First week of orientation down

[hgorrondona]

WEll, I got through my first week in outpatient Endoscopy. Over all, I think it went well. I worked with a preceptor, and frequently invited critism, correction, suggestions, etc. She didn't really give any negative comments....just said I need to "find my groove".

Everyone on the unit was really nice, and helpful. My first 2 weeks are supposed to be in "admit", then 2 in recovery, and four in "the room". My manager told me I would have at least 3 months orientation, so I don't know what the other month will entail. I guess it depends on how I do.

I took a lot of notes the first day, and observed mostly. By the third and fourth day, I was doing most of the admit procedures, including starting IVs (I need a lot of improvement on that) by myself, with preceptor watching. Yesterday, I worked mostly by myself, because we were short staffed and my preceptor had to work in a procedure room. The other nurses were very patient with my lack of speed. They helped when they could.

All things considered, I think I will like this unit. I just hope I can get good at it. I am very intimidated by "the room". I've never done sedation, and the pace is much more stressed than the other two areas, from what I see. I was told when i interviewed that the unit could do as many as 70 cases/day; but last week we only did about 35 or so/day. I'm glad it was slower, so I could have more time to learn.

Thanks for "listening"....still would welcome any suggestions from experienced endo nurses :)

[SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN]

How is it going now? Not an experienced endo nurse, but considering my options, and would like to hear more about how your orientation is going. How do you like it so far?

[hgorrondona]

I do like Endoscopy. I am now in my 5th week of orientation. I went from Admit to the procedure room. On our unit, there is a group of Colon/Rectal docs, and another group of GI docs. I've been mostly in Colon/rectal, which is a little slower paced than GI. I think I'm catching on; but still don't feel ready to go on my own. One of the experienced nurses on the unit told me it took about a year before he really felt comfortable sedating....that made me feel better.

[Beach23]

Hi guys....I recently made the switch to GI and have been on my own (off orientations) for about a month. It is a very busy unit and we can have about 100 patients on some days. Overall, I am liking it, and have become comfortable sedating, taken bx, polypectomies, clips, etc. What I haven't done is dilation with EGD and we are so busy that I haven't been able to observe or take the time for someone to show me. I just want to be able to do everything, which is frustrating but I know I will get it with time.

Some of the docs are great and are great teachers and are patient. Some are impatient and can be disrespectful and this bothers me. Like any job, we also have the very seasoned nurses who keep to themselves and want do their own thing.

I too, am not the best at IVs so being admitting can be a challenge, but is good. The recovery area is the easiest I would say and the patients are usually ready for d/c with in 30 minutes. Overall, it is a good speciality, but I can see how some nursing skills can be lost.