For hundreds of nurses and other people employed in a healthcare field seeking to separate themselves from the masses and advance their careers the choice to become a credentialed wound specialist is a great one. A Certified Wound Specialist not only enjoys respect within their community, but in areas with limited job opportunities this may be the one thing that separates one candidate from another.
In training programs both on the job and in the classroom the skills needed to identify the type and identifying characteristics of wounds is standard procedure. However, not everyone with basic wound documentation and treatment skills can advance to the next level. Just as many people with accounting degrees will become fine bookkeepers and not CPAs, so will many people become decent wound specialists without ever moving to an advanced level. The national certification is key and shows the world that the this worker has the education, experience and the best skill set to treat wounds in the best manner possible.
The party responsible for delivering the test and acting as the governing body is the American Academy of Wound Management. The AAWM verifies the candidate is qualified to attempt the exam and also oversees the proper and secure administration of the exam. This complicated and very rigorous exam, if passed, leads to the simple addition of CWS after a person’s name, but means so much more!
The benefits of the CWS certificate are many. As stated, it is not just respect but it may lead to a whole new career. Many people that pass the national exam are promoted to supervisory roles and in positions that are responsible for training new staff in best practices of wound care. Hospitals know that the care given by a Certified Wound Specialist is superior care and are eager to hire them. The test is readily available in most cities and can be taken year round. It is worth the time and investment.