Gastroenterology/Endoscopy Nurse Career Overview
An endoscopy nurse’s role encompasses assisting the surgical team during endoscopic procedures, providing patient care before, during, and after the procedure, and educating patients about their treatment. Registered Nurses (RNs) specializing in endoscopy must acquire specialized knowledge related to gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. They also need the skills to operate and maintain endoscopic equipment, administer medication, and manage emergencies and complications. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an endoscopy nurse, this guide will provide information on the required education, certifications, and training needed to enter this field, along with insights into career prospects and potential salaries.
The Path to Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse
Duration:
Typically, it takes 2 to 4 years to become an endoscopy nurse.
Job Outlook:
The job outlook for RNs is expected to grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029.
Average Earnings:
RNs, on average, earn a potential annual salary of $75,330.
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Endoscopy Nurse Career in a Nutshell
An endoscopy nurse’s responsibilities revolve around supporting the surgical team during endoscopic procedures, delivering patient care throughout the entire process, and offering patient education regarding their treatment. Nurses specializing in endoscopy need to have in-depth knowledge of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, be proficient in operating and maintaining endoscopic equipment, possess the skills to administer medications, and be prepared to handle emergencies and complications.
Roles and Work Settings of Endoscopy Nurses
Career Traits:
Endoscopy nurses should have expertise in endoscopic procedures, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a keen eye for detail.
Certification Option:
Becoming a Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) is an optional certification that can enhance career opportunities.
Workplaces for Endoscopy Nurses
Endoscopy nurses can find employment in different healthcare settings, including hospitals, gastroenterological specialty clinics, and endoscopy laboratory administration.
Hospitals:
In hospitals, endoscopy nurses monitor patients’ vital signs, observe them during procedures and recovery, and provide information to patients and their caregivers about tests and treatments.
Gastroenterological Specialty Clinics:
Nurses in gastroenterological specialty clinics perform both diagnostic and disease management tasks. This includes conducting procedures, performing cancer screenings, and assisting patients with conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Endoscopy Laboratory Administration:
These nurses work in hospitals and clinical laboratories where they supervise technicians and other team members involved in endoscopy procedures. They are responsible for equipment preparation, overseeing cleaning and disinfection protocols, and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
Is Endoscopy Nursing a Suitable Career?
Endoscopy nursing offers promising career opportunities in the expanding field of healthcare. While all nurses encounter emotional and physical challenges in their work, endoscopy nurses express a high level of job satisfaction as they provide quality patient care in a specialized field.
Advantages of Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse:
- Develop expertise in a range of diagnostic procedures and disease management.
- Gain valuable teamwork experience by collaborating with physicians, technicians, and other healthcare providers.
- Enjoy competitive salaries and job security, especially when holding relevant certifications.
Disadvantages of Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse:
- The job can be emotionally draining due to fast-paced work environments and frequent handling of emergency situations.
- Dealing with potential patient anxiety related to endoscopic procedures is a common aspect of the role.
- To stay competitive in the field, nurses must stay updated on the latest techniques and treatments.
Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN):
Endoscopy nurses need, at a minimum, a two-year associate degree. However, due to the specialized training required for endoscopy practice, many employers prefer hiring RNs who hold a four-year BSN.
Pass the NCLEX-RN to Obtain Nursing Licensure:
Graduates of ADN or BSN programs must apply to their state nursing regulatory board and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to practice in their chosen state.
Gain Clinical Nursing Experience:
After earning their degree and RN license, nurses typically seek clinical experience in a specialty field. Nurses planning to pursue gastroenterology RN certification must also complete two years of experience in the field.
Consider Becoming a Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN):
While CGRN certification is not mandatory, many endoscopy nurses choose to pursue it to advance their careers and enhance their patient care skills. Some employers prefer hiring CGRN-certified nurses.
How Much Do Endoscopy Nurses Make?
Endoscopy nurses receive competitive salaries compared to other RN specialties, according to PayScale. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not distinguish salary data for endoscopy nurses from the general category for RNs. Overall, RNs earn annual salaries ranging from $53,000 to $116,000. However, salary levels can vary based on factors such as location, years of clinical experience, educational attainment, and specialty certifications.
PayScale reports that endoscopy nurses typically earn annual salaries ranging from $47,000 to $103,000. In contrast, gastroenterology nurse practitioners, who must hold at least a master’s degree and national certification to practice, earn higher annual salaries, typically ranging from $85,000 to $127,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endoscopy Nursing
How long does it take to become an endoscopy nurse?
An ADN degree usually takes two years to complete, while a BSN can require four years of study. After earning their degree, prospective nurses must take the NCLEX-RN and meet the nursing licensure requirements for their state. Endoscopy nurses intending to pursue certification must also complete two years of clinical experience in the field.
What is the difference between a gastroenterology nurse and an endoscopy nurse?
While the terms are often used interchangeably for any RN working in endoscopy practice, the endoscopy specialty primarily focuses on the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, while gastroenterology encompasses the entire GI system. Nurses with master’s-level training, who typically earn nurse practitioner specialty and gastroenterology certification, receive more extensive training beyond a general GI focus.
What types of conditions do endoscopy nurses treat?
Endoscopy nurses apply their training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the upper and lower digestive tract and respiratory organs. They may work with patients who have conditions like cancer, bronchial infections, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, liver cirrhosis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Is endoscopy nursing stressful?
Depending on the workplace setting, endoscopy nurses often work in challenging, fast-paced environments that require attention to detail. They may also need to handle anxious patients before, during, and after procedures. Given the nature of their work, which involves patients, families, emergency situations, and life-threatening conditions, they may experience emotional exhaustion.
Resources for Endoscopy Nurses
Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates:
This professional organization represents nurses and associates working in gastroenterology and endoscopy nursing practice. With over 8,000 members, it offers professional development opportunities through e-learning courses, webinars, and access to the online Gastroenterology Nursing journal. The organization also maintains a career center that provides job listings, career coaching, resume writing, and reference checking.
American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses:
ABCGN offers the only professional certification program for gastroenterology nurses. The Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) credential helps nurses enhance patient care and advance professionally, demonstrating a high degree of professional commitment to prospective employers. ABCGN also confers awards and scholarships that recognize professional excellence in the field.
American Gastroenterological Association:
Established in 1897, AGA serves over 16,000 members dedicated to advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology. The organization sponsors an annual Digestive Disease Week, an international gathering of physicians, researchers, and scholars in the fields of gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, hepatology, and endoscopy. Through its foundation, AGA provides over $3 million in annual research funding.
North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition:
This organization represents pediatric gastroenterology and provides research, educational, and professional development opportunities focused on the care of infants, children, and adolescents with digestive disorders. NASPGHAN offers training opportunities that include a summer research fellowship and a mentorship program. The Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, one of the society’s publications, offers a platform for research in pediatric gastroenterology and related fields.
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