An endoscopy nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is trained to assist physicians in performing endoscopies. During an endoscopy, a small camera called an endoscope is inserted into a patient. Patients rely on these minimally-invasive medical and surgical procedures to be assessed and diagnosed with gastroenterological and respiratory disorders.
If you’re wondering, “What is the role of an endoscopy nurse?” and “What does an endoscopy nurse do?”, keep reading to see a breakdown of daily tasks. If you’re considering pursuing a career as an endoscopy nurse, this blog post will inform you on what you can expect as part of your day-to-day responsibilities and will share insights from other endoscopy nurses who provide a behind-the-scenes look at what this nursing specialty is like.
Daily Tasks of an Endoscopy Nurse
Endoscopy nurses can work in hospitals, gastroenterological specialty clinics, and endoscopy laboratories—and regardless of your work setting, you will more or less perform the same duties. Below are the most common responsibilities and sub-tasks that fall under the scope of an endoscopic nurse:
Plan Patient Care
- Perform pre-procedure medical assessment and review patient information, including allergies, medication, pregnancy, etc.
- Identify goals and plan patient care
Prepare the Procedure Room for Patients
- Prepare and maintain a clean and safe environment for the patient
- Put together and sterilize supplies, equipment, and other instruments needed for the endoscopic procedure
Provide Information and Support to Patients
- Act as the liaison between the physician and the patient and their family/care persons, which involves explaining the procedures, risks, safety protocols, emergency plans, etc.
- Transport patients to and from the procedure room
- Provide support as necessary to the patient and their family members, including emotional or mental support, such as reassuring anxious patients
Serve as a Patient’s Advocate
- Enter patient data into their medical record and document the activities and care provided to the patient to ensure accurate records and patient files
- Observe the patient, ensuring comfort and compliance with safety practices to guarantee patient safety before, during, and after the procedure
Provide IV Sedation
- Assist in administering IV fluids and medication as per physician’s orders, verifying doses, and alerting the physician of any adverse reactions
- Monitor patient vitals, consciousness, and pain levels throughout procedures
Depending on their place of work, endoscopy nurses may also be involved in other tasks, such as organizing procedures, developing policies, participating in budget activities, or ordering supplies.
Real Experiences of Endoscopic Nurses
With nurses taking to social media to share the behind-the-scenes of their work lives on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, it’s increasingly easier to get a solid understanding of what to expect as an endoscopy nurse. The accounts below are all from endoscopy nurses who share their responsibilities and some tips for new nurses.
Endoscopy nurse Tom Johnson explains how he splits responsibilities at his workplace with a second nurse who is present during procedures:
“In the procedure room, there are two nurses. One stands beside the Gastroenterologist and is responsible for operating forceps and snares as well as applying abdominal pressure to allow the endoscope to travel through the colon. The second nurse is responsible for applying monitoring equipment, operating larger equipment (diathermy machines) as well as collecting and recording specimens. Oh, and don’t forget the mounds of paperwork.” — Tom Johnson, The Nurse Break
Some nurses, like Nurse B, who left medical/surgical nursing for endoscopy nursing, rave about the standard hours and routine procedures involved in endoscopy nursing, which make for a good work/life balance.
“Whether it’s outpatient or inpatient, pre-op is always the same. Basically, [your role involves] just reviewing history, vitals, [inserting the] IV, [and taking] consent. That’s it.
The outpatient facility is Monday through Friday. I don't work nights, I don't work weekends, and I don't work holidays. I actually make more doing less work than I did sleeping around on a [medical surgical] floor or when I was in the operating room.” — LuvNurseB
Nurse Tayla, who takes to TikTok to share her experiences as an endoscopy nurse, explains the various roles involved in her day-to-day work:
“We rotate through a few different areas, admissions, recovery, theater rooms and the cleaning room... every area is very different, every day is very different. You never know what you’re going to get—it’s usually a mixed bag…. In theater, in the actual surgery, I can be assisting the doctor scrub... with whatever it may be—biopsies, polyp removal, putting clips in... or running and getting things for the scrub nurse... In admissions, I’m admitting patients [and] making sure they’ve fasted.” – Nurse Tayla
Overcoming the Learning Curve as a New Endoscopy Nurse
Nurse Viane, who transitioned into endoscopy nursing because she wanted a change, speaks about the learning curve when she was new on the job:
“During my first week, I had to re-learn the basic anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory and genito-urinary system. Educating myself on the different preparations, benefits, and risks of every procedure that my department offers. I had to become familiar with various medications for pain, sedation, and bowel preparations. In my first month, I felt like I was back to being a student. It was not easy, but I managed to surpass it through my hard work, determination, and my daily dose of caffeine from our department's vending machine.” — Nurse Viane
She also shares a tip for keeping patients calm before an endoscopy:
“‘Focus on your breathing. In and Out.’ These are the usual words I say to my patients. Sometimes I feel like I’m a yoga instructor saying these words.” — Nurse Viane
Final Thoughts on Endoscopy Nursing
If you’re interested in learning more about this nursing specialty, Nursa’s ultimate guide on endoscopy nursing is packed full of information on education requirements, average salaries, and more. The guide is part of Nursa’s complete guides to nursing specialties, which provide you with everything you need to know about a range of nursing specialties, so you can make informed career decisions and find a nursing specialty you love.
