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What is an Ostomy Nurse?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

An ostomy nurse is a health care professional who cares for patients who have ostomies. An ostomy is a hole that a surgeon creates to allow an internal organ to have an outlet to the outside of the body. The primary types of ostomy surgery include ileostomies, which involve connecting the small intestine to an opening in the abdomen, and colostomies, which connect the large intestine to an abdominal opening. Both allow the body to expel waste, without going through the rectum and out the anus.

An individual who works as an ostomy nurse cares for patients who have injuries, diseases, and conditions that require ostomy surgery. For example, ostomy nurses help care for patients with perforated bowels, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and wounds that affect the digestive tract. In some cases, they care for patients who receive temporary ostomies. After these patients heal, they may return to their surgeons to have the procedure reversed. In other cases, however, patients must adjust to permanent ostomies; an ostomy nurse helps these patients as well.

Ileostomies and colostomies allow the body to expel waste without going through the rectum and out the anus.
Ileostomies and colostomies allow the body to expel waste without going through the rectum and out the anus.

Part of an ostomy nurse’s job may be helping his patient prepare for surgery and understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Working with men, women, and children who need ostomies, he may provide pre-operative instructions on care for a stoma and using an ostomy bag to help a patient begin to adjust to the idea before the procedure takes place. Besides providing medical care for the patient before surgery, this type of nurse may also provide emotional support as his patients prepare for this major change.

If the colon is removed or bypassed, an ileostomy is performed to allow the contents of the small intestine — the ileum — to exit through the abdominal wall.
If the colon is removed or bypassed, an ileostomy is performed to allow the contents of the small intestine — the ileum — to exit through the abdominal wall.

After surgery, an ostomy nurse typically cares for his patient’s wounds and helps to ensure that the stoma will heal properly. He carries out any instructions the surgeon has provided and shows the patient how to care for his stoma and use his ostomy supplies. For example, an ostomy nurse may show his patient how to wear an ostomy pouch and empty it, when to change it, and how to continue normal activities while wearing it. Often, an ostomy nurse also explains a doctor’s orders concerning what to eat or avoid while wearing an ostomy pouch system and when to seek medical attention. A patient may need to return to the hospital, for instance, if he develops signs of an infection, becomes very ill, or fails to see regular waste output.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • Ileostomies and colostomies allow the body to expel waste without going through the rectum and out the anus.
      By: kocakayaali
      Ileostomies and colostomies allow the body to expel waste without going through the rectum and out the anus.
    • If the colon is removed or bypassed, an ileostomy is performed to allow the contents of the small intestine — the ileum — to exit through the abdominal wall.
      By: graphicgeoff
      If the colon is removed or bypassed, an ileostomy is performed to allow the contents of the small intestine — the ileum — to exit through the abdominal wall.
    • Ostomy nurses help patients understand what to expect before, during and after undergoing ostomy procedures.
      By: Andy Dean
      Ostomy nurses help patients understand what to expect before, during and after undergoing ostomy procedures.
    • Following surgery, an ostomy nurse will take care of a patient's wounds and ensure the stoma heals properly.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Following surgery, an ostomy nurse will take care of a patient's wounds and ensure the stoma heals properly.
    • After surgery, the ostomy nurse will visit the patient to assess the placement and condition of the stoma.
      By: Photographee.eu
      After surgery, the ostomy nurse will visit the patient to assess the placement and condition of the stoma.