From Reluctance to Recognition: An Unconventional WOC Nursing Journey

Interested in advancing your pediatric WOC care knowledge? Click here to view all active courses available for Contact Hours in the WOCN Society’s Continuing Education Center (CEC).To view a collection of hot topic pediatric articles in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®), click here.The Editorial Board of the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing invites Authors to submit Manuscripts. Click here for additional information.Applications are now live for the next class of WOCN Fellows. Learn more and submit a nomination by January 30, 2026.To view the WOCN Society’s Public Policy hot topics and resources, click here. About the SpeakerFerne Elsass is a dedicated Wound and Ostomy Nurse based in Norfolk, VA, bringing over 26 years of experience in pediatric nursing. Her clinical background includes extensive work in neonatal and pediatric intensive care, as well as trauma education. Ferne holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in nursing from Liberty University. She completed her wound and ostomy certification through the WebWOC program at Metropolitan State University and received local clinical training. For the past three years, Ferne has served as a Clinical Resource Specialist with Smith and Nephew, focusing on the advanced wound care portfolio. Her expertise in pediatric wound and ostomy care has been nationally recognized through published journal articles and two book chapters. Ferne has presented her work both nationally and internationally, contributing significantly to education and advancement in the field. A committed leader in the wound care community, Ferne is the Past President of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society, reflecting her dedication to supporting professional development and best practices across the region. She was inducted as a member of the 2024 Class of WOCN Fellows.