Stoma Care Nurse Specialist – Community Based

Job/Role Summary

To provide support, advice, teaching and counselling to patients who have a stoma (and their famailies) at all stages of the patient’s journey. To provide advice, support, teaching and information to health care professionals, who provide care to patients with a stoma. To devise, participate and evaluate specialist teaching packages on the principles of stoma care nursing. To ensure effective use of stoma care appliances. To devise and update development of policies for service.

Specific qualifications and experience required

Registered nurse – adults – NMC live register 3 years post registration experience at grade E or equivilant or above in the past 5 years, with ongoning experience in stoma care nursing. BSc (hons) specialist practice in colorectal nursing

Career Milestones

Initially working as a staff nurse on a surgical ward. Working as a district nuring sister with no access to a speialist nurse in stoma care – nearest was Belfast at the time. Completion of the ENB216 Stoma Care Nursing course in London. Setting up community based stoma care service locally. Completion of BSc Hons in Specialist Practice and Independant and Supplementary nurse prescribing course . Clinical lead in colorectal nursing pilot for Department of Health . Able to develop leadership skills as well as specialist practice skills

What attracted you to this job?

• Patients outcomes – usually always positive
• Job satisfaction
• I was allowed to ‘shape’ and develop the service myself
• Patient centred service
• Autonomous role that is recognised and accepted by local GP’s

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

• Working with such lovely patients and their families
• Being an autonomous specialist practitioner and nurse prescriber
• Working in the community setting

Important success factors

• My nurse tutor in London – specialist stoma care
• My nurse tutor at Queen’s University – BSc (Hons) degree
• My patients who are all willing to learn and adapt

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

• ‘Take a deep breath’
• Be very organised and allocate specific localities, specific days/times for visiting
• Do not be afraid of change or participating in professional development .
• Be prepared to challenge management and doctors when trying to develop nurse led services

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

• Patience
• Humour
• Nurse prescribing skills
• Being able to see another professional’s point of view and role boundaries
• Clinical leadership skills
• Specialist practice skills
• Communication skills enhanced

Career Profiles