2013-03-01 09:59:09 - A stoma nurse employed by medical devices company Coloplast (www.coloplast.com) has achieved a Diploma in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling.

Colette Cahill from County Cork in Southern Ireland is believed to be the first Coloplast stoma nurse to successfully complete the four-year diploma course.

Courses in humanistic and integrative counselling focus on the counselling relationship and the self-development of counsellors in preparation for the intensity and complexities of working with individuals with wide-ranging personal issues and concerns.

Coloplast is a leading manufacturer and supplier of stoma, continence and wound care appliances and devices for people with intimate healthcare issues.

Colette joined the company in September 2011 and provides professional support to more than 200 users of intimate healthcare products. She also works closely with hospital stoma nurses and other healthcare professionals.

“Much of my work is with people who live with a stoma

who use customised healthcare products to make their lives easier,” she said. “My role is about providing support at all levels – helping people to come to terms with having a stoma so they can overcome physical, emotional and sometimes psychological issues and get on with their lives.”

Colette has been a nurse for more than 13 years and felt that undertaking this course would enhance her professional knowledge and personal capabilities which would further improve the service she offers her patients.

Through the course Colette has gained professional skills and knowledge to assist individuals in dealing with issues such as diagnosis of illness, low self-esteem, grief and loss, anger, anxiety, bereavement, childhood trauma, decision making, depression and various life changes.

Colette said: “This training has given me a far greater insight into how the mind works and how people can cope in diverse situations.

“It has also helped me to learn about myself, both my strengths and limitations, which allows me to better empathise with people and focus on enhancing the quality of my support to others.

“I feel it has definitely improved the way I work. It has increased my understanding of the many difficulties and traumas which people experience and that will help me in every aspect of the advice and support that I provide.”

Coloplast general manager Sue Kernahan said: “Helping people with a stoma to adjust to life is an important part of Colette’s role. In the relatively short time she has been with the company she has built strong relationships with her customers and stoma care nurses. Colette understands their needs and they know she is there for them whenever they need her.

“Her work in achieving this diploma will strengthen these relationships and it gives her further valuable insights into the life-changing physical, emotional and psychological impacts that many of our customers experience.

“Colette gives high-quality individual attention to her customers, providing advice and ongoing support with any issues which concern them. She demonstrates professional excellence at all times and, as achieving this diploma shows, she is proactive and eager to learn everything she can in her field of expertise.”

Away from work, Colette (35) and her husband enjoy travelling and mountain walking “when we find the time!”

If you are interested in joining a company that is recognised in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For, has won awards for people development, cares for its customers and genuinely recognises and rewards success, visit www.jobsatcoloplast.com