Wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurses provide direct care to patients with wounds, implement prevention measures for at-risk patients, and educate clinicians on providing care to patients with surgical incisions, traumatic wounds, burns, and chronic skin changes related to comorbid conditions.
They also treat patients with peripheral vascular disease, diabetic wounds, and pressure injuries. Patients are often dealing with the lasting effects of dermatitis, lower extremity wounds, immobility, and reduced sensation, or may have wounds that require advanced wound care products and dressings. WOC nurses also provide patient education, and collaborate with nurses, providers, physical and occupational therapists, and registered dieticians to support patient outcomes.
As an ostomy care nurse, Ailie provides patient education, support, resources, and follow-up care, as well as a connection to case management and long-term care and support. Ailie is passionate about providing psychosocial support and improving the quality of life for her patients. “For patients who wake up from surgery with a life saving diversion, but who were not planning on this, it really changes how they move through the world,” she explained. “Having someone to provide support, help with supplies, connect them with others in the same situation can be life changing.”
Ailie’s journey toward wound and ostomy care began after attending a symposium at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester in 2023. She identified a need here at home for this type of specialized care and made a plan to work towards achieving this certification for her patients.
Ailie and the team are excited to see how this role can grow and evolve here at Jones.
Stated Sandra Wakins, Chief Nursing Officer for Jones Memorial, “We are proud of Ailie’s passion and initiative to start this program here in Wellsville. We are lucky to have someone like Ailie advocating for our patients. The hospital, our staff and patients will benefit from her commitment to quality and advanced care.”
Today, Ailie’s goal is to care for her patients holistically and provide long term follow up care to ensure improved quality of life. By working cross functionally with multiple departments, she hopes to improve access for patients and increase staff education on wound and ostomy care. She is working closely with purchasing and clinical leadership to align Jones with the UR Medicine best practices, ensuring that patients in our local region receive the same advanced wound and ostomy care here at home that they would expect at the regional level.
ABOUT JONES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Jones Memorial Hospital (JMH), located in beautiful southwestern New York State, is a CMS 4-star quality rated, 49-bed acute care facility serving all of Allegany County, as well as western Steuben County and northern Potter County, PA. Truly a community hospital, JMH is committed to continuously raising quality and safety to higher levels and providing top quality healthcare in a hometown community setting. Jones Memorial is accredited by The Joint Commission.
