Each year, from April 13th to April 19th, WOC Nurse Week gives us a chance to recognize and celebrate the incredible wound, ostomy, and continence nurses across the country.
At 180 Medical, we see how important WOCNs are in helping our patients feel more prepared, informed, and confident as they adjust to living with an ostomy after surgery or a new unexpected diagnosis. The impact of their work, day in and day out, in supporting, educating, and caring for their patients is immeasurable.
The Importance of WOC Nurses (WOCN)
A WOC nurse is a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse. These specialized healthcare professionals care for and help treat patients with wounds, fistulas, pressure sores, ostomies (urostomy, colostomy, or ileostomy), and bowel or bladder incontinence.
For many patients, a WOC nurse can serve as an educator and advocate. They often help patients learn how to safely and hygienically care for their stoma, choose and use the right pouching system type and size, recommend ways to help protect their skin, manage catheter and continence needs, and feel more confident continuing their own care at home.
The work of a WOCN goes far beyond the clinic. They are there for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments, offering care, encouragement, practical guidance, and support when it’s needed the most.
Supporting WOC Nurses and Their Patients After Discharge
At 180 Medical, it’s our goal to be an extension of the care and support WOCNs give their patients when they refer them to us for their catheters or ostomy supplies.
Healthcare providers, including WOC nurses, across the country know they can depend on 180 Medical to support their patients by helping them understand their insurance coverage, gather any required documentation, navigate product options based on prescription, and provide ongoing support after that first discreet home delivery.
For patients with ostomy supply needs, we offer a variety of high-quality ostomy pouching systems, skin barriers, adhesive removers, barrier rings, and other ostomy accessories to help address common ostomy issues such as leakage or odors.
If you’re a WOC nurse or another healthcare professional looking for a dependable catheter or ostomy supply company for your patients, 180 Medical is here to help make the referral and supply process easy for you and your patients.
