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Purpose/ Objective
The purpose of this project is to enhance the ability of the staff nurse to care for the patient with an ostomy. Frequently, the staff nurse will verbalize discomfort in teaching because of inadequate knowledge and skill.
Description of the problem
A Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse (WOCN) is not always available to provide patient and family education. The one constant in the patient’s care is the staff nurse. The staff nurse may be the one readily available when that teaching moment arises and the patient requests education.
Postoperative ostomy patients frequently are surprised at the appearance and location of the stoma and the presence of a pouch. By educating our staff nurses, they will be better able to collaborate with the WOCN in meeting the educational needs of our patients.
Interventions An ongoing education program will be developed for staff nurses who routinely care for patients with ostomies. This will include an education outline, written lesson plans, and teaching materials for use in teaching the staff nurse how to care for and educate the patient with confidence. Each nurse attending the class will receive a folder with standardized teaching material.
Evaluation/Outcome
A standardized education program will be offered on an ongoing basis to meet the needs of our nursing staff. The knowledge of the nurse will be measured by a written assessment before and after the program. Nurses will verbalize increased confidence in caring for our patients with ostomies. Patients will receive accurate and consistent information in answer to their questions.
The purpose of this project is to enhance the ability of the staff nurse to care for the patient with an ostomy. Frequently, the staff nurse will verbalize discomfort in teaching because of inadequate knowledge and skill.
Description of the problem
A Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse (WOCN) is not always available to provide patient and family education. The one constant in the patient’s care is the staff nurse. The staff nurse may be the one readily available when that teaching moment arises and the patient requests education.
Postoperative ostomy patients frequently are surprised at the appearance and location of the stoma and the presence of a pouch. By educating our staff nurses, they will be better able to collaborate with the WOCN in meeting the educational needs of our patients.
Interventions An ongoing education program will be developed for staff nurses who routinely care for patients with ostomies. This will include an education outline, written lesson plans, and teaching materials for use in teaching the staff nurse how to care for and educate the patient with confidence. Each nurse attending the class will receive a folder with standardized teaching material.
Evaluation/Outcome
A standardized education program will be offered on an ongoing basis to meet the needs of our nursing staff. The knowledge of the nurse will be measured by a written assessment before and after the program. Nurses will verbalize increased confidence in caring for our patients with ostomies. Patients will receive accurate and consistent information in answer to their questions.