Successful intermittent self-catheterization teaching: one nurse's strategy of how and what to teach

Learning how to perform intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) can be a daunting task for the patient with a newly diagnosed voiding dysfunction. The nurse can facilitate this learning process by working with the patient until knowledge and confidence is gained to successfully perform self-catheterization. Teaching ISC requires a knowledgeable and skilled nurse who can recognize the patient's physical and psychological readiness; instruct the patient in anatomy, physiology, and the disease process, as well as guide the patient through the procedure. With a comprehensive teaching program, the patient is empowered to care for his or her own urologic health and accomplish an important step in regaining independence. This article describes one nurse's strategy for teaching patients to become confident and competent in performing ISC.