Wound Ostomy Nurse: What’s the Role?

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An ostomy refers to a surgical opening – a stoma – from an organ to the outside of the body, usually located in the trunk. These operations can be temporary or permanent and can involve the small intestine, large intestine or even the bladder. An ostomy wound nurse or ostomy wound continence nurse (WOC) is a specially trained nurse who helps the surgeon determine where the ostomy can best be located, provides patient education and instructions before and after surgery, and helps the patient to choose from among the many types of supplies are those that best fit the patient’s lifestyle and needs at the time of hospital discharge. Depending on the country in which they work, a wound ostomy nurse may have undergone additional training, education, testing and certification.

Prior to surgery, an ostomy wound nurse usually meets the patient and explains her role in managing post-operative ostomy wounds and providing instructions to the patient and family members about managing ostomy wounds. Depending on the facility, the ostomy nurse may examine the patient in conjunction with the surgeon’s radiology reports and written plans to mark an area on the torso most suitable for a stoma. A wound ostomy nurse makes this decision very carefully and is based not only on the type of ostomy planned, but also on the patient’s structure, weight, age, mobility and lifestyle. Examples of bags and supplies are often shown to the patient at this point. He or she is able to handle the objects and ask questions about their eventual location and use.

After surgery, the wound ostomy nurse will visit the patient to assess the location and condition of the stoma. The patient’s ability to provide self-care is also assessed. If the patient is emotionally or physically unable to care for himself, family members may be asked to help the patient at home after discharge from the hospital. Meanwhile, the nurse will educate the patient and their family members on topics such as changing an ostomy bag or appliance, how often to change the bag, tips for doing so, and suggestions on what clothing might best be used during the healing phase.

Prior to the patient’s discharge from the hospital, the wound ostomy nurse usually requires at a minimum a successful exchange of the ostomy bag by the patient or the patient’s caregiver. References or general recommendations for ostomy supply companies may be offered, as well as specific recommendations for the types of products to best meet the patient’s needs at home. Wound ostomy nurses are generally available for telephone consultations with patients and families after returning home.

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