What are nursing responsibilities before, during and after an endoscopy
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes a flexible fiberoptic colonoscope inserted into the rectum to examine the large intestine (colon) lining visually. It is indicated for patients with a history of constipation, diarrhea, persistent rectal bleeding, and lower abdominal pain when the results of proctosigmoidoscopy and a barium enema test are negative or inconclusive. Show
The nurse‘s responsibility during colonoscopy encompasses different tasks to ensure the patient’s safety before, during, and after the procedure. It is also the nurse’s responsibility to bowel prep the patient for colonoscopy, obtain informed consent and ease the patient’s anxiety by providing information about the procedure. Aside from assisting the physician during the colonoscopy, another essential task of the nurse is to ensure patient safety when the colonoscope is reprocessed. Proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the equipment is an important step to prevent infection from patient to patient. Proper reprocessing involves wiping the scope tube with a lint-free cloth soaked using a detergent solution, then taking it to a sterile reprocessing room for meticulous cleaning, leak testing, visual examination, and sterilizing. The scope of practice for an endoscopy nurse includes assisting the surgical team during endoscopic procedures; providing patient care before, during, and after the procedure; and educating patients about treatment. RNs in endoscopic practice must acquire specialized knowledge about gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases and the skills to use and maintain endoscopic equipment, administer medication, and manage emergencies and complications. Endoscopic nurses carry out a variety of clinical and supervisory roles and responsibilities depending on the specific employment setting. Career Traits
Certification Option
Where Do Endoscopy Nurses Work?Many endoscopy nurses find employment as staff nurses in hospitals or specialty clinics. RNs in this field may also enter administrative positions.
Is Endoscopy Nursing Right for Me?RNs who pursue endoscopy nurse jobs can find rewarding career opportunities in this expanding area of healthcare. While all RNs experience work-related emotional and physical challenges, endoscopy nurses express a high degree of job satisfaction delivering quality patient care in a specialized field. Advantages to Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse
Disadvantages to Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse
How to Become an Endoscopy NurseEarn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN)An endoscopy nurse needs, at minimum, a two-year associate degree. Because of the specialized training required in endoscopy practice, many employers prefer to hire RNs who hold a four-year BSN. Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive nursing licensureTo practice in their chosen state, graduates of ADN or BSN programs must apply to their state nursing regulatory board and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN). Gain clinical nursing experienceAfter earning their degree and RN license, nurses typically seek clinical experience in a specialty field. Nurses who plan to pursue gastroenterology RN certification must complete two years of experience to qualify for this credential. Consider becoming a certified gastroenterology registered nurse (CGRN)While CGRN certification is voluntary, many endoscopy nurses pursue this credential to advance their careers and improve their patient care skills. Some employers prefer to hire CGRN-certified nurses. How Much Do Endoscopy Nurses Make?RNs entering endoscopy practice can expect competitive salaries compared to other RN specialties, such as pediatrics or geriatrics, according to PayScale. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not distinguish salary data for endoscopy nurses from the general category for RNs. Annual earnings for all RNs range from $53,000 to $116,000. However, salary levels fluctuate depending on factors, such as location, years of clinical experience, educational attainment, and specialty certification. Endoscopy nurse salary levels reflect the BLS ranges for all RNs. According to PayScale, endoscopy nurses earn between $47,000 and $103,000 a year. Gastroenterology nurse practitioners, who must hold at least a master's including national certification to practice, earn higher annual salaries, making between $85,000 and $127,000 a year. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long does it take to become an endoscopy nurse?An ADN degree typically takes two years to complete, while a BSN can require four years of study. After earning their degree, prospective nurses must take the NCLEX-RN and satisfy the nursing licensure requirements for their state. Endoscopy nurses who intend to pursue certification must complete two years of RN clinical experience directly in the field. What is the difference between a gastroenterology nurse and an endoscopy nurse?Although the terms are often used interchangeably for any RN working in endoscopy practice, the endoscopy specialty focuses on the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, while gastroenterology covers the entire GI system. Master's-trained nurses, who typically earn a nurse practitioner specialty and gastroenterology certification, receive more extensive training beyond a general GI focus. What types of conditions do endoscopy nurses treat?These nurses apply their training to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the upper and lower digestive tract and respiratory organs. They may treat patients with cancer, bronchial infections, and ulcers. They also have training in more common conditions, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, liver cirrhosis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Is endoscopy nursing stressful?Depending on the workplace setting, endoscopy nurses often work in challenging, fast-paced environments, requiring attention to detail and the ability to deal with anxious patients prior to, during, and after procedures. Because these nurses routinely work with patients and families, emergency situations, and life-threatening conditions, they may experience emotional exhaustion. Resources for Endoscopy Nurses
Reviewed by:Nicole Galan, RN, MSNNicole Galan is a registered nurse who earned a master’s degree in nursing education from Capella University and currently works as a full-time freelance writer. Throughout her nursing career, Galan worked in a general medical/surgical care unit and then in infertility care. She has also worked for over 13 years as a freelance writer specializing in consumer health sites and educational materials for nursing students. Galan is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners. What is nursing responsibility?Nurses are responsible for recognizing patients' symptoms, taking measures within their scope of practice to administer medications, providing other measures for symptom alleviation, and collaborating with other professionals to optimize patients' comfort and families' understanding and adaptation.
What precautions does the nurse take before the client goes for the EGD?Nothing to eat or drink at least 8 hours before the procedure. Medication can be taken 4 hours before examination with little sips of water. DO NOT TAKE ANY ANTACIDS OR CARAFATE BEFORE THE PROCEDURE or any of the medications mentioned. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
What are the roles of endoscopy?Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person's digestive tract. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, your doctor can view pictures of your digestive tract on a color TV monitor.
What should I monitor after EGD?Your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen level) will be monitored before, during, and after the examination.
|