The purpose of this unit of study is to explore the multifaceted role of a stomal therapy nurse as an autonomous practitioner and an integral member of the multidisciplinary team. This unit of study will provide a theoretical foundation for clinical practice in stoma-specific care examining anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology and treatments of conditions that may lead to ostomy formation. The unit explores biopsychosocial assessment and management from preoperative to long-term support for people living with a stoma. By undertaking this unit of study, students will gain knowledge and skills in providing evidence-based and culturally competent care and will be referred to clinical practice guidelines and professional practice standards.
| Principles of Stoma Care | |
| Unit of study code | 044 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Stomal Therapy Nursing
GC single unit of study |
| Term | APRIL, OCTOBER |
| Pre-requisite | N/A |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 4 |
| Clinical placement requirements | There is a compulsory 40 hours clinical placement for this unit of study.
Anyone applying for an ACN course that includes a clinical placement must provide evidence of compliance documents at the time of application. Applications for enrolment will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by Customer Services. Each Australian state and territory has its own clinical placement documentation requirements. Please view our clinical placement information page, then click on the tab for your particular state or territory for information on specific requirements. Individual placement providers may need additional documentation. If you are required to provide this then you will be contacted by the clinical placement officer following enrolment. ACN negotiates with health care facilities to secure clinical placements. ACN will make every effort to secure clinical placements within the timeframe indicated in the course outline, however applicants are advised that provision and location of clinical placements is dependent on the availability of placements within the health facility. As placements are difficult to secure, once confirmed these cannot be negotiated unless there is unforeseen extenuating circumstances. Applicants are not to arrange their own clinical placements with a clinical facility under any circumstances. ACN reserves the right to change clinical placements if necessary. |
| Prescribed texts | Carmel, J., Colwell, J., & Goldberg, M.T. (Eds.). (2022). Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. Core Curriculum Ostomy Management (2nd ed.). Wolters Kluwer. |
| Co-ordinated by | Elizabeth Moran MACN e: elizabeth.moran@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal and urinary systems | a) apply advanced knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of ostomates in the delivery of holistic, person-centred care | Assessment 1: Personal learning goals | 5% | 2 |
| Theme 2: Pathophysiology and treatment of conditions that may lead to a urinary diversion | b) appraise the role of the stomal therapist against specialty clinical guidelines and professional practice standards | Assessment 2: Online discussions | 10% | 4, 8 |
| Theme 3: Pathophysiology and treatment of conditions that may lead to a faecal diversion | c) critically reflect on the biopsychosocial and cultural needs of people living with a stoma | Assessment 3: Literature critique | 40% | 5 |
| Theme 4: Preoperative, postoperative and discharge management for people undergoing stomal surgery | d) critically evaluate research literature to support the provision of evidence-based nursing care | Assessment 4: Analysis of care | 45% | 10 |
| Theme 5: Psychosocial and long-term support for people living with a stoma | ||||
Principles of Stoma Care (044) is a Tier 4 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
