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.

Responsibilities

• Affirms patient needs through assessment.
• Care for stomas, penrose drains, draining wounds, fistulas, pressure ulcers, and incontinence.
• Completes patient history regarding ostomy, wounds, and incontinence.
• Makes diagnosis and formulates a plan of care.
• Initiates discharge planning related to ostomy, drains, wounds, or fistulas.
• Performs independent and dependent therapeutic/nursing functions.
• Documents activities and coordinates patient/family care planning, health teaching, and discharge planning.
• Maintains necessary supplies and equipment, including ordering and billing.
• Serves as a consultant within the bounds of related field to all areas of the facility and to the community.
• Evaluates patient status and revises the plan of care as necessary.
• Participates in planned orientation for new employees and in-services for staff.
• Identifies enterostomal therapy nurse role to patient, family, and health team members.
• Communicates patient's status to other health team members, such as physicians, dietician, social services, and discharge planners.
• Utilizes Social Services and resources to promote, restore, and maintain optimal health care for patient and/or family.
• Assists the clinical instructor in providing clinical learning experiences for nursing students.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Completes required education assignments annually.
• Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

Qualifications

• 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: Current Tennessee nursing license.