We would like to have our nurse overseeing our skin integrity program board-certified in wound care. What are the options?
When exploring certification in wound care, it is important to ensure the program is a board certification. Some organizations state they offer certification with credentials, but those are only continuing education programs. Here are three true board certification options.
The first comes from the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) (www.wocncb.org). Its Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) credential is for registered nurses with a baccalaureate or higher. Both the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredit this program.
The second is the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) (www.abwmcertified.org). It offers the Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) credential for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and the Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) credential for registered nurses. The NCCA accredits the CWS.
The third is the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO) (www.nawccb.org). All registered nurses and LPNs/LVNs are eligible for its Wound Care Certified (WCC) credential. Ways to qualify for the exam include but aren’t limited to: graduation from a skin and wound management education course meeting certification committee criteria, such as those at the Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI); a current and active CWCN from WOCNCB; or the CWS certification from ABWM.
Check the respective groups’ websites for specific eligibility requirements and additional information regarding all of the examinations mentioned above.
