mcr245

Thanks linguiine! The continuing education is very important, and I've already investigated these actually. That's excellent advice. And I'm glad to hear that the sedation is one of the most stressful parts of this job; where I currently work both MD and RN administer the conscious sedation so I do have some experience. I am curious to know approx what percentage of their patients are done under general anesthesia. Excellent idea asking about research opportunities! Thank you so much.

I'm an RN with one year of med-surg experience, followed by almost two years of experience in an Endoscopy ASC. I'm very excited that I may have the opportunity to transition into a GI lab at a hospital because I really enjoy GI, and I'm excited to delve into all of disorders and treatments that the GI specialty deals with, far beyond my small outpatient experience. I feel ready to move on and really expand my knowledge and skills, well aware of the stress that will come hand in hand with all of the new equipment and procedures to learn. I'm currently in the process of interviewing for two GI labs at different local hospitals. One has better patient satisfaction reviews. Physician reputations are equally outstanding at both institutions. There are small differences in the amount of call and weekends (my lifestyle does not present an issue for call schedules). No difference in procedures performed. Techs and RN in room for exams, certifications necessary for their proc RNs are similar. Both use general anesthesia as well as conscious sedation. Both seem to really value their nurses. I have a working interview followed by nurse panel interview at one institution tomorrow, and my first interview with the nurse manager at the other hospital later in the day. I'm trying to make sure I ask all pertinent questions but it's hard to know what I don't yet know, since I have so minimal exposure to a hospital GI lab. I'd really, really appreciate feedback from experienced hospital GI nurses as to what kinds of things I should have on my radar to observe for during my time shadowing on the unit and/or ask during my interviews tomorrow. I'm trying not to be scared off by nurses who used to work in a GI lab at a hospital and say that they left because it was "just too stressful". I think I will learn a lot and strive in this new environment. I'm also confident that the working interview will give me more insight. I've got a list of questions so far but would appreciate feedback from those who have worked in hospital GI labs as to what they would be asking or would want to know in considering these positions. Thank you very much in advance.