Bringing specialized wound and ostomy care back to Pictou County

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Friday, February 14, 2025

Steven Marenick, originally from Sydney, Cape Breton, has worked as a Registered Nurse for seven years, building his career in surgical and critical care in both Cape Breton and Halifax. In 2022, he moved to Pictou County with his wife, a Nurse Practitioner, and saw an opportunity to take on a new challenge: filling the long-vacant role of Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care (NSWOCC) at Aberdeen Hospital. With support from the Aberdeen Health Foundation’s Edith Were Fraser Family Memorial Endowment, Steven recently completed the rigorous certification program required for the role, bringing a vital service back to the community.

Photo Caption: Steven Marenick, RN, recently completed his Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care (NSWOCC) certification with support from the Aberdeen Health Foundation, bringing vital expertise back to Pictou County. Steven’s certification was made possible by the Edith Were Fraser Family Memorial Endowment, established in 2016 to support continuing education for nursing staff in Pictou County.

The NSWOCC program is demanding, taking 12 to 24 months to complete and covering advanced education in wound care, ostomy management, and continence care. Steven enrolled in the program shortly after moving to Pictou County, balancing his studies with settling into a new home and planning a wedding.

“The training was intense,” Steven recalls. “It involved research papers, case studies, and clinical practicums. Every four weeks, I had to submit an assignment or paper, and I traveled to Bridgewater and the IWK in Halifax for clinical hours. Driving to Bridgewater during a snowstorm wasn’t the highlight of my year.”

 

Despite the challenges, Steven embraced the opportunity to expand his expertise. “This role requires a depth of knowledge beyond standard RN training but gives me an opportunity to significantly improve outcomes for patients with complex needs,” he explains.

Before Steven’s certification, patients in Pictou County with chronic wounds or ostomies often faced fragmented care. Many relied on referrals to general surgeons for treatment, which could often lead to delays and inconsistencies. Now, Steven acts as a dedicated single point of contact for these patients. This ensures consistent, continuous, and specialized care for conditions that often require complex, long-term management. This role is crucial for improving outcomes and giving patients a clear, personalized plan for healing, something that was long missing in Pictou County.

“Patients with chronic wounds, especially those caused by diabetes or vascular disease, seem to benefit the most,” Steven notes. “They’ve often struggled with their wounds for a long time, so they’re excited to have a fresh perspective and a clear plan for healing.”

Steven works closely with nurses and physicians to develop tailored care plans that incorporate the latest evidence-based treatments. He also monitors patient progress over time, adjusting treatment plans as needed to support healing and provide education.

Now fully certified, Steven is excited to make a long-term impact in Pictou County. “The community has been incredibly welcoming, and I hope to call this place home for a long time.” He can’t resist adding a playful nod to his roots: “But Sydney pizza is still better than Pictou County’s, sorry!”

We’ll leave it to his patients to settle that debate.

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2024, the Foundation invested over $2.7 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Megan Manuel Murphy
Administrative Coordinator
Aberdeen Health Foundation

902-752-7600 ext. 4600
Megan.ManuelMurphy@nshealth.ca