My Scope of Practice: Her Scoop on Poop

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” — Aristotle

  Who would have thought that working with poo could be so rewarding? When Margaret (Marge) T. Matthews, ND, BS, RN, CWOCN, CHHP (photo) was working as a radiologic technologist, poo was the furthest thing from her mind.    Even after going back to school (Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA) to earn her nursing degree and after working as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Community General Osteopathic Hospital (a Pinnacle Health System hospital, Harrisburg, PA) poo still wasn’t a daily thought. All that changed when Marge decided to pursue a different area of nursing – wound, ostomy, and continence care.

   “Working in the ICU, I was confronted with many surgical wounds and ostomies,” Marge says. “I was interested in doing wound care but realized I did not have much knowledge regarding this type of care. I remembered the 2 Wound/Ostomy Nurses — Lynn DeMartyn, BSN, RN, CWOCN and Melissa Stolley, BA, BSN, RN, CWOCN — who had presented an overview of their specialty at my nursing school. I asked them how I might be able to do what they do, and they told me ‘Go to school’.” That was enough motivation for Marge. “I immediately called Wicks Educational Associates and entered their program. I haven’t looked back since and could not be happier with my decision to pursue this specialty. Those 2 nurses are now my colleagues.”

  Marge has been employed as a Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) by the Pinnacle Health System for the past 7½ years. She has gained the confidence of the physicians, surgeons, residents, and nurses regarding wound and ostomy care. She is frequently consulted and called about wound/ostomy concerns by both internal medicine and surgical groups. The ICU physicians rely on her expertise and trust her recommendations for care, and the nursing staff depends on her assessment of patients. “What I like most about my position is the ability to work within every unit of the health system,” Marge says. At the same time, she appreciates the independence the position affords her. “This autonomy has allowed me to work on projects such as educational presentations and the development of patient care protocols that enable the nursing staff to implement basic treatments in a timely manner.”

  Although Marge spends a great deal of time educating her colleagues, she still considers herself a student, especially when it comes to her role with the WOC Nursing Society. “I have learned so much from my fellow CWOCNs, not only where I work but through our organization, especially our local affiliate (South Central PA of the Northeast region WOCN),” Marge says. “These nurses are an inspiration to me. They are dedicated to their specialty and provide a wonderful resource for me. The ability to call on these nurses when I have a question about wound, ostomy, or continence issues has helped me be a better clinician.” Marge also completed the Wound, Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board Professional Growth Program for recertification in all 3 areas of practice and continues to obtain required educational credits. In 2011, Marge expanded her education through Clayton College of Natural Health (Birmingham, AL) and received a Doctor of Naturopathy degree, with a focus on Nutrition and Energy Therapies. In addition, Marge recently obtained certification through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners as a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner.

  Although she has not specifically used her naturopathic education as a CWOCN, she has been able to utilize her CWOCN background within her naturopathic practice. “The wonderful knowledge base and experience I have as a CWOCN has allowed me to guide my clients in the right directions with regard to gastrointestinal health, nutrition, and skin care and referrals to specialists,” Marge says. “I have used many nutritional and herbal products to help clients relieve distressing GI conditions, and I have pointed others in a positive direction when wound care is requested.” Marge firmly believes if you provide good nutrition, eliminate toxins, and clear negative emotional energy from your life, the body can begin to heal.

  Marge has created organic, synthetic-free skin care products to help keep skin healthy and lessen the impact of the absorption of toxic chemicals through the skin. “We will never be completely free of pollutants, but there are wonderful, natural ways to eliminate them from our body and, in turn, become healthier,” she says.

  The most rewarding aspect of Marge’s career is providing education to patients, family members, and staff. If she does her job well as a teacher, she has extended herself and her knowledge to others. Marge can’t see every patient, but she can educate others to provide care and make a difference in the process, if they are willing. “I am amazed how many nurses wrinkle their noses at the prospect of working with an ostomy,” Marge says. “They always say, ‘I’m so glad you’re here!’ I smile and think ‘So am I.’” For Marge, dealing with a little poo is just another day in her scope of practice.

This article was not subject to the Ostomy Wound Management peer-review process.