OGDENSBURG -- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center nurse Shannon VanHouse recently became certified through the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Board.

The WOCNCB began certifying nurses in 1978 “as a way to recognize and differentiate the value of expert nurses from those at an entry level,” CHMC said in a news release.

WOC nurses are registered nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree of higher and complete a formal, accredited, WOC full scope or specialty education program. Certification must be re-established every five years.

VanHouse has worked at Claxton-Hepburn since 2011 and worked in the intensive care unit prior to starting her new position in 2014. She has served on many hospital committees such as the patient care leadership, patient safety and employee wellness, the statement says.

“Becoming board certified is a voluntary process that requires consistent evaluation of a nurse’s professional knowledge and skills,” according to the release. “While a nurse who is not board certified may possess basic entry-level skills, he or she may not have the specialized skills and experience to adequately provide expert care.

“Board certification ensures that a nurse is knowledgeable and well qualified to provide specialized care to meet patients’ wound, ostomy, continence, and foot care needs.”