Endoscopy RN...would you recommend it?

Specialties Gastroenterology

Updated:   Published

Hi,

I just graduated nursing school and am trying to figure out what I want to do. Does anyone have any insight into Endoscopy Nursing? What exactly do they do?

Thanks!!

Specializes in Med/Surg, eventually ICU.

Hello CFITZRN,

Thank you for the speedy reply! You made my day. I am keeping you updated on my progress. Apparently, when I called the hospital today, they filled that position in the GI lab. It broke my heart. However, I did apply for an outpatient endoscopy position, but I doubt I would get a response. Ideally, I preferred the first position because it was in the hospital, but I will keep my fingers crossed and hope that something else comes up in the area. I should tell you the whole story of my interest in GI nursing if you don't mind.

I will start off here. I actually started at the hospital I worked in Dec. 2009, so that is why I am counting the experience I have as six months. My unit is extremely stressful, and my coworkers are not supportive. Therefore, I would like to consider GI nursing because it is specialized, and I feel I can learn more skills and do well in my job. Sorry to vent, but I hope this sheds a bit more light on how much I am invested in becoming a good GI nurse. Any other insight?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, PCU.

I'm a 2-year-old nurse. I have predominantly worked Med/Surg with Tele up to this point. However, I am looking into other areas of nursing consequent to really bad aching feet from 12-hour shifts and the physical wear down in Med/Surg. I'm 55, and I want to try to conserve my musculoskeletal health. Endoscopy sounds really interesting. What kind of possibilities are there (big possibilities or little possibilities) for less than 12-hour shifts, what kind of on-the-job "training or preceptorship" is the norm for this type of job, and what does a person have to do to get top-range salaries in this area? Certifications, etc.

Does anyone know how to transition from Med/Surg into this field? How about a good research link for this area? I went on the National Assoc. of Endoscopy Nurses site, but I did not find any clear information on how to transition, education, etc. I currently have a BSN. I was doing to get my Cert. in Med/Surg- but if I can transition into Endoscopy-might do that instead. MY FEET ARE KILLING ME FROM 12-hour days!

Thanks in advance, everybody! :nurse:

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How easy is it for a new grad to apply for endo nursing? And how is the salary compared to other specialties? Are the shifts flexible? And can I expertise my knowledge in a wide range or just endoscopy? Sorry, I ask too much ?

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How easy is it for a new grad to apply for endo nursing? And how is the salary compared to other specialties? Are the shifts flexible? And can I expertise my knowledge in a wide range or just endoscopy? Sorry, I ask too much.

The facility I work at hires new grads. The manager likes new grads, so she can train them the way she likes. There is a short training period for each area - maybe 2-3 weeks.

We work only days M - F Usual schedule is 7-3:30, with no nights, weekends, or holidays.

You need good assessment skills. You have to monitor your sedation with each patient as there is not a set dose in moderate sedation. You need to like to be busy because you are on the go all day. We rarely have any downtime.

In our facility, the RNs provide conscious sedation. Some facilities use disproven, which, at least in California, must be administered by the physician.

The nursing staff rotates between admission, pre-procedure, procedure, and post-procedure.

Salary is commensurate with the hospitals in the area.

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shari3909 said:

How easy is it for a new grad to apply for endo nursing? And how is the salary compared to other specialties? Are the shifts flexible? And can I expertise my knowledge in a wide range or just endoscopy? Sorry, I ask too much.

The facility I work at hires new grads. The manager likes new grads, so she can train them the way she likes. There is a short training period for each area - maybe 2-3 weeks.

We work only days M - F Usual schedule is 7-3:30, with no nights, weekends, or holidays.

You need good assessment skills. You have to monitor your sedation with each patient as there is not a set dose in moderate sedation. You need to like to be busy because you are on the go all day. We rarely have any downtime.

In our facility, the RNs provide conscious sedation. Some facilities use disproven, which, at least in California, must be administered by the physician.

The nursing staff rotates between admission, pre-procedure, procedure, and post-procedure.

Salary is commensurate with the hospitals in the area.

Don't you utilize CRNAs in California?

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I am enjoying this thread. I have worked as an RN in a medical-surgical float pool for the past nine months. Before that, I worked in psychiatry/mental health for two years. I realize I need a change from the inpatient setting, so I just applied for an endoscopy position. I have an interview next week. I am both excited and anxious. I hope I'm making a good choice!

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Specializes in IMCU.

Hi all,

I am transferring to an Endoscopy clinic soon and am very excited about the experience, team and schedule of the clinic. I have a little over a year of experience at a step down unit. A mentor suggested to me to stay per diem at my hospital unit step down so I can retain seniority, as my new job will be non union. Do you all think it would be manageable to work full time with 4 per diem shifts? Would it be worth it for the pay and maintaining my skills in critical care? I'm worried completely transferring to the clinic may limit my options in the future.

Appreciate any feedback,

Thank you!

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