Scope and standards for wound, ostomy and continence specialty practice nursing: a white paper from the WOCN Society.

Scope and Standards of Practice) is a vital resource for every wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurse (WOCN, 2010). Recognition as a specialty nursing practice validates the contributions that WOC nursing brings to the health care delivery system in the United States. Accessible to all members of the health care community, the WOCN Scope and Standards of Practice is a reference that documents the unique role and competencies embodied by WOC nurses in practice. The intent in developing the WOCN Scope and Standards of Practice was to promote the specialty of WOC nursing and provide a tool for clinicians to use when expanding, validating or analyzing their professional practice.