Help me out, endo nurses!

Specialties Gastroenterology

Published

I just started at an outpatient endoscopy center. I have about a years prior experience at an ASC.

So far, so good. Just learning the scopes, conscious sedation and what-not. I have a feeling I work with some pranksters. So....what are the typical "endo-jokes"? I have already heard of asking the RN run to get a "scope extender". That threw everybody into fits of laughter.

Also, any tips you might have for somebody starting in this new field....one that was not covered in school at all.....would be greatly appreciated.

thanks!

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Retirement Residence.

Hi :) Guess we are kinda in the same boat. I was just offered a triat shift at an endoscopy clinic... hopefully they will keep me :) and I just posted a new topic asking averyone for advice.... So since you already started, do you habe any advice? What should I review from nursing school other than the digestive system? How do you like working in this field? Any advice at all would be great :D

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Retirement Residence.

omg so sorry about all the typps... im horrible at typing on my phone while on the bus after a night shift...

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Just saw this! Congrats on your new job!

I think it would be good to review Chron's, ulcerative colitis, Barrett's esophagus, celiac/sprue, h pylori to start. I have never felt like I have to know TONS about these topics- just enough to be able to brief the patients. Also I end up explaining hiatal hernia quite frequently.

If you are going to be doing sedation bone up on your sedation drugs. We use fentanyl and Versed with Benadryl sometimes thrown in for the "hard to relax" patient. We have Demerol but only for those with severe fentanyl reactions. It would be important to know your rescue drugs: Narcan, flumazenil, Atropine, etc. And of course, heart rhythms. You may also use some anti nausea meds.

That's all I can think of right now off the top of my head. A lot of the actual endo stuff is kind of learn as you go. I am fortunate to work with great docs who are usually happy to teach and answer my questions....I hope you will find the same.

I hope you enjoy your new job. At 8 months and counting I am loving mine!

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