What Continence Nurses Do and How They Can Help You

Continence nurses are specialized health professionals whose existence surprises many people managing incontinence, who often assume a GP or general specialist is their only option. Understanding this role, and how continence nurses can help, opens up a valuable, often underused resource. What a Continence Nurse Actually Does Continence nurses are registered nurses with specialized additional training in bladder and bowel health, providing detailed assessment, education, and management planning specifically focused on continence issues. Their role typically includes conducting bladder diaries and assessments, providing pelvic floor exercise education, recommending appropriate products and management strategies, and coordinating with other specialists (urologists, urogynecologists, continence physiotherapists) as needed. How Continence Nurses Differ From a GP or Specialist A GP provides general medical care and can refer you to relevant specialists, while a specialist (urologist, urogynecologist) focuses on medical and surgical treatment of specific underlying conditions. A continence nurse typically offers a more detailed, hands-on, education-and- management-focused approach, often spending considerably more time on detailed assessment and practical strategy development than a typical GP appointment allows. When to See a Continence Nurse • When you want detailed, practical management strategies beyond what a standard GP appointment can provide • When you’re navigating product choices and want professional guidance beyond general advice • When you’re managing a specific, ongoing continence challenge that would benefit from dedicated, specialized attention • When you’ve been referred by a GP or specialist as part of a broader treatment plan How to Access a Continence Nurse in Australia Continence nurses can be accessed through several pathways: referral from a GP, direct access through some community health services, hospital-based continence clinics, and through the Continence Foundation of Australia’s National Continence Helpline, which can help direct you toward relevant local services. What to Expect From a Continence Nurse Appointment A typical appointment might include a detailed discussion of your symptoms and history, potentially a bladder diary review if you’ve been asked to complete one beforehand, physical assessment where relevant, education on pelvic floor exercises or bladder training techniques, and specific product recommendations tailored to your individual situation. The Value of Product-Specific Guidance One particularly valuable aspect of continence nurse consultations is detailed, personalized product guidance — rather than generic recommendations, a continence nurse can assess your specific leakage pattern, body type, and lifestyle needs to recommend genuinely suitable product types and features, which can save considerable time and money compared to independent trial and error. Continence Nurses for Carers and Family Members Continence nurses can also provide valuable education and support for carers managing a family member’s incontinence, offering practical techniques for assisted changes, skin care guidance, and strategies for managing resistance or distress during care, particularly relevant for dementia or disability-related caregiving situations. Working With a Continence Nurse Long-Term For ongoing or complex continence needs, an ongoing relationship with a continence nurse — rather than a single consultation — can provide continued support as your situation evolves, adjusting strategies and product recommendations over time based on your progress and changing needs. Common Questions Do I need a GP referral to see a continence nurse? This varies by service — some community health services and hospital clinics allow direct access, while others require GP referral, making it worth checking with your specific local health service or the Continence Foundation of Australia’s helpline. Is seeing a continence nurse covered by Medicare? Coverage varies depending on the specific service setting — some community health and hospital-based continence services are bulk-billed or covered, while private consultations may involve out-of-pocket costs, worth clarifying with the specific service beforehand. Can a continence nurse prescribe medication? Generally no — medication prescription typically requires a GP or specialist, though a continence nurse can identify when medication might be worth discussing and coordinate with your prescribing doctor. Is continence nursing only relevant for older adults? No — continence nurses support people of all ages, including postpartum women, younger adults with various causes of incontinence, and people with disabilities, not just an older demographic. How is a continence nurse different from a pelvic floor physiotherapist? There’s some overlap, though physiotherapists specifically focus on the physical rehabilitation and exercise- based aspects of pelvic floor function, while continence nurses offer a broader assessment, education, and management planning role — some people benefit from working with both. The Bottom Line Continence nurses are a valuable, often underused resource offering detailed, specialized support beyond what a standard GP appointment typically provides. If you’re navigating complex or ongoing incontinence management, seeking out this specific expertise — alongside a reliable product like Bestiee for day-to-day confidence — can meaningfully improve your overall management approach. 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