In this special episode of WOCTalk, Kate Lawrence addresses the complex logistics of ensuring patients have the right ostomy products, from the ideal timing of supply discussions to the essential information patients must retain upon discharge. Kate provides critical guidance on navigating insurance, understanding the bundled supply system in home health, and utilizing community resources for the uninsured. Finally, she issues a call-to-action regarding the policy threat of competitive bidding on ostomy and urological supplies. This podcast is part of the Ostomy Observations Series, a 6-part series included in the “Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow” Program. Both the Ostomy Observations podcast series and the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program are commercially supported through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. For more information, visit wocn.org/exceptionaloutcomes. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services.

On this episode of WOCTalk we sit down with Ferne Elsass, MSN, RN, CPN, CWON, WOCNF, a nationally recognized leader in the wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) community. With over 26 years of specialized experience—including extensive work in neonatal and pediatric intensive care—Ferne brings a unique and compassionate perspective to treating the smallest patients. In this episode, she discusses the critical differences between adult and pediatric WOC care, sharing invaluable insights from her career that transitioned from bedside nursing, to a clinical resource specialist role within industry, and her passion for leading and mentorship. Listen now to discover the path that led her to WOC nursing and an unexpected induction as a 2024 WOCN Fellow.

In this special episode of WOCTalk, Debra Netsch discusses the importance of anticipatory guidance in ostomy care—a proactive approach that prepares patients before, during, and after surgery. Learn how WOC nurses can empower patients through each stage of their ostomy journey—from preoperative education and early post-op confidence-building to long-term adaptation and self-care—ensuring care that’s preventive, patient-centered, and outcomes-driven. This podcast is part of the Ostomy Observations Series, a 6-part series included in the “Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow” Program. Both the Ostomy Observations podcast series and the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program are commercially supported through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. For more information, visit wocn.org/exceptionaloutcomes. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services.

On this special episode of WOCTalk, we talk with Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of the DAISY Foundation, about the organization’s history, its range of recognition awards, the evolution of WOCN® Society recognition awards, and the power of meaningful recognition in nursing. Bonnie shares the story of her stepson Patrick, whose hospitalization and the compassionate care he received inspired the creation of The DAISY Foundation™ and The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. Today, the program is embraced by more than 7,500 healthcare organizations and nursing schools across 44 countries, with over 260,000 nurses honored and millions nominated. DAISY’s recognition programs highlight exceptional patient care, strengthen organizational culture, support nurse engagement, and help combat compassion fatigue. The Foundation also funds nursing research, evidence-based practice projects, and medical mission work, all with the goal of honoring nurses at every stage of their careers and in every care setting.

During this special episode of WOCTalk, we sit down with Michelle Rice, MSN, RN, CWOCN to speak about care strategies and activities for children living with ostomies. Join us as we discuss creative ways to encourage physical activity, adapt sports and recreation, and support families and caregivers in helping kids live fully and fearlessly. Because every child deserves to run, jump, and grow—ostomy or not.

 This podcast is part of the Ostomy Observations Series, a 6-part series included in the “Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow” Program. Both the Ostomy Observations podcast series and the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program are commercially supported through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. For more information, visit wocn.org/exceptionaloutcomes. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services. About the Speaker
Michelle Rice, MSN, RN, CWOCN Michelle Rice is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) care at Duke University Health System in Durham, NC. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Barry University and her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Duke University. In 1999, she completed her WOC nursing education at Emory University. Michelle is passionate about providing care for neonatal and pediatric patients with wound and ostomy needs, as well as improving the overall quality of care in this field.

In this episode of WOCTalk, Dan Shockley, a Navy veteran and ostomy advocate, and Joyce Moss, a retired WOC nurse, share their powerful journey from patient and provider to advocacy partners. Dan discusses his diagnosis with the rare genetic condition Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (AFAP) and life-saving ileostomy procedure. Joyce details her experience helping ostomates overcome stigma and denial, stressing the importance of patient education and caregiver support. Together, they highlight their work securing legislative proclamations for ostomy and FAP awareness and showcasing the impact of patient-driven advocacy.

In this episode of WOCTalk, Jen Rowe, Kelsey Swiss, and Melanie Vinette share how their dynamic wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nursing team delivers patient-centered care. They discuss team collaboration, weekend coverage, and working alongside a nurse practitioner and surgeon. Hear about their innovative programs—outpatient ostomy support, new nurse academies, pressure injury analysis, and hands-on student education—as well as strategies for implementing new products, improving workflow, and fostering continuous learning and mentorship. Whether you’re a seasoned WOC nurse or just starting out, this episode highlights the creativity, collaboration, and dedication behind impactful patient care.

In this special episode of WOCTalk, we address the often-overlooked issue of peristomal itch, or pruritus, with Joyce Pittman, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, CWOCN, WOCNF, FAAN. Joyce shares her expertise on the causes, assessment, and management of this common yet sometimes underreported concern, offering insights into literature on this topic and practical strategies to improve comfort, skin health, and quality of life for individuals living with an ostomy. This podcast is part of the Ostomy Observations Series, a 6-part series included in the “Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow” Program. Both the Ostomy Observations podcast series and the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program are commercially supported through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. For more information, visit wocn.org/exceptionaloutcomes. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services.

On this episode of WOCTalk, Dr. Phyllis Bonham explores the 4th edition of the Guideline for Management of Wounds in Patients with Lower Extremity Arterial Disease (LEAD). She reviews updates in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including pulse palpation, ABI testing, novel therapies, and so much more. Dr. Bonham also explains how the guideline was developed, what has changed since previous editions, and how clinicians can apply these evidence-based wound care recommendations in practice to improve patient outcomes.

