A surgical opening — a stoma — from an organ to the outside of the body, usually on the torso, is referred to as an ostomy. These procedures can be temporary or permanent, and they can affect the small intestine, the large intestine, or even the bladder. A wound ostomy nurse, also known as a wound ostomy continence (WOC) nurse, is a specially trained nurse who assists the surgeon in determining the best location for the ostomy, provides teaching and instruction to the patient before and after surgery, and assists the patient in selecting the supplies that will best fit the patient’s lifestyle and needs at the time of hospital discharge. A wound ostomy nurse may have completed additional training, education, testing, and certification depending on his or her country of practice.
Prior to surgery, a wound ostomy nurse usually meets with the patient and explains his or her role in postoperative ostomy wound management as well as providing ostomy wound care instruction to the patient and his or her family members. Depending on the facility, the ostomy nurse may examine the patient alongside radiology reports and the surgeon’s written plans to determine the best location for a stoma on the torso. This decision is made carefully by a wound ostomy nurse, and it is based on the patient’s frame, weight, age, mobility, and lifestyle, as well as the type of ostomy planned. During this time, the patient is frequently shown examples of bags and supplies. He or she can handle the objects and ask questions about their intended use and location.
The wound ostomy nurse will visit the patient after the surgery to assess the stoma’s placement and condition. The patient’s ability to provide self-care is also assessed. Family members may be required to assist the patient at home after hospital discharge if the patient is emotionally or physically incapable of self-care. Meanwhile, the nurse will instruct the patient and family members on topics such as how to change an ostomy bag or appliance, how often to change the bag, how to change the bag properly, and what clothing to wear during the healing process.
The wound ostomy nurse usually requires at least one successful ostomy bag change by either the patient or the patient’s caregiver before the patient is discharged from the hospital. General ostomy supply company referrals or recommendations, as well as specific product type recommendations to best meet the patient’s needs at home, may be made. After patients and families return home, wound ostomy nurses are usually available for phone consultations.