Awards and Scholarships Information

The WOC Nurse of the Year award is established to recognize a colleague who exemplifies excellence in WOC Nursing via contributions to mentorship, professional and patient education, or excellence in research or writing. An individual who meets the general criteria listed below AND who also meets the criteria for the focus area may be nominated for this award. The recipient will be selected according to the following criteria:

General Criteria

• Nominee must be a member of PCC for a minimum of 2 years
• Nominee must attend at least one regional meeting a year
• Nominee must be board-certified, (WOCNCB®)
• Nominee practices WOC Nursing with 50% of the time in direct patient care related to WOC Nursing
• The nominee must also meet the criteria for ONE of the following focus areas:
  Mentorship, Patient Education, Professional Education, and/or Excellence in Writing/Research.

One of the most important reasons for belonging to a professional organization is personal and professional growth. This takes place through formal education, but also as seasoned members nurture and guide colleagues. Mentors are established professionals who realize the value of experience and provide leadership to less experienced colleagues, in the form of caring, concern and direction. Nominees for the WOC Nurse of the Year may be recognized for their generosity and dedication to WOC Nursing by extending themselves far beyond the demands of their employment positions to give of themselves to their colleagues.

Education for WOC practice must keep pace with evolving scientific knowledge and the standards influencing the development, application, and evaluation of our practice. WOC nurses who demonstrate exemplary qualities in professional education, both to peers and other healthcare professionals may be recognized for contributions.

Criteria for Nomination:

The nominee must meet the general criteria listed above and demonstrate sound organizational skills and well-articulated knowledge base; presents information in an engaging manner with appropriate audio-visual tools; states and meets clear objectives for presentations; and provide outstanding professional education that addresses the following needs:

• To create new approaches to nursing problems
• To increase the healthcare professional’s competence (knowledge & skills) to enhance the quality of patient care
• To stay updated on evidence-based practice
• To promote the positive image of our profession to the healthcare community.

Education for WOC practice must keep pace with evolving scientific knowledge and the standards influencing the development, application, and evaluation of our practice. WOC nurses who demonstrate exemplary qualities in professional education, both to peers and other healthcare professionals may be recognized for contributions.

Criteria for Nomination:

The nominee must meet the general criteria listed above and demonstrate sound organizational skills and well-articulated knowledge base; presents information in an engaging manner with appropriate audio-visual tools; states and meets clear objectives for presentations; and provide outstanding professional education that addresses the following needs:

• To create new approaches to nursing problems
• To increase the healthcare professional’s competence (knowledge & skills) to enhance the quality of patient care
• To stay updated on evidence-based practice
• To promote the positive image of our profession to the healthcare community.

Patient teaching is an important part of WOC Nursing, involving interpersonal interactions in trusting relationships between the patient and nurse. Nominations will be considered for WOC Nurses who meet the general criteria for WOC Nurse of the Year and who demonstrate exemplary contributions to patient education via one of the following criteria:

Criteria for Nomination:

The nominee must either:

• Develop an original instructional material or teaching method that meets a special need within the scope of WOC Nursing, (example: videos, models, posters, pamphlets, booklets, handouts, etc.) OR
• Have given educational presentations to lay people related to a topic within the scope of WOC Nurse practice, (example: health fairs, lectures at support groups, or participation in wellness programs, etc.)

The WOC Nurse of the Year nominee may be recognized for excellence in original or contributionsss to professional writing or research. Excellence in writing or research encompasses writing articles for publication, creating posters for presentation or research surrounding wound, ostomy or continence issues. To nominate an individual for WOC Nurse of the Year with a focus on writing/research, submit the nomination form with 1 copy of the manuscript/research article or poster to the PCR Public Relations Coordinator.

