Dear New England Region Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Society Members,
Another year has gone by. I don’t know about you, but it has been a year of constant change for me, especially at work. I’m sure it is a sign of the times in healthcare, but it can be a challenge to stay positive and continue to provide the best care possible to our patients with wound, ostomy, and continence concerns. I am looking forward to my tenure as your President. Please reach out to me with your accomplishments, challenges, and concerns during the year. I want to know about the changes you experience in your practice, and we can share with the region issues that cross practices and places of employment.
I encourage you to become involved with the region and network with your WOC colleagues. We can learn a lot from each other. In March, we are planning an event for renewal and networking at The Spa at Norwich Inn. Keep an eye out for more information and save the date, Saturday March 10th, 2018. Bridget Mezja has been planning a special day for us. I hope you can join us. Information on how to register will be coming soon.
New England Region WOCN member, Kate Lawrence, has a “View from Here” in the November/December 2017 JWOCN entitled “ Using our Voice in Public Policy and Advocacy: A Road Less Followed, But the View From Here is Outstanding!” I hope you have a chance to read it. Congratulations Kate!! If you have an article published, receive an honor, or give a presentation, please let us know so we can share on the website blog. Toot your own horn and take credit for great work. The website is looking great and can only get better with your contributions.
Sadly, we lost a cherished member of our region recently, Eileen McCann. Please visit the New England Region WOCN website for a tribute for Eileen. She will be missed.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Bridget Mezja for her efforts as our President and her mentorship. Additionally, I thank my colleagues, Diane Bryant and Ilene Fleischer, for nominating me for the Outstanding WON Nurse of 2017. It was very special to me to be recognized with this honor. I encourage you to consider nominating your colleagues. I wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Best Wishes,
Mary Willis
New England Region WOC Nurses Society President