History of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing
1776
First Documented Ostomy Surgery
French surgeon performed the first documented ostomy surgery for bowel blockage. A sponge was attached to the opening with a bandage to absorb any effluent.
1958
First Enterostomal Therapist
Norma Gill offered a position as the first Enterostomal Therapist.
1961
First Ostomy Program
The first formal ostomy education program was developed and it’s graduates termed Enterostomal Therapy Nurses
1964
First Canadian Enterostomal Therapist
Bertha Okun who had surgery for Ulcerative Colitis in 1957 graduated from the Cleveland Clinic as an Enterostomal Therapist under the supervision of Dr. Rupert Turnbull becoming the first Canadian Enterostomal Therapist. She went on to be a founding member of the North American Association for Enterostomal Therapists in 1968, now known as the Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nurses Society.
1980
First Canadian Enterostomal Therapy School
First Canadian Enterostomal Therapy School started in Vancouver
Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy is Formed
Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy is formed to address Canadian issues related to ET Nursing
New Canadian Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Certificate Programs
University of Toronto and Université de Montréal open Enterostomal Therapy Nurse certificate programs
1982
Acute & Chronic Wound Management
Enterostomal Therapy Nurse scope of practice expands to include acute and chronic wounds
1986
Continence Care
Enterostomal Therapy Nurse scope of practice expanded to include continence care
1990
Closure of Canadian Certificate Programs
University of Toronto and Université de Montréal Enterostomal Therapy Nurse certificate programs close due to funding issues. Nurses go to the United States for Enterostomal Therapy Nurse training.
1995
Global Recognition
55 countries recognize Stoma Therapy Nursing with schools in 21 countries
1996
Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy starts the Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Education Program
The Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy starts bilingual Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Education Program with Nicole Denis as the founding director
2007
New Online Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Education Program
The Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy ETNEP goes online for the first time
2008
Celebrating 50 Years
ET nursing is 50 years old – one of the oldest nursing specialties!
Enterostomal Therapy Nursing Granted Certification
Canadian Nursing Association (CNA) recognizes Enterostomal Therapy Nursing as a specialty and grants Enterostomal Therapy Nurses Certification as Certified Enterostomal Therapy Nurses CETN(C)
2009
First Graduates of the Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Certification Exam
60 ETNs write the 1st Certification Exam
2017
Hundred of Graduates to Date
Hundreds of Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy Entersomal Therapy Nurse graduates to date
2018
Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Education Program Technology & Online Simulation
The Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy Academy begins working to bring technology and online simulation to the ETNEP program
CAET Academy Obtains Library Access
CAET Academy obtains library access for students through the CINAHL database
CAET becomes NSWOCC
The Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy changes it’s name to Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
The Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute is Born
The Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy Academy changes it’s name to Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute. The Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Education Program (ETNEP) becomes the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Progam (WOC-EP). The Knowledge to Practice courses become known as the Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute Skin Health Program. The CNA CETN(C) certification becomes the WOCC(C) certification.