How to Become a Certified Wound Care Nurse

Nursing is a labor of love for the many men and women who pursue this career path. There are many facets of nursing that require specialization. Wound care is one of those areas. Nurses with this level of knowledge understand the specific protocols for treatment of patient wounds. The certification process may take many paths.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide which organization offers the best certification. There are three governing bodies that offer this type of certification. They are the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board, the National Alliance of Wound Care and the American Academy of Wound Management.
2. Assess current education experience and determine if it is prudent to pursue more education in order to obtain a particular certification. The AAWM has no structured educational requirements other than being a registered nurse. The NAWC requires attendance at a five day seminar or certification from the other two organizations. The WOCNCB has the most stringent educational requirements which are available at its website.
3. Review the costs associated with taking the exam. The WOCNCB offers the exam for $300. The NAWC offers its exam for $330. The AAWM charges $400 to take the exam. The AAWM certification is valid for 10 years while the other two organizations have a certification that lasts five years.
4. Determine if the certification has value to a specific career path. Any and all nurses can learn the protocols for taking care of wounds through on the job training. Certification is not a requirement to be proficient in this area. It may, however, have use for a nurse desiring a teaching position or a role as a nurse administrator. Personal goals need to be assessed when determining the decision to obtain this certification.