Registered Nurse-Endoscopy

Job Summary

The Endoscopy Registered Nurse provides comprehensive nursing care for outpatient and inpatient patients undergoing endoscopy and bronchoscopy procedures across the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases of care. This role is responsible for patient assessment, moderate and deep sedation monitoring, procedural assistance, recovery care, emergency response, patient education, and the operation of specialized medical equipment while ensuring safe, high-quality patient outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  • Graduate from a college or university accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree in Nursing.

• Licenses:

  • Current unrestricted RN license in one of the 50 US States and/or territories
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Life Support (ACLS/ALS)

• Experience:

  • At least 1 year of RN experience in an inpatient or outpatient healthcare setting.
  • Previous experience of work in endoscopy suites, OR pre-op, post-op, or other procedure-based suites is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Accomplishes prescribed treatments, administers medications, including conscious (moderate) sedation.

• Prepares patients for procedures, assists physician with procedures as needed, conducts patient/family teaching, sets-up and operates all types of specialized medical equipment including complex and emergency equipment, prepares required documentation such as nursing care plans and patient progress notes.

• Initiates life-saving procedures as per BLS and ALS protocols. Assists provider with advanced cardiac life support measures as necessary.

• Maintains responsibility for continuous patient monitoring and conscious sedation administration during endoscopy and bronchoscopy procedures.

• Assesses patient's response to medication. Makes necessary judgements prior to the administration of medication based on knowledge of the effects of the physiological processes and current condition of the patient.

• Administers medication orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intravenously, topically, etc. Maintains continual awareness of usual dosages of medications and calls unusual dosages to the attention of the physician. Orders drugs and narcotics as needed.

• Provides for safekeeping and accurate accounting of controlled drugs and narcotics in accordance with policy and regulations, Medical Center Regulations, and Department of Nursing guidelines.

• Initiates emergency procedures to include cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and assisting with advanced cardiac life support measures.

• Performs a range of nursing procedures including intravenous fluid/medications administration, blood transfusion, and oxygen administration.

• Sets up, operates, and monitors therapeutic and emergency equipment, i.e., EKGs, cardiac/telemetry monitors and oxygen saturation monitors.

• Functions as a circulation nurse during endoscopy/bronchoscopy procedures with deep sedation.

• Assists GI provider, anesthesia provider and GI technician with patient monitoring, positioning, and biopsies.

• Functions as post-procedure recovery nurse for patients coming out from endoscopy and bronchoscopy procedures with moderate and deep sedation.

• Observes, monitors, and assesses patients condition, and discharges patients as per discharge criteria.

• Provides thorough instructions to patient/significant other and/or family members upon discharge from the unit after the procedures.

• Emphasizes the preventive, curative, and restorative aspects of instructions. Follows established protocols using professional judgment to individualize instructions to meet each beneficiary's needs. Transport or organize patient transport in wheelchair from unit if necessary. Completes post operative calls with patients.

• Notifies GI provider of any post-procedure issues or concerns from patients.

• Recognizes medical emergencies and responds appropriately.

• Provides instructions to ancillary personnel engaged in carrying out the nursing and administrative duties in close communication with the Supervisory Nurse of Gastroenterology.

• Assists physicians in performance of endoscopic procedures per mission requirements.

• Handles biopsy tissue and other material obtained from patients during procedures, including proper recording and transport to the laboratory.

• Interacts directly with the Department of Pathology to assure that retrieval is timely and complete.

• Participates in continuing education programs to update and/or maintain skills and knowledge to meet annual requirements.

• Participates in planning care meetings/huddles with other nurses and nonprofessional personnel.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in a dimly lighted or dark room for procedures.

• Must be able to do heavy lifting, (45 pounds and over).

• Personnel must be able to stand up to 8 hours per shift with a combination of walking up to 5 hours.

Work Environment and Schedule

Monday through Friday between the hours of 0700-1530.