What does the acronym "WOCN" stand for?

The acronym "WOCN" stands for Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing, which accurately reflects the specialty focus of the organization and its members. This field encompasses the assessment and management of patients with various types of wounds, patients with ostomy needs, and those experiencing continence-related issues. The WOCN Society emphasizes the importance of specialized knowledge and skills required to care effectively for these patient populations.

In contrast to the other options, which include misleading or inaccurate terms such as "Colorectal," "Oncology," and "Clinical," the term "Continence" correctly identifies one of the three core areas of practice for WOCN professionals. Understanding this acronym is essential for anyone involved in wound, ostomy, and continence care, as it directly relates to the comprehensive scope of practice and education necessary in this nursing specialty.