We will review perceptions about sexuality in the aged as well as the changing demographics of partnered sex over time. This will help us to reflect upon perceptions of aging as they relate to psychosocial, physiologic and emotional challenges. Gender differences and sexual orientation also influence the ways in which intimacy and sexuality are expressed through sickness and aging.
This will be followed by an exploration of the barriers to sexual activity ranging from cultural and psychosocial to physical and health related factors. As we shall see, aging in and of itself is not a barrier; however, certain conditions that increase in prevalence with aging can have significant negative impacts, such as diabetes, arthritis, incontinence and post surgical changes.
Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion remains the gold standard in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer. After cystectomy, these patients undergo a significant period of postoperative recovery and they face physical, social, and emotional challenges which can greatly impact their quality of life. During this session, we will discuss the different types of urinary diversions, indications and contraindications for specific diversions, long term considerations, and quality of life after urinary diversion. A better understanding of these important factors can improve pre-operative consultation and improve patient satisfaction.
Evaluation and successful management of lower extremity ulcerations requires practical knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as knowledge of compression textiles. Appropriate compression selection and application is an essential component of both wound healing and edema management. Although most think of compression as simple elastic bandages, today’s wound care marketplace offers a plethora of unique compression textile options including both bandages and garments. With all the choices available, navigating the compression selection and application process can be a daunting task to even the most seasoned clinician. Utilizing the S.T.R.I.D.E. approach to compression selection, the attendee will be given a playbook on how to critically examine a patient’s presentation and match it to an appropriate compression product. Utilizing case examples, the attendee will walk away with practical tips to compression selection, modification and application.
This interactive session will pose case presentations, clinical situations and problems that are encountered in the daily practice of ostomy care. The cases will include pediatric and adult patients, presented by two advanced practice WOC nurses. The audience will be asked to provide suggestions for care, to point out areas that may not have a solution and to suggest what needs to be considered when managing challenging patient presentations. The attendees are the presenters; this session will be a moderated peer to peer discussion with questions and answers from the audience. Come prepared to discuss ostomy practice with your WOC nurse colleagues!
Social Bullying is a phenomenon detrimentally affecting both academic and clinical nursing. Contributing to both clinician and faculty turnover and dissatisfaction, social bullying is characterized by power inequities and occurs over time. Social bullying is particularly damaging when the perpetrator is a leader or manager. This session will describe the phenomenon of social bullying, explain its effects on academic and clinical organizations, and analyze approaches to diminish its effects and promote a healthy workplace.
People experiencing an ostomy, chronic wounds or fecal incontinence often experience a range of quality-of-life challenges throughout their life. Some of these may include economic challenges related to employment, sexuality, psychosocial issues, social and family relationships. Evidence shows WOC Nurses positively impact Quality of Life and help address the challenges these individual’s encounter as they transition to a new normal. What questions do the people experiencing these challenges acknowledge that they could have asked their WOC Nurse and/or provider in search of additional support?
Derek dealt with fecal incontinence from childhood into adulthood. Joe lives with a J-Pouch and experienced a previous ostomy. Johnathan endured several surgical procedures, a myocutaneous flap and is now in full recovery after dealing with a chronic trochanteric wound. Anna lives with an ileostomy after multiple surgeries, experienced a failed J Pouch and a pregnancy while living with her ostomy. Each have unique experiences to share on how to help patients like themselves to manage the challenges they each endure. Each individual story of coping and acceptance will provide WOC Nurses tools and clinical pearls to support an environment conducive to health and wellness.