Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse – CWOCN (WOCNCB)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN) certification certifies that an RN has the skill level and expertise to care for patients who have wounds, ostomies (an artificial opening in an organ of the body) and bladder and bowel issues. They specialize in the assessment, evaluation and development of care plans for these patient populations.
Nurses with this credential have passed three WOCNCB certification exams, CWCN, COCN and CCCN, within 12 months of their initial application.
Nurses with this specialty credential may have career advancement opportunities and higher pay that other nurses may not be eligible for.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
Wound Exam
- Knowledge of performing initial assessments
- Understanding of wound care and the different stages of healing
- Competency working with edema and other diseases
- Ability to recommend various pain management techniques
- Willingness to educate patients on wound treatment, nutrition, moisture management and repositioning
- Familiarity with wounds and ulcers that are pressure related
- Ability to consult with other healthcare professionals when needed
Ostomy Exam
- Knowledge of performing initial assessments
- Understanding of how to distinguish different types of percutaneous tubes and drains
- Competency working with urine specimens
- Ability to consult with other healthcare professionals
- Willingness to educate patients on colostomies
- Familiarity with how to evaluate pain
- Ability to recommend treatment options
Continence Exam
- Knowledge of performing initial assessments
- Understanding of interpreting diaries, elimination, intake and leakage
- Competency working with diagnostic studies
- Ability to consult with other medical professionals
- Willingness to educate patients on healthy bladder and bowel habits
- Familiarity with how to manage functional incontinence
- Ability to recommend management techniques
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must be a current RN; applicant must pass 3 exams (CWCN, COCN and CCCN) within 12 months of application, in order to achieve this credential; applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or higher; must have completed 1500 clinical hours over the previous 5 years; applicant must meet all education and eligibility requirements as documented in the exam handbook
- Questions: 120 (110 scored) on each of the three exams
- Time: 120 minutes for each of the three exams
- Cost: $610
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- Exam Outline and Certification Handbook
Other relevant details: Exams are administered through CASTLE Worldwide, Inc testing centers
CWOCN (WOCNCB) Careers
Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Careers
Jobs you can get with a CWOCN (WOCNCB) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse
- Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON)
- Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)
- Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN)
- Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Registered Nurse (RN) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $71,730*
National average per hour: $34.48*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
CWOCN (WOCNCB) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study and review Exam Handbook
- Review the book and study resources suggested by the WOCNCB
- Take the WOCNCB Self Assessment Exam (SAE)
- Take practice tests
- Study from exam review books
- Review flashcards
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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