An ostomy nurse is a health care provider who looks after people who have ostomies. An ostomy is a hole created a surgeon to allow an internal organ to have a connection to the outside world. Ileostomies, which connect the small intestine to an abdominal opening, and colostomies, which connect the large intestine to an abdominal opening, are the two most common types of ostomy surgery. Both allow waste to be expelled without having to pass through the rectum and out the anus.
An ostomy nurse provides care to patients who require ostomy surgery due to injuries, diseases, or other conditions. Ostomy nurses, for example, assist patients with perforated bowels, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and digestive tract wounds. They may also look after patients who have temporary ostomies. These patients may return to their surgeons after healing to have the procedure reversed. Patients with permanent ostomies, on the other hand, will benefit from the assistance of an ostomy nurse.
An ostomy nurse’s responsibilities may include assisting his patient in preparing for surgery and understanding what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. When working with men, women, and children who require ostomies, he may give pre-operative instructions on how to care for a stoma and how to use an ostomy bag to help a patient get used to the idea before the procedure. This type of nurse may provide emotional support to his patients as they prepare for this major change in their lives, in addition to providing medical care.
Following surgery, an ostomy nurse is responsible for caring for his patient’s wounds and ensuring that the stoma heals properly. He follows the surgeon’s instructions and instructs the patient on how to care for his stoma and use his ostomy supplies. An ostomy nurse, for example, may demonstrate to a patient how to wear and empty an ostomy pouch, when to change it, and how to carry on with normal activities while wearing it. An ostomy nurse will often explain a doctor’s orders about what to eat and avoid while wearing an ostomy pouch system, as well as when to seek medical help. If a patient develops signs of infection, becomes very ill, or fails to see regular waste output, he may need to return to the hospital.