Nurses Need Further Education On Sacral Nerve Stimulation

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 17 Mar 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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For people who suffer from incontinence, urinary frequency and urinary retention, finding the right treatment can be difficult. Behavior modification, pelvic floor training, medication and other treatments often fail because patients find these therapies uncomfortable, time consuming and costly.

Sacral nerve neuromodulation, in which a surgically implanted device produces low electrical impulses to stimulate the bladder and urinary muscles, is an option nurses should know more about, says Helen Rittenmeyer in the February 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing.

Rittenmeyer provides a broad overview of the widely accepted and effective technology, the surgery, patient education and follow-up care in three continuing nursing education (CNE) articles. She discusses in depth the InterStim® Sacral Nerve Modulation equipment, emphasizing the importance of programming and patient education.

Rittenmeyer uses two case studies to illustrate the nurse's role during the process, and says nurses play an important part in treatment success.

Sacral Nerve Neuromodulation [InterStim®] Part I: Review of the Interstim® System, Part II: Review of Programming, Part III: Case Studies; Helen Rittenmeyer, BSN, RN
Urologic Nursing; February 2008
http://www.suna.org

The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a national, non-profit professional membership association with over 3,000 members and annual revenues of $1.5 million. SUNA derives its income from membership dues (only $60), conference registration fees, exhibits, advertising, grants, and the sale of educational products.

SUNA publishes a professional, peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal (Urologic Nursing Journal) and a bi-monthly newsletter (Uro-Gram). SUNA establishes the scope and standards of urologic nursing practice and the scope and standards of advanced urologic nursing practice. SUNA provides scholarships, grants and awards to deserving nurses and other health care professionals.

SUNA supports and promotes the certification of urologic nurses and associates by providing educational preparation for the examinations offered which lead to certification in three areas.

SUNA provides a variety of opportunities for participation including local chapters, task forces and Special Interest Groups (SIGS) in five major subspecialty areas.

http://www.suna.org