The Expert Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Nurse is responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to patients undergoing gastroenterology consultation and diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic procedures. The nurse works closely with the Consultant Gastroenterologist, Internal Medicine specialists, anesthetists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centered care before, during, and after procedures. The nurse is also responsible for the management, maintenance, infection prevention, and daily operation of the Endoscopy Procedure Room.
Purpose:
GI Nurse is Responsible for the delivery of quality patient care, nursing assessment, and patient / family education that is within the scope of nursing practice. Maintain compliance with the Physician orders and implement nursing care according to the physician orders.
Specific Responsibilities:
1. Outpatient (GI & Hepatology Clinic) Responsibilities
- Assist the Consultant Gastroenterologist during outpatient consultations.
- Perform initial patient assessment, including vital signs, medical history, and medication review, allergies, and risk assessment.
- Prepare patients for consultation and endoscopic procedures.
- Provide patient education regarding procedure preparation, bowel preparation, fasting instructions, medication adjustments, and post-procedure care.
- Coordinate appointments, investigations, referrals, and follow-up visits.
- Assist Internal Medicine physicians in evaluating patients requiring gastroenterology consultation.
2. Endoscopy Procedure Room Responsibilities
- Prepare the endoscopy room before each procedure.
- Ensure all endoscopy equipment is functioning properly before procedures.
- Prepare instruments, accessories, medications, and emergency equipment.
- Assist the Consultant Gastroenterologist during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including:
- Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- PEG insertion
- Esophageal variceal band ligation
- Endoscopic hemostasis
- Foreign body removal
- Polypectomy
- Biopsy procedures
- Other advanced GI procedures assigned
- Monitor patients throughout procedures, including vital signs, oxygen saturation, ECG (when indicated), and level of consciousness.
- Administer medications as prescribed, including sedation and emergency medications, according to hospital policy and scope of practice.
- Anticipate procedural needs and provide appropriate instruments and accessories promptly.
- Maintain accurate procedural documentation.
3. Post-Procedure Patient Care
- Transfer patients safely to the recovery area.
- Monitor recovery until discharge criteria are met.
- Assess for immediate post-procedure complications such as bleeding, perforation, respiratory depression, pain, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, or sedation-related events.
- Provide discharge instructions for patients and caregivers.
- Ensure proper documentation of recovery assessments and discharge status.
- Arrange follow-up care when required.
4. Endoscope Reprocessing and Infection Prevention
- Perform leak testing of endoscopes.
- Clean, disinfect, and reprocess endoscopes according to international infection prevention guidelines.
- Ensure proper storage and drying of endoscopes.
- Monitor disinfectant concentration and expiration dates.
- Maintain strict infection prevention and control standards.
- Report equipment malfunction or contamination immediately.
5. Equipment and Procedure Room Management
- Maintain inventory of endoscopes, accessories, medications, and consumables.
- Ensure emergency equipment is available and functional.
- Perform daily equipment and room safety checks.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs with the Biomedical Engineering Department.
- Always ensure procedure room cleanliness and readiness.
6. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
- Verify patient identity and informed consent before procedures.
- Complete procedural safety checklists.
