Return to Your Alma Mater.
Share Your Story.
Plant the Seeds.
Did you know, only less than 1% of nurses are certified ostomy nurses?
United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) and the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses SocietyTM (WOCN®) have joined forces in an innovative approach to promote ostomy nursing as a career path and encourage more ostomy education in nursing schools.
Roots are our foundation, and quality care begins in nursing schools. Will you "go back to your roots," your nursing school alma mater, to talk with current nursing students about your gratifying role as a certified ostomy nurse? Sign up now and get the resources you need to start planting seeds today, including:
- Participant instructions.
- Sample letter to send to your alma mater.
- Editable slide deck presentation.
Top Reasons to Get Involved
- Empower and Educate the Nursing and Ostomy Communities.
By participating, you contribute to raising awareness and education about ostomy care, helping reduce stigma and misinformation. - Strengthen Clinical and Patient Connections.
The Back to Your Nursing Roots campaign offers a platform for healthcare professionals, especially WOC nurses, to reconnect with their foundational mission—providing compassionate, evidence-based care. It fosters collaboration between WOC nurses and current nursing students, and further promotes a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. - Celebrate Professional & Personal Roots and Earn PGP Points.
Back to Your Nursing Roots is an opportunity to reflect on and honor the origins of both the WOCN and UOAA communities. It celebrates the journey of professionals and patients alike, encouraging personal storytelling, mentorship, and recognition of the pioneers who advanced ostomy care. Sign up today for your opportunity to go back to your roots and use your experience to earn PGP points for recertification!
Questions?
Contact Jeanine Gleba at advocacy@ostomy.org