The Certified Wound and Ostomy Care Nurse certification indicates specialization in the area of managing and treating patients with an ostomy and the management and prevention of wounds.
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This specialization focuses on those patients with chronic disease processes that may require an ostomy along with the prevention of potential wound complications.
In order to be eligible to take a Certified Wound and Ostomy Care Nurse exam, there are many potential eligibility requirements:
First Time Candidates:
- Have a current RN license
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Have either graduated from a WOC accredited program within the last 5 years OR have a minimum of 50 credit hours and 1,500 clinical hours post bachelor’s degree per specialty you are applying for
Recertifying Candidates:
- Have a certification in the specialty you are applying for from the WOCNCB
- Have a current RN license
Certified Wound and Ostomy Care Nurse exams are offered at various testing centers across the United States.
The fees to take the exams change depending on how many you plan to take:
- 1 Specialty – $395
- 2 Specialties – $510
- 3 Specialties – $610
- 4 Specialties – $670
The exams questions focus on testing the RN’s knowledge of care of the patient with at least one ostomy and treatment and/or prevention of skin wounds that may be associated with an ostomy.
These can address the physiological processes involved with an ostomy, along with the psychosocial and behavioral needs of the patient.
The exams also contains questions pertaining to the specific pathophysiologic processes involved with wound formation and repair, along with specific treatment modalities used to treat wounds.
A portion of the exam also tests the RN’s knowledge on the specific devices used with an ostomy.
Certification as a Certified Wound and Ostomy Care Nurse is valid for 5 years. At that time, the RN can retake the exam to recertify, or requirements for the Professional Growth Program are met to qualify for recertification. This program utilizes a mixture of direct patient care and continuing education activities to meet specific requirements necessary to maintain certification.
CWCN®, COCN®, CCCN®, CWON®, and CWOCN® are registered trademarks of the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board. Mometrix Test Preparation is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board.