Click here for the Strategic Plan 2008

Mission

The MISSION of the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society, Pacific Coast Region is to ensure that all wound, ostomy and continence patients in California and Nevada receive the highest quality of nursing care.

We accomplish the mission by:

• Providing leadership in establishing and advocating for standards of wound, ostomy, and continence care.
• Mentoring WOC nurses who desire skill development in specific areas, to be guided by experienced mentors as they implement their individual plans.
• Promoting ethical standards of practice in our membership.
• Providing a program of education to members, nursing communities, the general public, and health care institutions on the roles of WOC nurses and the special skills and knowledge required
• Providing and recognizing the level of expertise designated by certification in wound, ostomy, and/or continence care within the community
• Partnering with organizations and institutions to reach nurses in practice and in training who may be interested in becoming a Wound Ostomy Continent nurse.
• Lending educational and practical expertise to patient support groups
• Advocating on behalf of patients, members and medical professionals on issues affecting the care of wound, ostomy and continence patients

The Values, Beliefs and Assumptions that govern our day-to-day performance and decision-making:

• Our members demonstrate utmost integrity and expertise in providing high quality patient care by adhering to WOCN standards and placing the patient's health and well being first.
• We believe that wound and ostomy patients benefit the most when they receive timely care from a professional healthcare practitioner who has been trained in a WOCN accredited professional educational program to deliver the highest quality service
• We believe that continuing education and certification of WOCN-PCR members is the best way to assure the highest quality patient care.
• We assume patients expect to be treated by a nurse trained and skilled in providing wound, ostomy and continence care.
• We believe skill-building is a continuing process and through WOCN-PCR educational programs and seminars, nurses who care for patients with wound, ostomy, and continence issues advance their learning and improve their skills.
• More general and specialty nurses are needed to meet the current and future demands

Vision

The Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society, Pacific Coast Region is the recognized and respected leader in providing and advocating for wound, ostomy and continence nursing care in California and Nevada.

¤ STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

• WOCN-PCR's standards of practice are uniformly understood and accepted within the California and Nevada health care communities and uniformly applied by all who care for patients with wound, ostomy, and continence issues.

¤ ADVOCACY

• WOCN-PCR partnered with other health care organizations in effectively advocating for higher quality and cost-effective healthcare on behalf of WOC nurses and wound, ostomy and continence patients in California and Nevada. Payment and reimbursement for services are made on a timely basis covering all patient needs

¤ MEMBERSHIP

• WOCN-PCR membership significantly increased through an effective marketing plan aimed at educating BSN-level nurses and student nurses/interns about the benefits of selecting the WOC specialty. An "alumni" association of retired WOCN members is created and actively involved in programs to increase membership.

¤ EDUCATION

• All nurses in California and Nevada who are currently, or will be engaged in providing services to wound, ostomy and continence patients have the necessary skills developed through WOCN-PCR educational programs.
• Courses in WOCN certification are conducted regularly on the west coast.
• Every emergency room will be staffed with nurses trained in wound, ostomy and continence patient care.
• WOC nurses consult with the majority of ostomy patients prior to surgery.
• WOCN-PCR conferences and educational programs are well-organized, high quality, affordable and well attended. Over the next five years, WOCN conferences have a minimum of 25% attendance from other health-related organization. Presenters meet high standards and seek out opportunities to participate in WOCN-PCR conferences.
• A cadre of senior WOCN-PCR members, trained as mentors is available to accommodate all members who need and desire a mentoring relationship.
• The general public is informed about wound, ostomy and continence issues through WOCN-PCR educational and publicity programs, and through patient support groups.

¤ GOVERNANCE

• The WOCN-PCR Board of Directors is staffed with qualified, oriented and trained volunteers assigned manageable tasks who perform their responsibilities as members of an effective and efficient team.
• Operational accountability system is in place and all WOCN-PCR's goals and objectives are tracked, measured and evaluated.
• A well-organized and accountable financial resource management system generates sufficient resources to carry out the goals and objectives of the organization.
• WOCN-PCR images are well-known and respected in the health care community and the general public.

VALUES STATEMENT

WOCN-PCR is a volunteer organization committed to providing the highest quality of care to its wound, ostomy and continence patients.

VALUES UNDERLYING WOCN-PCR'S SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

• CARING AND RESPECT

• WOCN-PCR members treat all patients with dignity, love and care.

• QUALITY

• WOCN-PCR members are experts at providing the highest quality of care to all wound, ostomy and continence patients

• COMMITMENT

• WOCN-PCR members have a unique job to do in the nursing profession and approach that job as a special "calling".

• ETHICS

• WOCN-PCR members maintain the highest ethical practices according to a strict code of ethics.