Objective: Hospitals have become "big business" and like business, finances and the bottom line are at the forefront. WOC Nurses need to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of their position. The opportunity exists within a system which can establish productivity and track data which is specific to the WOC Nurses's practice. The program tracks productivity and allows trending of specific patient populations and etiologies. Productivity criteria was established based on acuity to demonstrate specific procedures incorporated into the daily functioning of the WOC Nurse. A specific number is assigned to the criteria based on average individual times to accomplish each task. This number is variable depending on the time it takes the individuals to accomplish the task. Once a unit of productivity is assigned, the number is entered into the computer data base. All data is confined to one sheet of paper which simplifies the process of completing. This data base also allows for tracking the reasons for the WOC consults, which in turn provides the statistics necessary to appease hospital administration.

Outcomes: This program has been effectively utilized for the past three years in a large healthcare system which encompasses five hospital facilities in Florida. The program was created for twelve WOC Nurses with varying skill levels; and, consideration was given to patient acuity. All twelve are still here and accounted for.