Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C, Author at Grand Rounds in Urology

Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C

University of Virginia Health System

Charlottesville, Virginia

Terran W. Sims, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN is a certified nurse practitioner at the University of Virginia’s Department of Urology and is a clinical instructor at the University of Virginia School of Nursing in Charlottesville, Virginia. Ms. Sims earned a master’s degree in nursing as well as Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) from the University of Virginia. Ms. Sims trained in the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) certification program at the University of Virginia School of Nursing and is a Certified Ostomy Continence Nurse (COCN). Ms. Sims has a unique history as a nurse practitioner with joint appointments in both hematology and oncology, working with genitourinary oncology cases as well as in the Urology Department.

Ms. Sims was a co-investigator on a grant focusing on development of telecystoscopy for routine monitoring of urologic oncology patients with limited access to the university-based urology clinic. Her current focus is care of patients in the urology division that have urologic cancer, including bladder cancer and prostate cancer. This population provides her opportunities to work with patients with a variety of lower urinary tract issues including overactive bladder. Ms. Sims performs Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) in the urology clinic. She has presented on the care of patients with bladder cancer in various stages and urinary diversions as well as published chapters in several text books, articles relating to urologic/oncologic patient care, and articles in the Journal of Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing (JWOCN).

Talks by Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C

Guidance on Troubleshooting Urostomy Management

Posted by Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C | Aug 2024

Terran W. Sims, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C, provides comprehensive guidance on troubleshooting urostomy management, addressing the challenges faced by healthcare providers and patients. Her analysis focuses on practical strategies and evidence-based practices to optimize patient outcomes and improve the quality of life for those with urostomies.

Sims highlights the common complications associated with urostomies, such as skin irritation, stoma retraction, prolapse, and infections. She also discusses the selection of appropriate urostomy appliances.

Patient education is a cornerstone of Sims’s approach, underscoring the significance of empowering patients with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their urostomies independently. Furthermore, Sims examines innovative solutions and emerging technologies that can enhance urostomy management, such as advanced wound care products and telehealth services.

In-Office Procedures and the ‘Scope’ of Practice for APPs

Posted by Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C | Jun 2024

Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C, discusses how to prepare and incorporate advanced practice providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners and physician assistants in urologic procedures. Ms. Sims begins by listing office procedures APPs might encounter, focusing on cystoscopy, stent removal, and difficult catheter insertion. She continues by posing a guiding question for her discussion: what is the best fit for APPs in practice?

Ms. Sims then briefly reviews differences in the scope of practice for APPs across the U.S., noting important state licensure requirements and highlighting the increasing presence of APP participation in urologic procedures. She emphasizes the American Urological Association’s (AUA) and Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates’ (SUNA) support for APP involvement, and utilizes cystoscopy as an example by detailing data that show increased levels of patient satisfaction as APPs have performed greater numbers of cystoscopy procedures.

Ms. Sims concludes by addressing the primary obstacles to additional APP role expansion: the lack of training and lack of standard curriculum. She encourages urologists to overcome these obstacles and invest in APPs by providing training, instilling confidence, and maintaining mentorship. She reiterates the benefits of APP involvement, including increased cost-effectiveness, profit margins, and team productivity.