Criteria for Nomination:

• Nominees for the award must be named as primary or secondary author on the manuscript, poster or research project.
• The manuscript/research article must be published or accepted for publication, or the poster must be accepted for presentation at a professional conference. The manuscript, research article or poster will be judged on the following criteria:
  • Relevance & significance of contribution to WOC Nursing practice
  • Originality
  • Validity
  • Writing style

The members of PCC realize that being new in a field of nursing presents some significant challenges. Breaking into a field and being successful is no easy task. There are however, outstanding new WOC Nurses who possess such a commitment to their new roles that they far exceed the expectations of their employers or colleagues within a very short time. These WOC Nurses are our future leaders. They are the “Rising Stars” of our organization. The PCR wishes to recognize the effort and dedication this entails with our “Rising Star Award”.

Criteria for Nomination:

• Be in attendance at 1 regional meeting per calendar year.
• Hold certification as WOC Nurse and be an active member of the PCC, or at time of nomination, have graduated from a WOC Nurse Education program within 24 months.
• Perform at least 50% of their duties in direct patient care.
• The nominee must have completed one of the following nine achievements:
  1. Developed a formal educational offering for nursing staff or nursing colleagues
  2. Developed a professional poster presentation, accepted for display at any National Conference
  3. Written a research paper (not part of the WOC Education Program) or an article submitted for and accepted for publication in a professional journal, of which the Rising Star was the primary author
  4. Developed a program, materials or other project which positively elevates the healthcare community’s awareness of and/or respect for WOC Nursing as a specialty
  5. Participates in a formal Clinical Product Trial for a manufacturer or research project for a colleague
  6. Developed, and managed an interdisciplinary team in the acute, sub-acute, long-term care, or home care environment for the management of wound, ostomy, and/or continence care
  7. Established or actively participates in a community-based support group for patients suffering from diseases or impairments secondary to our area of expertise
  8. Developed and promoted a community-oriented newsletter, web page or equivalent, for the promotion of well being of our target patient population.

In performing the administrative and clinical functions of their positions, members of the Pacific Coast Chapter of the WOCN® work closely with independent representatives as well as representatives of product manufacturers. As WOC Nurses, we realize that to be successful in our practices, we rely heavily on our representatives who provide various types of support, from product information to educational literature. Many of our representatives go “above and beyond” the requirements of their jobs to offer extra support and encouragement to our members. It is our desire to recognize those representatives and provide them with a token of our appreciation. A limit of one Representative per calendar year may receive a plaque and be recognized as PCC’s Representative of the Year.

Criteria for Nomination:

The Representative is supportive of WOC Nursing, exhibited by at least three (3) of the following:

• Assists a member in the education of nursing staff
• Assists PCC/WOCN® in the education of WOC Nurses
• Provides the association or members with information related to opportunities in the community
• Is respectful of the WOC Nurse’s position within her/his working environment
• Assists WOC Nurses in obtaining technical information in a timely manner with excellent follow-through
• Demonstrated dependability, is on time for appointments
• Participates actively (not financially) in fund raising efforts
• Is respectful of other representatives and products emphasizing the positive qualities of his/her product without criticizing competitors
• Assists WOC Nurses to develop posters or supports other research projects.

Members of the PCC work closely with Manufacturers/Distributors to perform the administrative and clinical functions of their positions. As WOC Nurses, we realize that to be successful in our practices, we rely heavily on Manufacturers/Distributors who provide various types of support, such as the development and distribution of tools to make our jobs more efficient, financial backing for educational programs, and assistance with fundraisers. We also appreciate their willingness to be present at our meetings and to keep us updated on the latest products and services. It is our desire to recognize those Manufacturers and Distributors who go out of their way to assist us in our everyday tasks by providing them with a token of our appreciation.

Criteria for Nomination:

Manufacturer or Distributor:

• Must be in attendance at one regional meeting per year.
• Is supportive of WOC Nursing, exhibited by two of the following:
  • Assists members by providing tools for the education of general nursing staff
  • Assists PCC by providing materials which promote the continued education of WOC Nurses
  • Utilizes WOC Nurses in the development or evaluation of products which contribute to the well being of our patients
  • Is respectful of the WOC Nurse’s position within her/his working environment
  • Promotes evidence-based product production and distribution
  • Demonstrates that they value their representative’s contributions to their company’s success.

