[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 51 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE FUTURE IS OURS TO CREATE

                                 ______


                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 1996

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to welcome the Wound, Ostomy 
and Continence Nurses Society [WOCN] to my congressional district, 
Seattle, WA, on June 15-19, for their 28th annual conference. The theme 
of the conference, ``The Future is Ours to Create,'' will focus on 
future opportunities and challenges relating to the changing and 
expanding role of enterostomal therapist [ET] nurses and other nurses 
specializing in wound, ostomy, and continence care.
  Founded in 1968, the WOCN is the only national organization for 
nurses who specialize in the prevention of pressure ulcers and the 
management and rehabilitation of persons with ostomies, wounds, and 
incontinence. WOCN, an organization of ET nurses, is a professional 
nursing society which supports its members by promoting educational, 
clinical, and research opportunities, to advance the practice and guide 
the delivery of expert health care to individuals with wounds, 
ostomies, and incontinence.
  In this age of changing health care services and skyrocketing costs, 
the WOCN nurse plays an integral role in providing cost-effective care 
for their patients. This year's Seattle conference will provide a 
unique opportunity for WOCN participants to learn about the most 
current issues and trends related to their practice. I am honored that 
WOCN has chosen Seattle to host its conference and wish them every 
success.

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