The nurse embarking on the journey to become a WOC nurse is opening the door to a specialty that makes a tremendous difference in the lives of patients. Whether you plan to specialize in wounds, ostomies or incontinence, all three practice areas offer opportunities for professional growth in a variety of health care settings. WOC nurses provide acute and rehabilitative needs for people with selected disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and/or integumentary system. WOC nurses provide direct care to people with abdominal stomas, wounds, fistulas, drains, pressure ulcers and/or continence disorders. As an educator, consultant, researcher and/or administrator, the WOC nurse plays a pivotal role in the guidance of optimal patient care.