The PCC President, our professional organization’s leader, is granted the opportunity to recognize and award a PCC member who has contributed significantly to PCC or WOC Nursing, in general.

Criteria for Selection:

The Presidential Award recipient is someone who:

• Volunteers above expectations
• Actively contributes to PCC business
• Has made a significant contribution to WOC Nursing or PCC
• Demonstrates excellence in leadership
• Is actively involved in sharing and communicating expertise through:
  • Leadership – acts proactively for leadership development
  • Participation in scholarly and research activities such as presentations, posters, abstracts, etc.
  • Professional development by a) establishing a practice setting in a previously undeveloped setting or area; b) sharing clinical expertise through education; c) serving as clinical preceptor; d) is considered a professional role model.

Award Process:

• Nomination is by PCC Board of Directors only.
• Not open for nomination by general membership (general membership may make suggestions to any board member).

The President of PCC determines the recipient.

The specialty of WOC Nursing has been established for decades. Occasionally, there is a colleague who has surpassed the standard in terms of their contributions to the organization. In order to give special recognition to a colleague with a Lifetime of Achievement in WOC Nursing, PCC will periodically present this prestigious award to an individual, who by virtue of experience and contribution to PCC/WOCN® and the society of WOC Nurses have clearly demonstrated a lifetime of accomplishments in the field.

Criteria for Nomination:

• Must be a WOC Nurse and an Active or Retired Active member of PCC;
• Must have practiced WOC Nursing for more than one decade;
• Has participated in PCC in various capacities, either formally on the Board of Directors, or informally supporting the organization in other capacities;
• Has demonstrated contributions to WOC Nursing in a variety of forms, including mentorship, education, writing, and research or other significant contributions to the care of WOC patients.

Attention to Detail. Attention to Life. Continence Care Leadership Award was initiated in 2007 and made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Hollister Inc. This award recognizes a member of the WOCN® society who has made a significant and outstanding contribution to urinary and fecal continence care in one or all of the following areas: as an educator, a researcher or in clinical practice.

The award will consist of a monetary award in the amount of $2,500 plus travel expenses to attend the WOCN® awards ceremony at the annual conference.

Criteria for Nomination:

• The nominee must be a current member of WOCN® for a minimum of five years
• Nominee must be recognized nationally as an expert in continence care
• Nominee has a sustained record of leadership and achievement in continence care
• Nominee’s contributions and work have had a significant positive impact on continence education, research, and or practice

Eligibility Criteria:

• The nominee must be a current member of WOCN® for a minimum of five years
• Nominee must be recognized nationally as an expert in continence care
• Nominee has a sustained record of leadership and achievement in continence care
• Nominee’s contributions and work have had a significant positive impact on continence education, research, and or practice

Application Requierments:

• Completed nomination form
• Nominee’s CV or resume
• One letter of recommendation that demonstrates the outstanding contribution as an educator, a researcher, or in clinical practice in urinary continence care and bowel management.
• Self-nominations will be accepted

Review & Recognition Process:

• Only one winner will be awarded annually and the award winner will be selected through a nomination process to the WOCN® Society.
• The WOCN® Scholarship Committee will review the submitted nominations and submit a final recommendation to the WOCN® Board for approval.
• Nominations will remain confidential and may be carried over to the following year if not awarded.

