Jennifer Spezza

Jennifer Spezza, RN, BSN, CWOCN, is a dedicated Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurse with over 15 years of specialized experience providing care across hospital, clinic, and home health settings. Currently serving with Providence Home Health in Portland, Oregon, Jennifer is also pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing at Georgetown University in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, with anticipated graduation in December 2025. She is the proud recipient of the Barbara Tate Scholarship, awarded in recognition of her dedication to advancing the specialty of WOC nursing, academic excellence, professional leadership, and strong commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Linfield University in 2003 and became board-certified in WOC nursing in 2010. Since then, she has built a strong clinical foundation in complex wound, ostomy, and continence care, particularly for patients who are homebound or have limited access to traditional healthcare settings. Her career has been marked by innovation and leadership, including the development of virtual consults within home health to support nurse case managers and primary care providers. She has also participated in e-consults to help bridge gaps in wound management within primary care.

A committed educator and mentor, Jennifer has provided ongoing training to nursing staff and colleagues on best practices in WOC care. She presented a detailed case study to professional peers on the wound management challenges of a patient whose DIEP flap breast reconstruction failed after mastectomy—an example of her clinical depth and collaborative spirit.

In addition to her professional roles, Jennifer has volunteered with the Columbia Wound Care Community in Portland, Oregon, an organization dedicated to advancing wound care knowledge. Through this group, she has helped educate healthcare professionals and students on evidence-based wound care practices, further extending her impact on the community and the profession.

Jennifer is a member of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Northwest Chapter and the Oregon Nurses Association. She is passionate about meeting patients where they are—both physically and emotionally—by providing holistic, patient-centered care that aligns with individuals’ values and goals. Her clinical philosophy emphasizes access, equity, and empowerment.

Looking ahead, Jennifer aims to integrate her WOC expertise with her future role as a Family Nurse Practitioner to serve vulnerable and underserved populations more comprehensively. Her long-term goal is to develop sustainable, accessible care models that reach patients in their homes and communities—especially those who have historically struggled to access specialized or consistent healthcare.

Receiving the NEF Scholarship represents not only a tremendous honor but also critical support in helping Jennifer achieve her goals. It reinforces her commitment to health equity and inspires her continued work to innovate care delivery for those most in need.