Endoscopy Nurse Job Description
An endoscopy nurse job is a specialized role that involves caring for patients with respiratory and gastroenterology problems. If you are considering applying for school to become a nurse, you will find a rewarding career just around the corner. Those that choose to become endoscopy nurses, will learn the skills that all nurses need. In addition, they learn the requirements for this specific job.
What is an Endoscopy Nurse?
An endoscopy nurse helps to assess patients’ health problems, develop, and implement nursing care plans, conduct medical tests to diagnose respiratory and gastroenterology problems, and maintain accurate medical records. They look inside the human body by inserting a fiber-optic tube with a camera to looks inside the bowels and intestines. They work with physicians to find out what health issues may be present to diagnose the problem and begin to treat it to give the patient relief from pain and help them regain their health. An Endoscopy nurse also provides care to those that are ill, convalescing, and also those with disabilities. They also play a role in providing patients with ways to maintain good health and prevent diseases.
What Does an Endoscopy Nurse Do?
An endoscopy nurse works in the gastroenterology and endoscopy departments of a medical facility or hospital. Their key focus is conducting tests using endoscopes (miniature cameras) to see what issues may exist in the digestive system.
These nurses play a key role on gastroenterology teams as they prepare patients for their procedures, administer sedation, and also care for the patients following the procedure. In addition, they also treat and diagnose both respiratory and gastrointestinal irregularities.
Endoscopy or gastroenterology nurses are experts who have studied both the upper and lower digestive tract. They help patients with issues like reflux, constipation, food allergies, and their symptoms, diarrhea, ulcers, and other illnesses that affect the respiratory and gastroenterological tracts.
Endoscopy Nurse Salary for Endoscopy Nursing Jobs:
The outlook for endoscopy nurses looks positive, as it does for most in the healthcare industry. With baby boomers reaching retirement age but still yearning to stay active, they are taking better care of their bodies. Also, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for qualified nurses and physicians has increased.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that registered nurses earn, on average, around $75,510 per year. In Chicago, Illinois, endoscopy nursing jobs are at the highest-earning level, coming in around $72,203.
Endoscopy Nurse Job Description and Duties
Endoscopy nurses play a vital role in the medical care of those with endoscopic and gastroenterology issues. They conduct endoscopic procedures and are responsible for sedation, monitor patients’ vitals while they are out, and also provide post-procedure care and follow-ups. In addition, when not assisting with endoscopies, endoscopy nurses have the skills to assist physicians and provide additional medical care.
Endoscopy Nurse Duties:
Endoscopy nurses have a wide range of responsibilities on their shoulders. Some of their key responsibilities include:
- Conducting tests to determine the source of the patient’s pain
- Inform patients about their results and explain the treatment plan
- Explain upcoming procedures to patients and answer any questions they may have
- Help with patient sedation and monitor their vital signs during the procedure
- Prepare instruments used during the procedure
- Assist physicians throughout the procedure
- Oversee patients as they come out of the sedation
- Explain post-procedure instructions and discharge notes
- Update medical records
- Respond quickly in emergencies
- Observe HPIPPA regulations
Endoscopy Nursing Certification:
Those hoping to enter the medical field as endoscopy nurses must complete an associate or Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. When finished, graduates must take a licensing exam to be registered nurses. They must meet all requirements. Once they have their license they can enroll in an endoscopy training program to further their knowledge in their chosen field.
Some graduates can work in a clinic or medical center that specializes in gastroenterology care instead of taking part in a training program. Both will allow students to have a hands-on learning experience that teaches them more about endoscopy, microbiology, and also biology. All endoscopy nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam before and be familiar with endoscopy nurse duties and responsibilities before they can practice.
Endoscopy Travel Nurse Jobs:
Those that are not tied down may decide to look into travel endoscopy nurse jobs. In addition, many medical agencies have popped up especially for those pursuing endoscopy travel nursing jobs because of the growing demand.
Even if they are not practicing their chosen field of endoscopy, nurses as a whole are in need now more than ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many areas are hard hit and are desperate for medical personnel to test for COVID-19 and administer vaccines. Those that choose to be travel endoscopy nurses can expect to get very well paid to go into areas in need of medical help.
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