Making Fake Stomas for Education

Hospital leadership felt an educational review for the nursing staff was warranted due to facility expansion.  Ostomy education was included.  The unit educator contacted the author to ask for assistance in developing the ostomy education plan for the staff.  A combination of learning modalities was incorporated into each ostomy education presentation due to the fact that individuals have preferred ways of learning.  The participants were given handouts, a PowerPoint presentation was shown, and hands-on practice occurred.  A total of four in-services was offered.  Two hours were blocked off for each in-service which were offered on different weeks at different times.  The idea to use an egg carton to fashion fake stomas arose while working on the presentation.  The author felt strongly that each nurse should have an unhurried environment to physically perform the skill.  Each individual egg cup was cut out, inverted, and glued onto a piece of cardboard, thus creating the fake stoma.  Cast off wafers and pouches came from surrounding ostomy clinics.  An advantage of using egg cartons to create fake stomas is the low cost and availability.  Additionally the stomas and/or cardboard they are attached to can be manipulated to represent different yet common ostomy maladies.  Case studies can be written to accompany the stomas.  Participants liked the unstressed time to practice measuring and cutting.  One RN stated she did not perform this skill very much and was glad for the opportunity.  Ostomy clinics are glad to get rid of leftover ostomy supplies as it gives them more shelf space.  Participants can demonstrate a skill and apply knowledge.  Most acute care nurses have or will take care of ostomates.  Proficiency with basic ostomy assessment and care is essential.  Taking time to practice outside the clinical environment benefits the nurse and the patient.