How to Become a Stoma Care Nurse

Stoma nurses play a critical role in the lives of individuals with stomas, helping them manage their condition and lead comfortable lives. Today, we will be looking at how to become a stoma care nurse in the UK.

According to British Journal of Nursing, there are around 165,000 people living with a stoma in the UK, with about 21,000 new stoma surgeries performed each year.

As the number of stoma patients continues to grow, the demand for skilled stoma nurses also increases.

These nurses provide practical advice on stoma care and offer emotional support, making a positive difference in their patients’ well-being.

If you enjoy helping others and want to make a positive impact, becoming a stoma nurse could be the right career for you. This role involves working closely with patients to teach them how to care for their stomas, observe their progress, and help them overcome any challenges they face.

Additionally, stoma nurses often work as part of a healthcare team, working together with doctors and other medical specialists to ensure the best possible care for their patients.

This blog post will walk you through the steps to pursue this rewarding career, from the necessary education to the skills you will need to succeed.

We will also review average salaries in the UK over the past 10 years, up to 2024.

Additionally, we will discuss how to find a job and ways to improve your skills and advance in the profession.

What is a Stoma Care Nurse?

A stoma nurse is a healthcare specialist who cares for patients with stomas. The three primary types of stomas are colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies.

A stoma is an opening made on the abdomen during surgery, allowing waste to leave the body.

These nurses assist patients before and after the surgery, teaching them how to take care of their stoma and use the equipment they need.

They also provide ongoing care, checking for any problems and giving emotional support.

Stoma nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and the community, helping patients get used to life with a stoma and maintain a good quality of life.

Their skills are important for helping patients feel confident and comfortable managing their condition.

What is a Stoma Nurse Called?

A stoma nurse can be called a few different things:

• Stoma Care Nurse
• Enterostomal Therapist (ET)
• Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) Nurse

The term “WOC nurse” is more commonly used in the United States, while “stoma care nurse” is more prevalent in the UK.

Understanding the Role of a Stoma Care Nurse Specialist

A stoma care nurse specialist is very important for people with stomas.

These skilled nurses help from pre-surgery to long-term care.

Stage	Activities
Before Surgery	Explain what to expect, Prepare for surgery
After Surgery	Teach stoma care, Help manage the stoma
Ongoing Support	Address any issues, Offer emotional support, Advise on lifestyle

These are the roles stoma care nurse play:

• Pre-surgery guidance: Help patients know what to expect and how to get ready.
• Post-operative care: Teach patients how to clean and manage their new stoma.
• Ongoing support: Provide long-term help with any issues related to living with a stoma.
• Education: Explain the different types of stomas (urostomy, ileostomy, colostomy) and how to take care of them.
• Product advice: Help patients choose stoma bags and accessories.
• Emotional support: Help patients and families adjust, boosting confidence and quality of life.
• Problem-solving: Fix problems like skin irritation or leaks, offering solutions.
• Lifestyle changes: Advise on returning to normal activities, including work, exercise, and social life.

Stoma care nurse specialists help people with stomas live full, comfortable lives by giving medical help and caring support.

Steps to Become a Stoma Care Nurse

Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse

To start a career as a stoma nurse, you first need to become a registered nurse (RN). This means completing a nursing degree or diploma from an approved school.

During your studies, you will learn important basics like anatomy, physiology, and medical care. You will also get hands-on experience through placements in different healthcare settings.

It is helpful to work with a variety of patient groups during this time, even though you do not need to specialise just yet. This broad experience will be useful later on as a stoma nurse.

There are around 600-800 stoma care nurses currently in the UK [Coloplast PDF, 2022]. This number includes both full-time and part-time specialists. There is often a call for more stoma care nurses due to the growing number of people with stomas.

Step 2: Gain Experience

Once you’ve become a registered nurse, getting practical experience is important for starting a career in stoma nursing.

While working in different nursing roles, try to find opportunities to care for patients with stomas. This hands-on experience will help you understand the challenges these patients face and the need for specialised care.

It’s also important to build relationships with stoma care teams.

Networking with experienced stoma nurses can give you useful insights into the role and help you improve your skills.

This can be a great way to learn more about the field and prepare for a specialised stoma nurse position.

