Need advice from GI Nurse.... How do I become a GI nurse?

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Im a med-surge RN thinking it was a good place to start my nursing career...But it did me more harm than good because of my negative experience, I almost gave up being a nurse and shifting careers even if they double my salary I never want to work in MS again :o. Then I was advised to transfer and find my niche in nursing...after researching, I think I want to become a GI nurse in an ambulatory surgery center even if they say the pay is somewhat less.. the work hours are soooo much better, it's challenging but not the kind of craziness in the floors. I also feel like I dont wanna work in a big hospital. So to all the GI nurses, would please give me tips on how to become like you? My dream now is to be a GI nurse.

1. What are the minimum requirements when I apply to be a GI nurse? Do they accept new grads or with minimal clinical experience in med surge? Is there a cetification for this specialty? Do they prefer applicants with background in surgery/OR nurses?

2. What skill do I need to be good at... starting IV's?

3. Just so i wont be disillusioned like what happened to me as an MS nurse - can you please tell me honestly the pro's and real cons about being a GI nurse?

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I'm taking my daughter to her GI today for a weigh-in. The nurses at the office are so nice. I'll ask her your question if there's time. They seem very happy at the office they are working at.

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Im a med-surge RN thinking it was a good place to start my nursing career...But it did me more harm than good because of my negative experience, I almost gave up being a nurse and shifting careers even if they double my salary I never want to work in MS again :o. Then I was advised to transfer and find my niche in nursing...after researching, I think I want to become a GI nurse in an ambulatory surgery center even if they say the pay is somewhat less.. the work hours are soooo much better, it's challenging but not the kind of craziness in the floors. I also feel like I dont wanna work in a big hospital. So to all the GI nurses, would please give me tips on how to become like you? My dream now is to be a GI nurse.

1. What are the minimum requirements when I apply to be a GI nurse? Do they accept new grads or with minimal clinical experience in med surge? Is there a cetification for this specialty? Do they prefer applicants with background in surgery/OR nurses?

2. What skill do I need to be good at... starting IV's?

3. Just so i wont be disillusioned like what happened to me as an MS nurse - can you please tell me honestly the pro's and real cons about being a GI nurse?

I can tell you what our practice looks for. Your mileage may varies. ACLS is first. Can't do sedation if you are not ACLS certified. Then they look for people that are task oriented with good customer service skills. Most of our nurses come from ICU, ER or PACU. I have seen some good ones come from the floor. Cardiac/step down would also be good. Good IV skills are very helpful but no absolutely necessary (you can't be awful).

David Carpenter, PA-C

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I'm taking my daughter to her GI today for a weigh-in. The nurses at the office are so nice. I'll ask her your question if there's time. They seem very happy at the office they are working at.

Thanks very much americanChai.. i find it really sweet of you to go out of your way just to help me even if your not a GI nurse which makes you even more kinder.. I wish more of the GI nurses in this forumn will take time as well to help out.

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I can tell you what our practice looks for. Your mileage may varies. ACLS is first. Can't do sedation if you are not ACLS certified. Then they look for people that are task oriented with good customer service skills. Most of our nurses come from ICU, ER or PACU. I have seen some good ones come from the floor. Cardiac/step down would also be good. Good IV skills are very helpful but no absolutely necessary (you can't be awful).

David Carpenter, PA-C

Thanks so much for your tip. you mentioned most of the nurses come from ER and ICU or PACU... I was wondering... are there any from the OR? I mean if an OR nurse decided to work in an ambulatory surgery center.. by any chance would it be an "edge?" will she have a better chance getting hired in an ambulatory surgery center?

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Thanks so much for your tip. you mentioned most of the nurses come from ER and ICU or PACU... I was wondering... are there any from the OR? I mean if an OR nurse decided to work in an ambulatory surgery center.. by any chance would it be an "edge?" will she have a better chance getting hired in an ambulatory surgery center?

I haven't seen any OR nurses but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. The conscious sedation skill set is not something that you use in the OR. The more common route is to work PACU and GI lab.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

This post was perfect for me, answered my questions. I just applied for a GI lab position and was wondering what they would be looking for. I am currently working telemetry/stepdown and have a good bit of critical care experience.

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This post was perfect for me, answered my questions. I just applied for a GI lab position and was wondering what they would be looking for. I am currently working telemetry/stepdown and have a good bit of critical care experience.

Its a fairly unique skills set. The only comparable places would be IR and Cath lab. You have to be technically competent (which is similar to the OR) but have good assessment skills and be competent at conscious sedation. It's not for everyone but some really like it. When you get sick of the call there's always the outpatient endoscopy centers (not as much pay but better hours).

David Carpenter, PA-C

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