On this episode of WOCTalk, Donna Bliss, the WOCNext® 2024-2026 Abstract Chair, shares everything you need to know about submitting abstracts. Learn about the different categories—practice innovation, research, and case series—and get tips on content, visuals, and formatting that catch the reviewers’ attention. We also cover the submission process, how abstracts are selected, presenting as eposters, creating short video overviews, and how WOCN® Society members can become abstract reviewers.

In this special episode of WOCTalk, part of the Ostomy Observations series, we explore the emotional and psychological toll of pouch system leakage with Janet Stoia-Davis, RN, CWOCN, FCN. Drawing on her clinical expertise and compassionate care approach, Janet discusses the impact leakage can have on a person’s mental health, self-esteem, and quality of life—and offers insight into how WOC nurses can provide both clinical and emotional support. This podcast is part of the Ostomy Observations Series, a 6-part series included in the “Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow” Program. Both the Ostomy Observations podcast series and the Educating Today for Exceptional Outcomes Tomorrow Program are commercially supported through an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. For more information, visit wocn.org/exceptionaloutcomes. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services.

On this episode of WOCTalk we sit down with Andrew Storer, PhD, DNP, RN, NP, CWCN-AP, FAANP, Clinical Editor for the WOCN® Society, to talk about clean versus sterile technique for the management of chronic wounds and the recent collaboration between the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Listen to meet and learn more about Dr. Storer, his experience as WOCN Clinical Editor, upcoming publications and projects by the Society, and the history surrounding the Clean vs. Sterile project and its impact on the management of chronic wounds.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dylan Carpenter, the inaugural recipient of the WOCN® DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses with a Bright Future. Dylan shares what this meaningful recognition means to him and highlights the initiatives that helped him earn it, including establishing a pathway for ostomy and wound supplies in the emergency department, interprofessional knowledge sharing, utilizing audit and pressure mapping tools to address issues in real time, and educational initiatives for future nurses. We also discuss his two poster presentations at WOCNext® 2025, one of which received a Poster Merit Award, and how opportunities like this help fuel his passion for education and innovation in WOC nursing. You’ll have to listen to hear why he’s the perfect first recipient of the WOCN DAISY Award!

In this special episode of WOCTalk, we’re joined by Chris Berke, the 2025–2027 President of the WOCN® Society, for a fun and thoughtful conversation that goes beyond the clinical setting. From her goals as President to her favorite comfort food, Chris opens up about her leadership journey, what fuels her passion for WOC nursing, and a few surprising facts that help us get to know the woman behind the title. Whether you're a longtime WOCN member or new to the community, this episode is a warm reminder of the heart, humor, and humanity at the center of the WOCN Society.

In this special episode of WOCTalk, we kick off Season 4 of the Ostomy Observations series with Karla Lohnes, RN, MClScWH, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), who shares her insights on managing ostomy challenges and the evolving role of convexity in post-op care. From understanding the differences between bowel and bladder diversion patients to navigating soft vs. firm convexity, Karla covers practical strategies, accessory use, and her vision for the future of convexity solutions.

In this episode of WOCTalk, Kate Lawrence, WOCN® Public Policy Coordinator, and Chris Rorick, WOCN Director of Government Relations, break down the top legislative and regulatory issues impacting the WOC nursing specialty today. From coverage reform and supply access to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and collaborating with advocacy groups, this episode is a must-listen to stay ahead of the issues shaping your work and your patients’ care.

On this inspiring episode of WOCTalk, we sit down with Dr. Charleen Singh, Founder and Program Director, and Annie Ocampo, Philippines Liaison, for the International Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Education Program (IWOCNEP) to explore the growing global reach of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nursing specialty through IWOCNEP. IWOCNEP is a WOCN Society Accredited WOC Nursing Education Program whose philosophy is to build a supportive and collaborative community that utilizes innovation to disseminate the unique body of wound, ostomy, continence nursing knowledge to improve quality of life across the globe.

In this episode of WOCTalk, we’re joined by Dr. Thureiyya Rodriguez and Katherine Cesario to explore how they opened a WOC nurse-led ostomy clinic using an independent, entrepreneurial model in Manhattan. They share their journey—from the inspiration behind opening the clinic to navigating billing, supply sourcing, legal considerations, and growing a sustainable practice. They offer practical advice for nurses interested in starting their own business including legal issues, insurance, marketing, and mentorship. Plus, they offer a glimpse into what they are hoping for next, including research, educational content, donation initiatives, and incorporating AI and telehealth into their care model. The WOCN® Society does not endorse or support products or services.

In this episode of WOCTalk, we’re joined by Brooke Passy, Director of Meetings for the WOCN® Society, to give you a sneak peek into everything WOCNext® 2025 has to offer. Happening June 1–3, 2025, in sunny Orlando, Florida (with a virtual option, too!), this year’s event features a new streamlined schedule so you can learn more in less time.

In this episode of WOCTalk, certified WOC nurse Lisa Orowson shares how she created an interactive ostomy care lab for associate degree nursing (ADN) students at a local community college. Designed to help future nurses feel more confident with ostomy care, the lab offers foundational education, hands-on practice with real supplies and models, and insight into the distinct roles of bedside nurses and ostomy specialists. Lisa talks about how the lab was developed, the impact it’s had, and tips for others looking to bring similar programs to their local nursing schools. She also reflects on what she loves most about teaching and giving back to the profession.