Step 3: Specialised Stoma Care Training

To become a qualified stoma nurse, you need to undertake specialised training.

There are various courses and certifications available to help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills.

These trainings can cover important topics such as:

• Different types of stomas and how to manage them.
• How to assess and care for stomas.
• Educating and supporting patients with stomas.
• Handling complications that may arise.
• Fitting and managing stoma appliances.

It’s also important to engage in continuous professional development (CPD).

Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in stoma care ensures that you can provide the best care possible to your patients.

Staying Informed on the Latest Developments

To give the best care to your patients, it’s important to stay informed about the latest in stoma care.

These are some simple ways to keep up-to-date:

• Join Professional Groups: Become a member of groups like the British Association of Stoma Care Nurses (BASCN). They provide helpful resources, events, and chances to meet other nurses.
• Attend Conferences and Workshops: Go to events to learn about new treatments, products, and research. These events help you stay current and learn new things.
• Use Online Resources: Check out online platforms and journals for the latest research and care guidelines. This helps you stay up-to-date with new information.
• Do Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Take part in CPD activities to keep learning and improving your skills.

By always looking for new information, you can make sure your care is based on the best and most recent knowledge.

This ensures you provide the best support for your patients.

Step 4: Finding a Stoma Nurse Role

Finding a job as a stoma nurse involves focused job searching and networking. Here are some simple steps to help you find the right position:

• Use Job Boards and Websites: Look for stoma nurse jobs on online job boards, hospital websites, and professional networking sites.

Key Job Hunting Tips

• Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant experience, qualifications, and interest in stoma care.
• Network: Go to industry events and conferences. Connect with other stoma nurses to learn about job opportunities.
• Volunteer: Try volunteering in stoma care settings. This can give you more experience and help you meet people in the field.
• Build an Online Presence: Create a professional LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and experience.

Using these strategies can help you find a rewarding job as a stoma nurse.

A. How to Find a Job

To find a stoma care nurse job:

1. Look on the NHS Jobs website.
2. Check job sites like Indeed or Reed.
3. Ask at hospitals near you.
4. Join the Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK for job alerts.

B. Making a Good CV

Your CV should show why you would be a great stoma care nurse. Include:

• Your nursing qualifications.
• Any experience with stoma patients.
• Special stoma care training you’ve done.
• Your key skills (like patient care, wound management).

C. Preparing for Interviews

Before your interview:

1. Learn about the hospital or clinic.
2. Review common stoma care procedures.
3. Think about why you want to be a stoma care nurse.
4. Prepare some questions to ask them.

Step 5: Developing Your Career

Becoming a stoma nurse is just the start of a rewarding career. Here’s how you can grow and advance:

• Advancement: With more experience and extra training, you can move to higher roles, like a stoma care specialist or nurse consultant. These jobs come with more duties and chances to lead and guide other nurses.
• Specialisation: You might focus on specific areas of stoma care, like caring for children or special types of stomas. This helps you become an expert in those areas.
• Education and Research: You can get involved in research or teaching to help improve stoma care and share new ideas.
• Networking: Build good connections with other nurses and professionals. This can help you find new job opportunities and stay updated on the latest in stoma care.

By improving your skills and learning new things, you can become a well-respected expert in stoma care and enjoy a successful career.

Salary: How Much Do Stoma Care Nurses Earn?

Stoma care nurses usually earn more than general nurses. Here’s how pay has changed over the last 10 years:

• 2014: About £26,000 to £34,000 per year.
• 2019: About £31,000 to £41,000 per year.
• 2024: About £33,000 to £45,000 per year.

Remember, pay can be different depending on where you work and how much experience you have.

Salary Structure in the NHS

Stoma care nurses in the UK usually work for the National Health Service (NHS). Their pay is based on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay bands, which rank jobs by responsibility and experience.

• Band 5: This is where most registered nurses, including stoma care nurses, start.
• Band 6: With more experience and qualifications, nurses can move up to Band 6 and often take on specialist roles like stoma care specialist.
• Band 7: Senior stoma care nurses or those with advanced skills can reach Band 7.

Salary Trends

Finding exact salary data for stoma care nurses over the past 10 years can be tricky. However, nursing salaries in the UK have generally increased due to inflation, cost of living changes, and pay negotiations.

