Endoscopy

Endoscopy Clinical REWARDS Recipient for 2009
Cynthia McClure

Location:

The Endoscopy Unit currently has procedure areas located within the Tucker Danzler Ambulatory Surgical & Diagnostic Center as well as on Main 2.

A new, beautiful unit is currently under construction in the expansion area of the Tucker Danzler ASDC. This will consolidate endoscopic services to one locale. Completion is scheduled for early 2010.

Unit Manager:

Jean L. Masterson, RN, BA, CGRN

Type of Unit:

Our Endoscopy Unit performs EGD’s, colonoscopies, bronchoscopies, and many other specialty procedures on both inpatients and outpatients. We also provide bedside procedures for those inpatients unable to travel to our unit.

Typical nurse to patient ratio:

Procedures are staffed with 2 RN’s or an RN and an Endo Tech.

Typical pt diagnosis:

A major focus in Endo is the prevention of colon cancer. Many colonoscopies are done for the screening and removal of polyps. Done early and routinely, removal of polyps greatly reduces the incidence of colon cancer.

Our patients can have various other gastrointestinal complaints such as pain, blood loss, dysphagia, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, to name a few. Our pulmonary patients often present with shortness of breath, bleeding, pain or other symptoms. Endoscopic procedures are done to obtain a definitive diagnosis. A procedure can also be done to perform a therapeutic intervention such as hemostasis, dilation, foreign body removal, PEG tube placement, or polypectomy.

Common skills utilized:

Using the ANA’s definition of nursing as a guide, the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates has defined Gastroenterology nursing as the nursing care of patients with known or suspected GI problems who are undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic procedures. This includes the care and treatment necessary to provide comfort, assist individuals in the promotion and maintenance of health, provide for the physical and emotional needs of the patient, and provide safe and proficient care during endoscopic and other specialized procedures. Endoscopy nurses and associates must possess very specialized skills required before, during, and after these procedures. Working as a team with the physician during an endoscopic procedure, we assist in obtaining biopsies, the removal of polyps, providing hemostasis by several different methods, injecting medicines, and banding or sclerosing varices, just to name a few. We take pride in not only maintaining and improving current skills, but also in learning new skills to ensure our patients receive the very best evidence-based practices available and in the safest way possible.

Most common meds / those nurses must be familiar with:

Versed and Fentanyl may be used for sedation, with reversal agents Romazican and Narcan readily available. Many of our procedures are done with an anesthesiologist present, who administers Propofol.

Care extenders used:

Our unit is staffed with ACLS-certified RN’s who are assisted by Endo techs, Instrument techs, and a department secretary.

Certification for Differential:

Certified Gastroenterolgy Registered Nurse (CGRN)

Selling points for Unit:

Dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced leadership and staff. The Endoscopy Staff is very close and work together as a team. We have a good rapport with our physicians and are respected for our skills, knowledge, expertise and professionalism. Educational opportunities are provided. Shared Governance is way of life on our unit.

We are proud of our beautiful new, state-of-the-art facility—which was designed by our staff!

Read An Endoscopy Story