ENTEROSTOMAL THERAPIST
Position Summary
Has responsibility, authority, and accountability for quality therapeutic care for patients with an ostomy and assists with the care of draining wounds and fistulas. Assesses patient needs. Responsible for the care of stomas, penrose drains, draining wounds, fistulas, pressure ulcers, and incontinence. Assists with the completion of a patient history, pertaining to the ostomy, wounds, and degree of incontinence. Makes diagnosis based upon the assessment and formulates a plan of care that attempts to modify or eliminate treatment problems that pertain to ostomy, wound care, and incontinence. Initiates discharge planning as related to the stoma, drains, wounds, or fistulas. Performs all independent therapeutic/nursing functions and dependent therapeutic/nursing functions as ordered by physician and documents activities. Coordinates patient/family care planning and health teaching based upon assessment of patient readiness and patient rehabilitation. Provides and maintains necessary supplies and equipment, including responsibility for ordering and billing. Serves as a consultant within the bounds of related field to all areas of the FSHS and to the community. Continuously evaluates the patient's status and makes revision in the plan of care, as necessary. Participates in planned orientation for new employees and in-services for staff. Appropriately utilizes team members, according to their abilities and position description.
Identifies enterostomal therapy nurse role to patient, family, and health team members. Communicates patient's status to other health team members, such as physicians, dieticians, social services, and discharge planners. Utilizes social services and all resources to promote, restore, and maintain optimal health care for patient and/or family. Assists in maintaining a safe environment for all residents which may include reporting to appropriate managerial staff equipment that is out of order, suspicion of resident abuse, mistreatment, neglect and reporting of suspicion of criminal activities. Assists the clinical instructor in providing clinical learning experiences for nursing students.
Minimum Education
None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.
Minimum Experience
One (1) year of experience in a hospital as a staff nurse required.
Licensure Requirement
Must have and maintain current Tennessee nursing license.