Careers in the spotlight

Published: 01 May 2013

My role as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in urogynaecology, by Ellie Stewart

I currently work part-time as a CNS in urogynaecology at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.  After working for many years in urology and gynaecology, I developed an interest in the bladder and incontinence and jumped at the chance of a specialist role where I was able to set up the service I now currently run.

My days are busy but full of different activities, all of which keep me on my toes. I run conservative continence clinics teaching women pelvic floor exercises, bladder retraining and give general continence advice. I am able to prescribe for these patients, which gives me more autonomy in my role and helps me to provide better care for my patients. I hold specialist clinics, providing electrical stimulation machines and biofeedback equipment, and I teach intermittent catheterisation.

When conservative treatments have failed, or for patients with more complex needs, urodynamics are often required. We currently hold a weekly urodynamic session where I work with doctors to perform tests and put patients forward for other interventions.

Following a number of problems with women developing post-partum urinary retention, I became involved in the mandatory training sessions for the midwives, with the aim of trying to prevent problems while women are in labour or post-delivery. I also teach on a number of courses for the student midwives. I am involved in writing guidelines and audits in both the gynaecology and maternity departments.
I enjoy teaching nursing colleagues working on wards and I act as a resource for nursing and medical staff with regards to pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence. I am part of the trust pelvic floor multi disciplinary team. This group includes urologists, physiotherapists, colorectal surgeons, elderly care consultants and CNSs from each department. We meet regularly to discuss pertinent cases and write and review standard operating procedures and guidelines with the aim of providing seamless care to those with any form of pelvic floor dysfunction.

I really enjoy my job. Educating women and treating them with very simple but effective conservative treatments often means that someone who has had a problem with incontinence for many years returns to me with much improved symptoms and a smile on their face again. It’s very rewarding knowing that I can help to make such a positive difference to many peoples’ lives.

Tell us about your role

“Career in the spotlight” is a space for you to share your interesting and innovative role and career direction with our forum members. Please send your article to Wendy Norton at wnorton@dmu.ac.uk  or Mandy Myers at mandy.myers@bpas.org