To get a current salary estimate:

• Check online: Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and NHS Jobs show salary ranges for nursing roles.
• Consult professional bodies: The British Association of Stoma Care Nurses (BASCN) might have salary information.
• Review job ads: Looking at job postings can give an idea of the current market rates.

Salaries can vary by location (urban vs. rural), employer (NHS trust or private healthcare), and job duties.

Stoma Nurse Salaries: A 10-Year Regional Analysis [Click to expand]

Stoma Nurse Salaries: A 10-Year Regional Analysis

Stoma care nursing is a specialised field, and the pay is usually higher than for general nurses. Over the last ten years, salaries for stoma care nurses in the UK have generally increased, reflecting the growing need for this skill and inflation.

National Average Salary Trend

The average salary for stoma care nurses has increased over the years:

• 2014: £28,500
• 2016: £30,000
• 2018: £32,000
• 2020: £34,500
• 2022: £37,000
• 2024: £39,500

This is an increase of about 38.6% over ten years.

Regional Breakdown

Salaries vary across different parts of the UK. London and the South East usually pay more due to the higher cost of living, while pay tends to be lower in the North, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Avg. Salary Table by Region (2014-2024)

Region	2014	2016	2018	2020	2022	2024
London	£33,000	£35,000	£37,500	£40,000	£42,500	£45,000
South East	£30,500	£32,500	£35,000	£37,500	£40,000	£42,000
East of England	£29,000	£31,000	£33,500	£36,000	£38,000	£40,000
South West	£28,000	£30,000	£32,500	£35,000	£37,000	£38,500
West Midlands	£27,500	£29,500	£32,000	£34,500	£36,500	£38,000
East Midlands	£27,000	£29,000	£31,500	£34,000	£36,000	£37,500
North West	£26,500	£28,500	£31,000	£33,500	£35,500	£37,000
Yorkshire and the Humber	£26,000	£28,000	£30,500	£33,000	£35,000	£36,500
North East	£25,500	£27,500	£30,000	£32,500	£34,500	£36,000
Scotland	£27,000	£29,000	£31,500	£34,000	£36,000	£37,500
Wales	£25,500	£27,500	£30,000	£32,500	£34,500	£36,000
Northern Ireland	£25,000	£27,000	£29,500	£32,000	£34,000	£35,500

Key Observations

1. Consistent Growth: Salaries have steadily increased in all regions.
2. London Premium: London has the highest pay, around 14% above the national average in 2024.
3. Regional Differences: The pay difference between London and Northern Ireland was £8,000 in 2014 and £9,500 in 2024.
4. Higher Growth in Certain Areas: Places like London and the South East have seen faster salary growth, widening the gap with other regions.
5. Narrowing Gap in Some Areas: In regions like Scotland, salary growth has slightly reduced the gap with higher-paying regions.

These figures are averages; actual pay can vary based on factors like experience, the employer, and additional qualifications.

It’s also important to consider the cost of living in each area.

Upskill Today: Check all our specialist training courses for individuals and groups.

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Disclaimer

Salary data can change due to many factors like experience, location, employer, and economic conditions. The information provided gives a general idea of salary trends.

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Conclusion

Starting a career as a stoma care nurse in the UK gives you a special chance to make a big difference in patients’ lives. This job mixes technical skills with caring support, needing both knowledge and kindness.

As a stoma care nurse, you’ll help patients through tough times, teaching them how to live with a stoma and helping them feel confident again. Your skills will improve their health and offer emotional support during a big life change.

If you want a nursing job that brings new challenges every day, offers lots of learning, and lets you build strong connections with patients, stoma care nursing could be the right choice for you.

The work can be tough, but the reward of seeing patients regain their confidence and enjoy life again is priceless.

Caring for Care’s Stoma Care Training

Caring for Care offers specialised Stoma Care Training for nurses. This training is great for hospitals, care homes, family caregivers, and individual nurses.

It provides thorough knowledge and practical skills in stoma care, patient education, and preventing problems.

Whether you want to improve your team’s skills or your own, our training helps you provide caring and effective support.

You can fill the contact form below or send us an enquiry: enquiries@caringforcare.co.uk

For care and nursing home, we have a train the trainer stome care course that helps you build in-house nursing staff to train others (care support staff and nurses) on aspects of stoma care.