Two approaches to sharing stoma care expertise with non−specialist nursing staff

A previous associated article explored the process of earning Royal College of Nursing accreditation for the SecuriCare stoma care clinical nursing standards and the ways in which this accreditation supports research-based best practice and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) education (Waller et al, 2009). However, the role of the stoma care CNS does not stop at providing expert practice; a CNS must also educate ward staff and student nurses, as well-informed and empowered ward nurses are crucial to the provision of quality patient care. The impact on a patient°s life following stoma formation varies considerably, depending on the patient°s life experiences, support network, background, and reasons leading up to surgery. Finding the time to make stoma care training a priority within a busy hospital setting can often present a challenge; however, to improve on patients° pathways of care within the acute setting, staff need to be supported and appropriately trained. This article discusses the different approac...