Kathleen Lawrence, MSN, RN, CWOCN, a nurse at the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region was recognized with the 2018 President’s Recognition Award for her significant contributions to the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Society and the field of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing.
The award was given at the Society’s 50th Annual Conference held in Philadelphia, where Lawrence also presented on the future of wound, ostomy and continence nursing. Lawrence is the WOCN Public Policy and Advocacy Committee Coordinator and has been a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse for over 30 years. Lawrence also facilitates a monthly support group in Rutland for ostomy patients.
“The need for specialized care does not stop when a patient is sent home from the hospital,” said Ron Cioffi, RN, and CEO of the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region. “We are honored that a nurse as highly skilled as Kate chooses to practice at the VNA and that she was recognized for her excellent clinical skills that help our patients remain independent as long as possible.”
“In today’s healthcare arena, WOC nurses are met with many challenges. The WOCN Society recognizes these challenges and strives to provide tools to help sustain the WOC specialty,” said Kelly Jaszarowski, MSN, RN, CNS, ANP, CWOCN, WOCN Society President. “With that in mind, this year’s WOCN President’s Recognition Award was presented to the Scope and Standards Task Force members. The members of this task force worked diligently and tirelessly on completing the updates for the publication, WOC Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd Edition, a document that plays a crucial role in defining the responsibilities of WOC nurses while guiding their professional practice and performance.”
About the WOCN Society
Founded in 1968, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society TM (WOCN) is a professional, international nursing society of more than 5,000 health care professionals who are experts in the care of patients with wound, ostomy and incontinence. The Society supports its members by promoting educational, clinical and research opportunities to advance the practice and guide the delivery of health care to individuals with wounds, ostomies and incontinence. Learn more by visiting www.wocn.org.
About the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region
Founded in Rutland, Vermont, the VNAHSR has grown to include locations throughout Bennington and Rutland Counties. VNAHSR is a non-profit, Medicare-certified home health and hospice agency delivering a wide-range of advanced medical care with compassion, dependability, and expertise to people of all ages.
With office locations in Bennington, Dorset, Manchester and Rutland, we have nearly 350 trusted health professionals and caregivers committed to providing exceptional care to patients and families.
Proud of our national reputation for quality care, VNAHSR is highly rated for Quality of Patient Care and Patient Satisfaction from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and is recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 performing home health agencies, by HomeCare Elite, a market-leading review that identifies top Medicare-certified agencies.