what does a skin and wound management course and national board certification do

by Madyson Veum 10 min read

The overall purpose of this program is to provide participants with current evidence based education in the area of skin and wound management and upon completion will enable participants to accurately assess, document, identify and plan appropriate & comprehensive patient treatment plans and interventions for wound management.

Becoming a CWS® will help you:
Become recognized as a specialist; an expert in wound care. Demonstrate a dedication to the highest standards in wound care, essential in the development of a comprehensive wound management program. Improve the quality of wound care for your patients.

Full Answer

Why take a skin and wound management course?

The course gives you real-world, practical skin and wound management training that can be immediately used in your practice. Become an expert in current standards of care in the classroom, and continuously improve with access to alumni resources and best practices from clinicians across the country.

What is a wound care nurse certification?

By earning certification in wound care, it demonstrates that the nurse has a high level of experience in wound care and has been trained in the specialty. Additionally, to be able to practice as a wound care nurse, certification is often required. How Do I Get My Wound Care Certification?

What are the different types of wound care certification boards?

The following are some of the most well-known wound care certification boards: 1 American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) 2 Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Board (WOCNCB) 3 National Alliance Wound Care Ostomy (NAWCO)

Why are there multiple levels of entry for wound certification?

What many people do not know is that in order to achieve accreditation, a wound certification board must offer multiple levels of entry to sit for the wound certification exam. This was done so that wound certification would measure knowledge and NOT force practitioners to take a specific course.

Is wound care certification worth it?

Wound care certification has a tremendous positive impact on a number of things. Many studies have shown that it improves patient outcomes, in addition to improving job satisfaction and retention.

What does it mean to be wound care certified?

The Certified Wound Care Associate™ (CWCA®) board certification demonstrates a distinct and specialized knowledge in wound management, thereby promoting quality of care for persons with wounds. Becoming a CWCA® will help you: Elevate your status as a specialist in wound care.

How long does it take to become wound certified?

approximately 2-3 monthsMost wound care certification programs take approximately 2-3 months to complete, then you'll need to take and pass the certification exam in whatever specialty you've chosen.

What does a wound specialist do?

A wound specialist is a professional who has specialized in the care and treatment of acute, chronic and non-healing wounds. Acute wounds include cuts from surgical procedures, animal bites and burns; while chronic wounds refer to pressure sores and diabetic ulcers.

Are wound care nurses in high demand?

The employment outlook for a wound care nurse is excellent, due to the high demand for this specialty in a variety of settings (acute care, nursing home care, etc.). The aging population and the prevalence of obesity and diabetes make wound care nursing a stable nursing specialty.

Is Wound Care nursing stressful?

The stress and demand a nurse undergoes on a daily basis, from all aspects, often goes unnoticed. And, for me, the lack of time with the patients was a dealbreaker. I would frequently cry about it, thinking that I'd made a terrible mistake. I was at a point where I was contemplating changing my career.

Can an LPN Be a Wocn?

Yes. The LPN – LVN Wound Certification Course may be used as preparation for the WCC wound care certification provided you meet the WCC eligibility requirements.

What do wound care nurses do?

Wound care nurses assess pressure injuries, identify treatment options, and implement wound care best practices to prevent future injuries from occurring.

How do I pass the Wocn exam?

Use time wisely and thoroughly read each question.Be sure to schedule and take your exam within 12 months of application approval.Select an appropriate test center that meets geographical needs.Systematically review content. ... Carefully review the content outline in the handbook for each exam you wish to take.More items...

What are the 6 types of wounds?

Types of WoundsPuncture wounds.Surgical wounds and incisions.Thermal, chemical or electric burns.Bites and stings.Gunshot wounds, or other high velocity projectiles that can penetrate the body.

Is wound care a specialty?

As wound healing is not considered a medical specialty, there is no formal training process for physicians, and subsequently, allied health practitioners are often the only ones available to provide care for these complex patients.

What type of doctor does wound debridement?

It's done by a surgeon and requires anesthesia. Usually, sharp debridement isn't the first choice. It's often done if another method of debridement doesn't work or if you need urgent treatment. Surgical sharp debridement is also used for large, deep, or very painful wounds.

How to prepare for wound care certification?

Your clinical experience and the knowledge gained from the course will help prepare you for a wound care certification exam. After registering for the course, if you plan to sit for a certification exam, you will select a credentialing board, complete their exam application, and pay their certification fees.

What is a WCC course?

