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What Does an Ostomy Nurse Do?

Ostomy nurses care for patients with a variety of diseases. Patients who have had surgery to remove part or all of the intestine, need alternative measures for the elimination of bodily waste, which is facilitated by ostomy nurses. Ostomy nurses are often grouped together with wound and continence nurses, and all three belong to the Wound, Ostomy, and Continency Nurses Society.

Education & Training Required to Become an Ostomy Nurse

Specific degree programs in ostomy nursing are not necessary for this specialty. However, you have to have a high school diploma, and a bachelor of science in nursing degree, an associate's degree, or a hospital diploma. These degrees can be attained through a traditional college, or through an online degree program. After attaining a degree, you become a registered nurse (RN) by taking a national licensing exam. Expert nurses can be certified by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification board, which also enhances career advancement and can help you obtain a greater salary.

Typical Characteristics of an Ostomy Nurse

An intelligent, sympathetic, caring nature is required to be an ostomy nurse, as they provide emotional support and education to patients and members of the public. Ostomy nurses are trained in the social pressures experienced by someone who is required to carry an ostomy bag. As an ostomy nurse, you should be be especially interested in making sure the patient is educated about his disease and his self-care, in addition to the care you provide to him that is emotional, social, and physical.

High Demand for Ostomy Nurses

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that many more nursing positions need to be filled in the coming years. In the years between 2008 and 2018, a total of 581,500 new nursing jobs should be created. Ostomy nurses are especially needed, as the rates of employment growth at nursing facilities, physician offices, and home health care services are growing at a rate of 25 percent or greater. As surgical removal of the intestine is a necessary treatment for multiple diseases, including colorectal cancer, ostomy nurses should face strong job prospects.