Enterostomal therapist
Enterostomal Therapist
Enterostomal Therapist (pronunciation: en-ter-o-sto-mal ther-a-pist) is a specialized health care professional who manages patients with a stoma (artificial opening in the body for the discharge of body wastes).
Etymology
The term "Enterostomal Therapist" is derived from the Greek words "enteron" (intestine), "stoma" (mouth or opening), and "therapeia" (service or treatment).
Role and Responsibilities
An Enterostomal Therapist, also known as a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (WOCN), is responsible for the pre-operative and post-operative care of patients undergoing ostomy surgery. This includes patient education, stoma site marking, and post-operative management of the stoma and skin complications. They also provide care for patients with wounds, pressure ulcers, incontinence, and fistulas.
Education and Certification
To become an Enterostomal Therapist, one must be a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and complete a WOCN-accredited education program. After completing the program, the nurse is eligible to take the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) examination to become a certified WOCN.
Related Terms
- Ostomy: A surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the body for the discharge of body wastes.
- Stoma: An artificial opening in the body made during an ostomy.
- Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (WOCN): A nurse who specializes in the care of patients with wounds, ostomies, and continence disorders.
- Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB): The organization that certifies WOCNs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Enterostomal therapist
- Wikipedia's article - Enterostomal therapist
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