This online course is narrated by a WCC® certified instructor and allows you the flexibility to advance your education without disrupting your personal or work life. And the course has been enhanced! It now uses the PrepSmart by Relias interactive learning technology, which prepares you for the wound care certification examination with study tools that create a learning path just for you.#N#With the PrepSmart platform, you can: 1 Learn at your own pace with a 180-day access period (from date of registration). 2 Take lessons that keep you engaged and increase material retention. 3 Customize a study plan that sets daily goals that change based on your retention. 4 Get real-time readiness data that tracks progress and identifies strengths and weaknesses 5 Test your knowledge with helpful practice questions. 6 Use study-support tools like learning games and clever digital flashcards to quickly review concepts. 7 Take full-length, timed practice exams that simulate test day and gauge your readiness. 8 Study on the go with a mobile-friendly format. 9 Eliminate travel time and expense to attend onsite classes.

How long does a WCC certification last?

Credentials are awarded for a five (5) year period. Prior to the expiration of the credentialing term, certificants are required to recertify with the NAWCO to maintain their credentials.

What is NCCA accreditation?

On May 10, 2019, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy Wound Care Certified (WCC) Certification for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. The accreditation is valid for 5 years. NCCA is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The NCCA Standards were created in 1977 and updated in 2016 to ensure certification programs adhere to modern standards of practice for the certification industry. The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy joins an elite group of more than 130 organizations representing over 315 programs that have received and maintained NCCA accreditation. More information on the NCCA is available online at www.credentialingexcellence.org/NCCA or by calling 202/367-1165.

When was the NCCA established?

The NCCA Standards were created in 1977 and updated in 2016 to ensure certification programs adhere to modern standards of practice for the certification industry. The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy joins an elite group of more than 130 organizations representing over 315 programs that have received and maintained NCCA accreditation.

Why do wound nurses need certification?

By earning certification in wound care, it demonstrates that the nurse has a high level of experience in wound care and has been trained in the specialty.

What is wound care?

Wound care nurses care for patients with much more than bumps or bruises. They are highly skilled nurses who work with both simple and complex wounds, ostomies, skin issues from incontinence, surgical wounds, and pressure ulcers. They are up-to-date on current wound care recommendations and available products, and work closely with all members of the healthcare team to help promote healing. Additionally, not only do they focus on healing current wounds, but they spend a great deal of time educating patients on avoiding wounds and skin breakdown.

What is wound round assessment?

Wound rounds and assessments are a critical aspect of wound care, as they are when providers communicate about treatment, strategize ongoing care, and classify wound healing. Regulatory requirements for pressure ulcers.

How many years of wound care experience is required for a wound care associate?

For example, requirements for the wound care associate applicants include: Must be a healthcare professional with at least 3 years of wound care experience.

Why is a nurse certification important?

This is incredibly valuable because it allows you to enter the field with significant expertise, which can give you an advantage when applying for jobs. However, if you complete certification while you are a student, your certificate may have a different title since you are not yet a registered nurse.

What are the most important topics in nursing homes?

Infection control. Nursing homes have a long history of infection control deficiency, so education on this topic is highly valued. Geriatric skin conditions. Many wound care patients are geriatric, so understanding their risk factors and skin conditions is incredibly important. Wound rounds and assessment.

What is NCCA accreditation?

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to the American Board of Wound Management Certified Wound Specialist® (CWS®) for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. NCCA is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence ...

When was NCCA created?

The NCCA Standards were created in 1977 and updated in 2003 to ensure certification programs adhere to modern standards of practice for the certification industry. The American Board of Wound Management joins an elite group of more than 130 organizations representing over 315 programs that have received and maintained NCCA accreditation.

Does the ABWM provide review materials for the CWS exam?

CWS®: How to Prepare. In compliance with National Accrediting Standards, the ABWM does not provide review materials for the Certification Examination. It is the responsibility of the candidate to prepare by any means they feel are appropriate.

REVISED ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Effective November 1, 2018, NAWCO will utilize the Certification Committee approved revised criteria. Click Here for Revised Eligibility Requirements

The chart below shows the options and eligibility requirements to sit for the Wound Care Certified certification exam. Review the information to see which option best suits your experience and education. *ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY FOR SKIN AND WOUND MANAGEMENT COURSES OFFERED BY EDUCATION PROVIDERS.

Credentials

Upon passing the WCC certification exam, candidates may use the initials “WCC”, Wound Care Certified, to designate their status. Credentials are awarded for a five (5) year period. Prior to the expiration of the credentialing term, certificants are required to recertify with the NAWCO to maintain their credentials.

How long is a wound care certification valid?

The ABWM certifications are valid for ten years with a $150 annual renewal fee. The WOCNCB and NAWCO certifications are valid for five years.

How much does a wound care exam cost?

The current cost of accredited wound care exams ranges from $330-$995. Some wound care certification boards also require you to pay an application fee in addition to the exam cost, which could range from $45-$95. Like all wound care certification prep courses, the cost of the exam is not included in the WoundEducators’ course price.

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