Our Journey in Enterostomal Therapy Care

HISTORY OF THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION of ENTEROSTOMAL THERAPY

“In 1976, Enterostomal Therapists worked with patients who experienced urinary or fecal diversion surgery.  The roles of wound and incontinence practice had not yet been developed.  There were approximately 500 members of the organization known as the International Association of Enterostomal Therapy (IAET), most in the United States and Canada.  On February 29, 1976, the Southeast Region became the third regional group within the IAET with 18 official members.  A major goal during the early years for the region was continued growth of the fledgling association.  In 1977, the Florida ET nurses sought recognition from the IAET as a constituent association through the Southeast Region.  It was decided by the IAET Board of Directors that contingency state groups could not be officially recognized at that time.  The IAET felt that all resources were needed to stabilize regions, unify the organization, and gain strength”.  (Provided by the History of the Southeast Region, www.serwocn.org/docs/SERWOCN-History.pdf)

Back in 1976, a group of energetic Enterostomal Therapy nurses, set out to charter the Florida Association of Enterostomal Therapy, also known as the “FAET”.  These nurses were from around the state of Florida:  Gloria Merwarth:  Orlando, Chris Martin:  Tallahassee, Ann Hudson:  Gainesville, Norma Shortt:  Daytona Beach, Sylvia Illick:  Orlando, Donna Mann:  Tampa/St. Petersburg, Harriet Scott:  Tampa/St. Petersburg, and Gloria Simonzi:  Tampa/St. Petersburg.  

Mary Baum, LPT, ET became the first FAET President for the state of Florida’s organization.  Since that time, the FAET has elected Presidents from around the state.  The FAET was incorporated in 1994.

The annual educational conferences led to providing specific education for the Enterostomal Therapists practice.  Conferences have been held from hotels to cruise ships; rotating throughout the different cities of the state.  

The Gloria Merwarth Scholarship was developed in Gloria’s name for the tireless efforts of precepting, promoting the ET role, involvement in the FAET and her community leadership.  Gloria was the first ET Nurse in Central Florida in 1976.  Gloria has since passed away (2023).

In 1994, the Orlando Health System developed the first team of WOCNs in the state.  Provided coverage corporately for inpatient, outpatient, ECFs and home health.