Have you ever heard about enterostomal therapy nurses (ETN)? I am currently taking an enterostomal therapy course to further develop my knowledge in wound, ostomy and continence care. Before working in this field, I truly asked myself: “But what do they do?” Over 300 nurses in Canada are specialized in enterostomal therapy.

First, an ETN is a clinical nurse who holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and completed a course given by the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy. This course is divided in multiple parts, one of which is particularly interesting for this blog: ostomy management. We are known as experts in this field. Maybe you had the chance of meeting an ETN during your hospital stay. Unfortunately, they are quite rare in Quebec, and not every hospital benefits from their expertise. Why is it a good idea to meet an ETN?

In certain hospitals, an ETN can meet you before surgery and tell you specific information about the surgery, the stoma, the diet, the equipment, etc. Any topic can be addressed if the patient is receptive.  Marking can be done during this meeting if it happens a few days before the surgery. Preoperative marking consist of a complete evaluation of the abdomen when lying down, sitting and standing. It helps choosing the best site for the future stoma by avoiding spots that can cause problems to the equipment, for example skin folds. ETNs accompany patients during the whole operational process. Nurses visit them during their hospitalization and teach them to empty their ostomy bag, change their ruffs and go back on topics seen before the surgery. Naturally, patients feel many different emotions during this ordeal and ETNs are there to listen to and support you. They are like a pillar helping you during the learning process, and help you “meet” this new part of you that you did not see before. Then, they help you arrange your return home and will do a follow up a few weeks after surgery. If you are doing well, you do not have to see them again. If you have any problem, they will be there to advise you and change your treatment schedule if need be. 

With their knowledge, ETNs can make your life much easier. We are passionate about what we do, which makes our job easier. We love helping others and that is what keeps the profession alive. I am personally a CLSC nurse and decided to take the enterostomal therapy course to improve the quality of life of ostomized patients having problems. We are here for you and only wish the best for you when we help you.

Véronique 

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