Sometimes these nurses are called stoma nurses (particularly in Europe).
ET nurses also treat other conditions, such as wounds orincontinence.
What Is Enterostomal Therapy?
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What Does an ET Nurse Do?
An ET nurse may treat patients before, during, and after their ostomy surgery.
An ET nurse may care for adult or pediatric patients.
After surgery:Once a patient goes home, an ET nurse can assist in many ways.
Learning to change an ostomy appliance can take time and practice.
Stoma nurses may also help during the actual ostomy surgery and be part of the surgical team.
How Much Training Do ET Nurses Have?
All the work that ET nurses do is very specialized and requires a certain amount of training.
ET nurses will have a bachelor’s degree, as well as a registered nurse license.
Advanced practice certification is also available.
ET nurses may go on to earn a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing.
You may also get a referral from your healthcare provider.
Keep in mind that you may need areferral for insurancepurposes.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider regarding requirements to get specific coverage information.
Some ET nurses maintain longer-term relationships with patients who need ongoing care, but most will eventually become independent.
However, there are some instances where you should reach out to your enterostomal therapy nurse for specialized care.
They are an integral part of the care team before, during, and after surgery.
Learning to care for your stoma and use an ostomy appliance can feel intimidating or even overwhelming at first.
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Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board.Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Exams.
United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc.When to Contact Your Stoma Care Nurse.
