As an ostomate for 4 years, I've seen some interesting things and found out even more interesting things about medical training.  Most nurses have little or no training on ostomy care during their apprenticeship.  They may touch on a chapter of it in their training, but have no real hands on understanding or connection with a live patient to discuss the needs and concerns of an ostomy patient.  Most times from my discussions with medical professionals, it turns out they do not know how to handle this and that is part of the reason there is more issues and there very few WOCN's available to be at every hospital to help those of us with ostomies so we can become more functional.  Most of us learn on our own, or as I call them from an other ostomy warrior who has been through the testing and seeking to find the correct products that work for the individual.  Not all individuals are the same, and not all products are the same, and its not a "one size fits all" kind of issue.  There are many ways to cover the ostomy and make the appliance (preferred to calling it a "bag") work for the individuals needs and give them the maximum amount of wear time.  If hospitals would partner with the support groups in their area and be there for them, the programs established by the UOAA (United Ostomy Assn of America) and our Certified Ostomy VIsitor's program, there would be a better success rate for in-patient ostomy patients having fewer infections.