Previously Asked Questions

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Question:
Could I have an update on the status of ANCC recognizing the WTA-C certification ? I have many students who were waiting to take the Boards for WTA-C after completion of the program but were advised to wait until ANCC fully recognized the certification. Unfortunately, our "career ladder" at my hospital system only recognizes ANCC approved certifications. I inquired about it recently as we are planning to begin another class and want to have the correct information to give my students.

Question:
How often should surgical dressings be changed?

Answered March 4, 2021
It is best to determine based on best evidence-based practices, and should be found cited in journal or other professional publications. Many have been published with the WOCN Society, and you may want to look on their website, www.wocn.org. There are other wound care textbooks listed on our site under "Certification / Exam Preparation" that will contain information on evidence-based principles.

Question:
To obtain a WOCN Certification does the Bachelors program have to be in nursing? If the applicant has an Associate Nursing degree and a non nursing Bachelors of Science degree can they be accepted into the program? Thanks

Answered March 4, 2021
If the nurse holds RN and a non-nursing Bachelor's they are eligible for the Wound, Ostomy, Continence credentialing exams -- since it can be any Baccalaureate. We hope this clarifies.

Question:
Would CE's from the upcoming SAWS (Symposium on Advanced Wound Care/ May 10-14) be able to be used for CE's on PGP or would preapproval be needed ?

Answered March 2, 2021
Thanks for your question. See page 10 in the PGP Handbook, SAWC is an approved provider for CEs. Good luck on your portfolio.

Question:
If you are over 0.3 CEUs for the 40 allotted, do you just reduce one of the 1.0 CEUs to give yourself 0.7 CEUs to avoid the overage? If so, do you just say in the note full CEUs allotted not taken.

Answered March 1, 2021
It is correct, you may adjust one of your CE amounts by reducing the 0.3 amount to get the mathematics to work for your needed total, i.e., claiming partial.

Question:
When entering poster CEU points, are we supposed to enter the points based on the titles of the posters by splitting them under appropriate wound, ostomy, and continence sections or can you just take credit for all the CEU's in one category? example: IOne Handed Pouching Wonders

Answered March 1, 2021
Thanks for your question. Please see page 11 of the PGP Handbook on how to document viewing posters at a national or regional conference. I hope this helps and good luck on your portfolio.

Question:
When entering sessions for CEU credit from 2020 WOCN conference with the title listed below, can I choose to put the entire 1.0 credit under continence or must I split points since it states W,O,C? Title: Abstract Presentations (W, O, C)

Answered March 1, 2021
Thanks for your question. You may use the 1.0 under the wound, ostomy or continence specialty. Good luck on your portfolio.

Question:
I have completed Wound/Ostomy Certification. Please advise me in submitting.

Answered March 1, 2021
If you are referring to the PGP portfolio, there is a "Submit Application" link that allows you to send the completed portfolio between 12 months prior to credentials expiration, but no later than 3 months prior. If you have completed certification by exam, there is nothing further needed and a printed credentials certificate is automatically sent to you.

Question:
I have completed the wound/ostomy certification. Please let me know how I will send for Recertification.

Answered March 1, 2021
You may submit an exam application with documentation of current RN and then exam in order to recertify. There is an alternative option if you wish to recertify via portfolio through our Professional Growth Program (PGP). Please review information on this website under 'Recertification'.

Question:
I am a NP interested in pursuing education via traditional pathway from an accredited university. I know I must first hold entry level certification. Is there a time period I must wait before pursuing the -AP certification?

Answered March 1, 2021
You may pursue the -AP specialty credentials at any time. If you are currently certified at the regular level, the application can be submitted as long as you hold the credentials. However, if you are not currently certified at the regular level, you also become eligible by completing the Traditional Pathway WOC education and do not need to become entry-level certified first. Please contact us if you have additional questions.

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