Gastroenterology Nursing Job Description
Gastroenterology Nurses provide care for patients who have known or suspected problems with their gastrointestinal tracts, or patients who are undergoing treatment for such problems.
Gastroenterology Nurses must be prepared to perform the following tasks:
- Plan, assess and implement gastrointestinal and endoscopic procedures
- Work with computerized topography scans and x-rays to help diagnose patients
- Keep patients informed about their conditions
- Assist gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists and physicians
Nurses will often find themselves working in a variety of settings, either in a clinical setting, hospital setting, or even at home. Oftentimes, Gastroenterology Nurses are the ones who perform the endoscopic procedures, and also keep patients informed of conditions and treatments.
As with most other Nursing fields, the first step towards becoming a Gastroenterology Nurse is to become a registered Nurse by completing an accredited Nursing program with either an Associates or Bachelors degree. Passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, and obtaining a registered Nurse license then follow this up.
Anyone who is interested in Gastroenterology would be wise to consider a career as a Gastroenterology Nurse, due to its diverse skill set, as well as the experience it provides.
