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Bags and blogs: creating an ostomy experience for nursing students
1University of Florida, College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. ksreed@ufl.edu
Nursing students gained empathy for ostomy patients through a simulated experience. This hands-on learning fostered a deeper understanding of patient challenges, enhancing their future nursing care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Patient Simulation
- Healthcare Professional Development
Background:
- Over 750,000 individuals in the U.S. live with an ostomy.
- Ostomy patients face significant physical and emotional challenges.
- Nurses play a crucial role in addressing these challenges during hospitalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide undergraduate nursing students with a simulated laboratory experience.
- To allow students to discuss and experience the challenges of living with an ostomy.
- To enhance student understanding of ostomy patient care needs.
Main Methods:
- Small group work facilitated discussion and collaboration.
- Experiential learning activity involved wearing an ostomy bag overnight.
- Blogging was used to encourage reflection and affective development.
Main Results:
- 134 students participated in group work and blogging.
- Over 100 students engaged in the overnight ostomy bag simulation.
- Student blogs revealed a profound depth of awareness and emotion.
Conclusions:
- Simulated ostomy experience significantly increased student empathy and awareness.
- Students recognized the value of the activity in preparing them for nursing careers.
- Integrating social technology and unique learning activities enhances nursing student development.
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An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening from the intestines to the outside of the body, allowing for the rerouting of effluent. This opening is known as a stoma. A stoma usually protrudes above the skin surface, appearing pink or red, moist, and round, and it lacks nerve sensations.
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