and threaten loss of limb or life.
· Pressure ulcers (or bedsores) affect 10% of people in hospitals. Older adults are the group that is most susceptible.
· It is estimated that over 12 million Americans struggle with some form of urinary incontinence.
· Approximately 5.5 million Americans may experience episodes of fecal incontinence.
· One third of all men and women between the ages of 30 and 70 will experience loss of bladder or bowel control at some point in their adult lives.
· 750,000 people in the U.S. have an ostomy, a surgically created opening in the body to allow body waste to pass through.
· 75,000 fecal and urinary ostomies are created annually.
· Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease may eventually create wound and incontinence issues without a preventative care plan.
Studies show that patients achieve better results when a WOCN is involved in their care. If you need specialized care, counseling and support please contact the Disease Management Department at 928-773-2249 or the WOCN Office at Verde Valley Medical Center at 928-639-6330.
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