What's Gastroenterology Nursing all about?

[PHTLS]

I was offered a fulltime position as a GI LVN with Kaiser Permanente a year ago, but I decided to work else where. Did I make the right decision by refusing the job offer?

You guys just don't stick tubes up patients orificees all day do you? And the smell?

[1701valerie]

I love my job! There is a ton of assessment, history taking, IV skills, client monitoring, medication administration and teaching that goes on with the client and their family. The doctors are skilled in using the "tube" aka "the scope".

There isn't a smell at all if the patient has followed the prep instructions the day before as instructed...and the patient usually has followed it to the letter because it is a miserable process to repeat. We also do EGD's as the esophagus and stomach are also part of the GI system. Also, we insert PEG tubes in the stomach.

Yes, you probably made the right decision in not taking the job and leaving it open for someone who is interested in the above nursing skills. Best of luck in whatever nursing you choose!

Valerie, RN, BSN

I was offered a fulltime position as a GI LVN with Kaiser Permanente a year ago, but I decided to work else where. Did I make the right decision by refusing the job offer?

You guys just don't stick tubes up patients orificees all day do you? And the smell?

[dino56]

I work in GI with a slightly different twist, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

I am the care coordinator for a university-based Pediatric GI group. I do whatever it takes to get the kids the cares they need...counsel parents re: GERD and constipation and IBS, coordinate home care for enteral and parental nutrition patients, work with the families of kids with chronic and undiagnosed abdominal pain, work with the kids with chronic liver disease who will ultimately need transplant, and work with families of kids who are failing to thrive. I also work with the schools and, unfortunately, from time to time with CPS.

I teach, coordinate, listen, cheerlead, refer, offer basic baby care advice, collaborate with the docs on care plans, arrange for care, and act as a resource to the inhouse and clinic nursing staff. I manage G tubes and work on protocols for nursing care.

I started my career in cardiac care, moved to renal, then to nursing eduction and then to quality improvement. I have never been happier. Carpe deium!

And good luck!

Kate