- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse
Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse
A wound, ostomy, and continence nurse cares for patients with wounds caused by medical treatments, diseases or injuries.
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Required education
BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
What is the role of a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse?
You’ll also provide post-surgery treatment for patients with ostomies, surgical openings that allow for the elimination of bodily waste.
What you’ll do as a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse
Collaboration
You’ll work with a healthcare team to decide on next steps, such as antibiotics, surgery and other treatments.
Education
You’ll teach patients and caregivers about wound care, and how to prevent bedsores and infections.
Documentation
You’ll maintain records for health insurance purposes.
Treatment
You’ll care for wounds, prevent bedsores and develop treatment plans for patients.
Where you’ll work as a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse
Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Home health care
- Long-term care centers
- Nursing homes
How to become a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse
Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Get your Wound, Ostomy, Continence and/or Foot Care and/or Advanced Practice and/or Wound Treatment Associate Certification through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Certification Board.
You’re ready to work as a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse!
Wound, ostomy, and continence nurse career resources
Become a member of a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society
Related nursing specialties
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A burn care nurse treats patients who have been burned by fire, hot water, oil, chemicals or electricity.
Emergency nurse
An emergency nurse takes care of patients in a wide range of situations, from fevers, to minor injuries and major trauma.