Purpose: Identify whether Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses in Central Illinois are recognized by their employers as separate from registered nurses, compensated for their specialization, and whether this recognition leads to increased job satisfaction.

Methodology: A survey tool was designed and distributed to members of the Central Illinois Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Affiliate to evaluate: Practice Setting, Level of Education, Scope of Practice, Job Titles, Schedule, Pay Scale, Patient Volume and Job Satisfaction.

Results: 22 responded out of 35 members in the Central IL WOCN Affiliate (63%). Job Classification: 25% WOCN designation, 25% Staff Nurse, 15% Case Manager, 15% CWOCN (ET), 5% WOC Facilitator, 5% RN Facilitator, 5% District Nurse, 5% Director. 20% were supervisors. Salary: 40% were salaried, 60% hourly. 45% at $26-28/hour, 30% at $22-25/hour, 20% at $29-30/hour, 5% at $29-21/hour. 80% carried a pager, but only 6.25% were compensated for being on call. Job Satisfaction: 65% were satisfied, 25% somewhat satisfied, 10% very satisfied.

Conclusion: 50% of Central Illinois healthcare employers recognize Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses and provide compensation based on a designated and separate pay scale from registered nurses. 28% that did not have a separate WOCN pay scale promoted them through career ladders or listing them in other job categories to provide them with higher pay. This may contribute to the 65% WOCNs with job satisfaction and 10% very satisfied. 95% make an hourly wage comporable to the national WOCN average from 2000. The survey also identified that 30% of the participants have caseloads larger than the national average of 9.3 patients per day from 2000. The study identified areas of needed improvement such as established job categories with monetary compensation, manageable case loads of 10 or less patients per day, compensation for pager call, and a 40 hours per week schedule for full time employees.