Purpose

The purpose of the Pacific Coast Chapter (PCC) Advance Practice Scholarship is to support Wound, Ostomy, and/or Continence (WOC) certified nurses who are pursuing an advanced degree to enhance their role in the field. The total scholarship will be $11,000 yearly, with $3000 to a recipient in the first year of an advanced practice nurse practitioner program and $5000 to a recipient in the second year of a nurse practitioner program or who has graduated within the past year and $3000 to a recipient in their final year of a clinical nurse specialist program or who has graduated within the past year as a clinical nurse specialist.  Applicants are welcome to apply multiple years if they meet the criteria but can only receive one PCC Advance Practice Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria/General Criteria

1. Applicant must be certified in wound, ostomy, or continence nursing.
2. Reside in the Pacific Coast Chapter and be a member of PCC.
3. Proof of a current, unrestricted RN license.
4. Proof of current or previous employment as a wound, ostomy, and/or continence nurse for three years during the last five years.
5. Proof of one of the following:

• Current enrollment in an accredited Nurse Practitioner program or Current enrollment in the final year of a Clinical Nurse Specialist program.
• Completion/graduation from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist program within the past year. 

Distribution Criteria

1.  $3000 will be awarded to one recipient who is in their final year of a clinical nurse specialist program or has graduated from a clinical nurse specialist program within the past year. 
2. $3000 will be awarded to a nurse practitioner student if the first year of their program.
3. $5000 will be awarded to a nurse practitioner student in the second year of their program or has graduated from the nurse practitioner program in the past year. 
4. In the event a recipient is unable to utilize the award as acknowledged in the signed Terms & Agreement, all monies shall be returned to the Pacific Coast Chapter Treasurer within 45 days.

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted beginning January 1st of each calendar year.  All completed applications must be received by Pacific Coast Chapter by March 31 of each calendar year. 

*Application, Scoring Criteria and Release forms available to download at bottom of webpage.

1. All applications shall be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Recommendations for fund distribution shall be provided to the PCC Board of Directors for approval no later than May 15th of the award year.
2. For each applicant receiving an award, a signed acknowledgment of the Terms & Agreement shall be placed on file with the PCC Treasurer. It is the responsibility of the PCC Treasurer to ensure a signed copy is received before the Treasurer releases the funds.  PCC-WOC and AP Release agreement form- Attachment B agreement available for download at bottom of this page.
3.  Awards will be based on the PCC Advance Practice Scoring Criteria.  
   (MS Word Document) 
4. Three satisfactory letters of recommendation from professional associates who have known the applicant for at least one year. (One from a current employer is preferred).
5. Letter from the applicant of 500 words or less discussing reasons for pursuing an advance practice degree. Weight in scoring will be given to applicants who communicate a plan to maintain WOC certification and incorporate the advance practice degree into the WOC role.
6. The PCC Secretary shall maintain a perpetual list of recipients.
7. Active membership in WOCN® and PCC is an expectation of Advance Practice Scholarship recipients.

Purpose

In 2013, the Pacific Coast Chapter (PCC) established a scholarship to support Wound, Ostomy, Continence nursing education. This scholarship will help provide financial support to qualified individuals to promote WOC education. Preference will be given to applicants seeking the full scope of WOC practice education.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Seeking education in wound, ostomy, and/or continence nursing care
2. Reside in the Pacific Coast Chapter area
3. Proof of one of the following:
   • Acceptance to a WOCN®-accredited Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing Education program (WOCNNEP).
   •  Current enrollment in a WOCN®-accredited WOCNEP.
   • Certificate of completion from a WOCN®-accredited WOCNEP, within 1 year of graduation.

Distribution Criteria

1. $1,500 will be awarded per full scope education program (Wound, Ostomy & Continence).
2. $500 will be awarded per Individual certification (Wound or Ostomy or Continence).
3. In the event a recipient is unable to utilize the award as acknowledged in the signed Terms & Agreement, all monies shall be returned to the Pacific Coast Chapter Treasurer within 45 days.

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted beginning January 1st of each calendar year. All completed applications must be received by Pacific Coast Chapter by March 31st each year.*Application, Scoring Criteria and release forms available to download at bottom of webpage.  

