[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 21, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                WELCOME TO 26TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, WOCN

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, the State of Maryland welcomes the 
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses [WOCN] Society for their 26th 
annual conference at the Baltimore Convention Center on June 19-23. The 
conference theme is ``Positioning for Change--Where Do We Go From 
Here?''
  WOCN is a 3,000-member professional association representing nurses 
who specialize in the care of patients with wounds, ostomies, and 
incontinence. Members of the WOCN are registered nurses, many of whom 
have advanced education as enterostomal therapists [ET] nurses, or 
specialty education in wound, ostomy, or continence care.
  ET nurses traditionally specialized in the care of patients with 
ostomies. However, as the needs increased for specialists in managing 
wounds and related skin conditions, ET nurses incorporated wound care 
into their practice. Many WOCN members report the majority of their 
practice is related to wound care.
  ET nurses have also extended their practice into the area of 
continence care, including prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and 
management. Today, the WOCN membership consists primarily of ET nurses, 
however, the number of nurses specializing in only wound or continence 
car is increasing. The WOCN nurse is an integral part of the healthcare 
system in providing cost-effective care to their patients.
  The conference provides an opportunity for participants to enhance 
their theoretical and clinical knowledge base for the nurse 
specializing in the care of individuals with a wound, ostomy, or 
incontinence condition. The conference also aims to identify current 
issues and trends that impact professional practice; provide resources 
to assist the participant in marketing their practice and profession; 
provide an opportunity for the participant to discuss clinical and 
professionals issues; and recognize available collaborative practice 
opportunities in various health care settings.
  Participants in the conference will include the WOCN membership, 
allied health care professionals, and pharmaceutical and medical 
manufacturers. The Clinton administration will be represented at the 
conference by Ms. Kathleen Hastings, consultant to the Surgeon General 
on health care reform. She will deliver the keynote address at the 
opening session on June 20, 1994.
  Mr. President, I know my colleagues will join me in wishing WOCN 
success with their conference. I am pleased and honored that they have 
chosen the city of Baltimore to host their event.

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