About Kevin

My name is Kevin Bonikowski and I am a certified Wound, Ostomy nurse. In 2009 I graduated from Wayne State University which is located in Detroit, Michigan. I graduated with a Bachelors in Nutrition and Food Science and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Then in 2012 I obtained my certification in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing by completing courses on campus at the Cleveland Clinic WOCN program.

Just a little background on me that are interested to read more, my dad worked in the operating room as a surgical tech and he was the one that inspired me to pursue the medical field. I held a co-op position with my eye doctor. During a discussion we had one day, he mentioned if he could do it all over again, he would become a nurse anesthetist. That resonated with me. When I finish nursing school at Wayne State, my goal was to move into the ICU so I can follow the same path and become a CRNA. I started my nursing career within a med-surg telemetry unit. I found it difficult to land a position in the ICU during that time. Eventually, I was offered a job in home healthcare as a nurse case manager, still focusing on my end goal as a CRNA. Shortly after working in home health my manager asked if I would possibly be interested in going to the Cleveland Clinic to become a certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence nurse. This has never been on my radar as it was never taught in nursing school. Ileostomy’s, colostomy’s and urostomies was barely discussed and I was not even aware of this path in nursing. After looking into the role a bit more, I became interested in this career. 

In 2012 I became Certified through the Cleveland Clinic as a Wound, Ostomy and Continent nurse. This is when my passion began working with new ostomates and those having issues. As a nurse we often would help patients, but really would not get recognized for the work we did with them. After working as an ostomy nurse, I was able to see the difference I was making for my patients. The first visit or two my patients would not be able to look, touch, or even talk about their new ostomy. After 1 to 2 months I wasn’t touching them and they were able to handle everything on their own. I was able to see what kind of difference I had on their life, which is rewarding. Most of my job is not physical, but being able to be there for my patients supporting them emotionally and psychologically knowing this was a difficult time in their life, mattered deeply to me. I have worked in many fields of nursing over the course of my career. My true passion continues to be working as an Ostomy nurse. I have helped many people, flown on a private jet with a patient to help them get their treatment, and helped many others around the world. I recently assisted someone on a social media ostomy forum and they encouraged me to start my own consulting business helping others. This is where Stoma Guru began. It took five years for it to come to fruition.

I look forward to supporting you in your time of need.