Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
History
The WOCN was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1968.
Nine ET's, Anita Price, Houston; Lynda Allen, Fort Worth; Ann Glosson,
Austin; Ann Lee, San Angelo; Carol Johnson, Dallas; JoAnn Hammon, Tulsa,
Gloria Griffin, Amarillo; Doreen Starkey, Houston; Barbara Kusin,
Texarkana attended the 1974 regional UOA meeting in San Antonio. They
met informally to share some goals, problems and ideas. The group gained
so much from this meeting they decided to get together the next year in
Houston when the regional UOA met. Anita Price planned a day long
program to meet the educational needs of the ET's.
At the Houston meeting, the group made plans to become part of the
International Association of Enterostomal Therapists. Later in 1975 at
the National UOA- WOCN conference the South Central Region's application
was accepted and incorporated by WOCN.
In 1977, a third day was added to the conference. This day was an
educational program for the local community of physicians and nurses.
Dr. Rupert Turnbull was the guest speaker for this meeting.
Dallas hosted the 1978 national UOA meeting and the ET's from the South
Central Region offered many of the programs for this meeting. By this
time, the number of ET's in the area had increased enough to hold
conferences separate from the UOA.
From a few dedicated, enthusiastic leaders, the WOCN South Central
Region has grown to over 354 members. The regional programs have
contributed to the professional education of the members. Through the
leadership of the members and the medical education programs, the
awareness of Enterostomal Therapy has increased in the South Central
Region.