1. All applications shall be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Recommendations for distribution shall be provided to the PCC Board of Directors for approval no later than May 15 of the award year.
2. For each applicant receiving an award, a signed acknowledgment of the Terms & Agreement shall be placed on file with the PCC Treasurer; it shall be the responsibility of the PCC Treasurer to ensure a signed copy is received before the Treasurer releases the funds.  PCC-WOC and AP Release agreement form- Attachment B agreement available for download at bottom of this page.  
3. Awards will be based on the merit of the application. Scoring criteria available for download at the bottom of this page.
4. Three satisfactory letters of recommendation from professional associates who have known the applicant for at least one year. (One from a current employer is preferred)
5. Letter from the applicant of 500 words or less discussing reasons for pursuing education in a WOCN®-accredited Wound, Ostomy, or Continence Nursing Education Program and how they feel they will make a difference.
6. The PCC Secretary shall maintain a perpetual list of recipients.
7. We expect active membership in WOCN® and PCC for PCC WOC Scholarship winners

The Gene Galindo Memorial Fund was established in August 2006 to pay tribute to an individual who was dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with ostomies. He gave unselfishly of himself and his talents to clients not only during business hours but whenever there was a need. The fund will help to provide financial support to qualified individuals to promote those endeavors that are noted as worthy to continue his dream to educate, assist, support, and promote a better quality of life for individuals with ostomies.

Conditions:

• The principal of this Fund shall not be distributed
• In the event the Pacific Coast Chapter is no longer an affiliate of WOCN®, the principal shall be returned to the Executor of the Gene Galindo Estate
• The principal shall be invested by the Treasurer of Pacific Coast Chapter (PCC) in a safe and secure fund. The interest accrued shall be distributed as outlined in the Distribution Criteria and with Pacific Coast Chapter Board approval.

Purpose:

The purpose of the GENE GALINDO MEMORIAL FUND is to support ostomy education and activities that improve the quality of life for ostomates.

• Ostomy Skills Labs or related teaching aids for those directly involved with caregiving of those with ostomies
• New ostomy guide booklets, videos &/or DVDs for the UOAA
• Youth rally activities
• UOAA activities
• Research projects directly benefiting ostomates
• Community ostomy education/support programs

Distribution Criteria:

• The Pacific Coast Chapter (PCC) shall distribute annual fund awards in an amount not to exceed the interest accrued either cumulatively (in the event no applications are received) or annually. The number of awards to be distributed annually shall be based on monies available from earned interest. The amount of the awards shall be left to the discretion of the PCR Board of Directors and an Executor Representative from the Gene Galindo Estate. Awards shall be made through the Pacific Coast Chapter of WOCN and distribution shall be made according to criteria as outlined in the procedure section.
• In the event there are no applications for the Award the following shall become effective:
  • Funds may remain in the expendable (accrued interest) account for up to two years;
  • Funds may be donated on an annual basis to the Youth Rally or UOAA.
• The Treasurer of Pacific Coast Chapter shall submit an annual written summary of the account to the following:
  • PCC Board of Directors
  • Executor of the Gene Galindo Estate

Procedure:

*Application, Attachment B and Scoring Criteria available to download at bottom of webpage.

1. Applications will be accepted beginning January 1st. All applications for the Awards must be received by PCC before March 31st of each calendar year.
2. All applications shall be reviewed by the PCR Vice President (or designee); recommendations for distribution shall be provided to the PCC Board of Directors and the Executor of the Gene Galindo Estate for approval no later than May 15th of the award year.
3. Applications must be completed and attached at the time of submission to PCC for an award consideration. 
4. If an applicant is chosen, a signed acknowledgement of the Terms & Agreement shall be placed on file with the PCC Secretary. It shall be the responsibility of the PCC Secretary to ensure a signed copy is received BEFORE the PCC Treasurer releases funds.
5. The PCC Secretary shall maintain a perpetual list of recipients.
6. Monies will be awarded based on the merit of the application/scoring criteria .
7. In the event a recipient is unable to utilize the award as acknowledged in the signed Terms & Agreement, all monies shall be returned to Pacific Coast Chapter Treasurer within 30 days