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What is an Endoscopy Nurse?

An endoscopy nurse, often referred to as a gastroenterology nurse, is a registered nurse (RN) who delivers specialised care to patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.

An endoscopy is a test that allows a doctor to look inside your body. It involves the insertion of a long, thin tube with a small camera inside, known as an endoscope, through a natural opening, such as your mouth. Your GP may refer you for an endoscopy if you're experiencing certain symptoms. This procedure is typically performed at an endoscopy unit in a hospital.

Responsibilities:

• Endoscopy nurses support the endoscopist throughout the procedure, prepare patients, and provide care before, during, and after the intervention. They also offer post-procedure care instructions to both patients and their families.

Types of Endoscopy Nursing Positions:

• There are various roles within endoscopy nursing, such as gastrointestinal endoscopy nurses and respiratory endoscopy nurses.

Common Procedures:

• Endoscopic procedures involve examining the interior of the body and include colonoscopies, bronchoscopies, cystoscopies, and laryngoscopies.

Education:

• To become an endoscopy nurse, individuals typically require an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while certification is optional.

Career Path:

• Some endoscopy nurses advance their careers by becoming nurse endoscopists.

Endoscopy Unit

An endoscopy unit is a dedicated area where medical procedures involving endoscopes are performed. These cameras visualise structures within the body, such as the digestive tract and genitourinary system. Endoscopy units may be located within a hospital, incorporated into other medical care centres, or may exist as standalone facilities.

In the early days of endoscopy, fewer procedures were carried out, and facilities such as operating theatres were used. However, as the number of procedures and their complexity increased, the need for specialised rooms and trained staff became evident.

Components of an Endoscopy Unit

An endoscopy unit typically consists of the following components:

• Trained and Accredited Endoscopists: Usually gastroenterologists or surgeons.
• Trained Nursing and Additional Staff
• Endoscopes and Other Equipment
• Preparation, Procedural, and Recovery Areas
• Disinfection and Cleaning Area for Equipment
• Emergency Equipment and Personnel
• Quality Assurance Program

Procedures performed within an endoscopy unit may include gastrointestinal endoscopy (such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, and endoscopic ultrasound), bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, or other specialised procedures. While some endoscopies may be performed on patients admitted to the hospital, most are conducted on ambulatory patients in an outpatient setting.

Layout of an Endoscopy Unit

Endoscopy units typically include several areas:

• Reception and Waiting Area: For patients and relatives.
• Consultation Rooms
• Changing Areas
• Procedure Rooms: Where endoscopic procedures are performed.
• Recovery Area: For patients recovering from sedation.
• Decontamination Area: For cleaning and disinfecting equipment.

Types of Endoscopies

Here are some common types of endoscopies:

• Colonoscopy: Conducted through the rectum to check your bowels
• Colposcopy: Performed in the vagina to examine the cervix (the opening to your womb).
• Cystoscopy: Inserted through the urethra (the tube through which urine exits) to check the bladder.
• Gastroscopy: Inserted through the mouth to inspect the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and part of the small intestine.
• Hysteroscopy: Conducted through the vagina to evaluate the womb.

Upper Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy, also known as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a specific procedure used to visually examine your upper digestive system. This is performed using a tiny camera at the end of a long, flexible tube. A specialist in digestive system diseases (gastroenterologist) uses this procedure to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting the upper part of the digestive system. The medical term for an upper endoscopy is esophagogastroduodenoscopy. This procedure may take place in your healthcare provider's office, an outpatient surgery centre, or a hospital.

Purpose of Upper Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy is used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting the upper digestive system, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).

Your provider may recommend this procedure to:

• Investigate Symptoms: It can help determine the cause of digestive signs and symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Diagnose Conditions: An endoscopy offers the opportunity to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to test for diseases and conditions that may be causing anaemia, bleeding, inflammation, or diarrhoea. It can also detect certain cancers of the upper digestive system.

• Treat Issues: Special tools can be passed through the endoscope to treat problems in your digestive system. For example, an endoscopy can be used to burn a bleeding vessel to stop bleeding, widen a narrow oesophagus, clip off a polyp, or remove a foreign object.

An endoscopy may be combined with other procedures, such as an ultrasound. An ultrasound probe may be attached to the endoscope to create images of the oesophagus or stomach wall. Endoscopic ultrasound can also help visualise hard-to-reach organs like the pancreas. Newer endoscopes utilise high-definition video to provide clearer images.

Many endoscopes are equipped with technology called narrow band imaging, which uses special light to enhance the detection of precancerous conditions, such as Barrett's oesophagus.

Recovery

After an endoscopy, you'll be taken to a recovery area where you can sit or lie down as the sedative wears off. It’s normal to experience mild discomfort following the procedure, such as bloating, gas, or cramping.

Procedure Rooms

The procedure rooms in an endoscopy unit should contain essential equipment, including:

• Patient Trolley
• Endoscopy 'Stack' and Video Monitor(s): This equipment contains the light source and processor needed for the endoscopes to produce images.
• Monitoring Equipment: To continuously monitor the patient's condition during procedures.
• Suction Equipment: For aspiration of airway secretions and fluid through the endoscope.
• Piped Oxygen Supply
• Sedation Medication
• Ancillary Equipment: Such as endoscopy biopsy forceps, snares, and injectors.
• Diathermy and/or Argon Plasma Coagulation Equipment
• Computer(s): Used to generate endoscopy reports.

Procedure rooms should ideally be at least 200 square feet (19 m²) in size, and hospitals should have a minimum of two procedure rooms. Larger endoscopy units should contain one procedure room per 1,000 to 1,500 procedures performed annually.

Recovery Area

Since many patients undergoing endoscopy receive sedation, a designated recovery area is essential for monitoring patients until they have fully recovered. These areas should include piped oxygen, full monitoring facilities (including pulse oximetry), suction, resuscitation equipment, and emergency medications.

This is the perfect time to work, with a strong demand for skilled professionals. By choosing MedicsPro, you'll have access to a wide range of opportunities and competitive pay rates.

Key Benefits:

• Access to a Wide Range of Opportunities: MedicsPro offers a broad selection of locum and permanent positions across various medical specialties.
• Competitive Pay Rates: The agency provides highly competitive pay rates to ensure you’re well-compensated for your skills and experience.
• Flexible Work Options: With locum and permanent roles available, you can choose work that suits your schedule and lifestyle, offering greater work-life balance.
• Dedicated Support: MedicsPro offers personalised support from a team of experienced recruitment consultants who are there to guide you through the job search process.
• Exclusive Roles: Many of the positions available through MedicsPro are exclusive, giving you access to roles that may not be advertised elsewhere.
• Ongoing Training and Development: The agency provides opportunities for continuing professional development, helping you stay current with industry standards and enhance your career prospects.
• Fast and Efficient Recruitment Process: MedicsPro ensures a smooth and streamlined recruitment process, minimising the time it takes for you to secure your next role.
• Nationwide and International Opportunities: Whether you're looking for work in the NHS, private sector, or overseas, MedicsPro offers positions across the UK and beyond.