I've lived in BHC since 2000. I've been an RN since 1981 and have spent most of my nursing career as an ICU nurse. In 2001, while working in ICU at WARMC, I met a surgeon who commented on how sad it was that we didn't have an ET nurse in the area. It was tough on patients and nursing staff to manage difficult pouching situations.
I started looking into what being an ET nurse involved and became very excited to learn about WOCN nurses society (Wound, Ostomy, Continence). I learned a great deal through this society and hope someday to become WOCN certified.
WARMC allowed me to work as a part-time wound/ostomy nurse in 2003 and I loved the role. I had an opportunity to work full-time at MCC as a nursing instructor and did this from 2004-2008. I was able to stay on part-time as an ET nurse at WARMC and started the Ostomy Support group in 2007. (Sherry was my first attendee!).
A fulltime wound/ostomy nurse position opened at VVMC last year and I jumped on it. I've enjoyed the position very much but find it is almost too much for one nurse to handle. I hope they will bring another nurse on board - at least part time - soon.
I'm very proud of the CROC group and believe it is making a big difference in the lives of new ostomy patients. Thank you members!