Endoscopy Nurse

Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Pre-Procedure Responsibilities

Assess the patient's general condition, medical history, allergies, and vital signs before the procedure.

Verify patient identity, procedure details, consent, and relevant medical records.

Ensure that patients have followed the prescribed fasting instructions and required pre-procedure preparation.

Prepare patients physically and emotionally and explain the procedure according to hospital protocols.

Check emergency equipment, oxygen supply, suction apparatus, monitors, and resuscitation equipment.

Prepare the endoscopy room, instruments, accessories, and required consumables.

Establish IV access and administer prescribed medications under authorized clinical direction.

Ensure all pre-procedure checklists are completed.

B. Intra-Procedure Responsibilities

Assist the gastroenterologist or endoscopist during procedures such as

Upper GI endoscopy (UGIE)

Colonoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy

ERCP, where applicable

Bronchoscopy, where applicable

Monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, and the patient's response throughout the procedure.

Assist with patient positioning and maintain patient comfort and safety.

Handle endoscopes, accessories, and instruments according to established protocols.

Maintain aseptic technique and follow infection prevention procedures.

Support the clinical team during sedation and promptly report any adverse reactions or changes in the patient's condition.

Maintain accurate procedure-related nursing records.

C. Post-Procedure Responsibilities

Transfer the patient safely to the recovery area and monitor vital signs.

Assess consciousness, breathing, oxygen saturation, pain, and other signs of complications.

Observe for bleeding, respiratory distress, severe abdominal pain, or other warning signs and immediately inform the doctor.

Ensure safe recovery from sedation according to hospital protocols and authorized clinical instructions.

Provide discharge instructions as directed by the treating doctor.

Educate patients and attendants regarding diet, medication, follow-up, and warning signs.

Document post-procedure observations and transfer or discharge details.

D. Infection Control and Equipment Management

Perform cleaning, disinfection, and high-level disinfection or sterilization of endoscopes as appropriate to manufacturer instructions and hospital protocols.

Follow standard precautions, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment requirements.

Maintain separation between contaminated and reprocessed equipment.

Ensure proper handling, storage, and traceability of endoscopes and accessories.

Maintain records of endoscope reprocessing, equipment maintenance, and disinfection cycles.

Monitor stock levels of instruments, consumables, and emergency supplies.

Report damaged equipment, infection-control concerns, and equipment malfunctions promptly.

E. Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities

Maintain patient assessment records, procedure checklists, nursing notes, and recovery charts.

Maintain procedure registers and equipment reprocessing logs.

Ensure proper documentation of medication administration and vital signs.

Coordinate with doctors, technicians, nursing staff, and other departments.

Follow hospital policies, patient confidentiality requirements, and quality standards.

Participate in audits, departmental meetings, and quality improvement activities.

Required Skills and Competencies

Strong clinical assessment and patient-care skills.

Knowledge of endoscopy procedures and related instruments.

Understanding of infection prevention and endoscope reprocessing.

Ability to recognize emergencies and respond promptly.

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Accurate documentation and attention to detail.

Compassionate approach to patient care.

Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Emergency and Patient Safety Responsibilities

Recognize and promptly escalate complications during and after endoscopic procedures.

Assist in basic life support and emergency response as trained.

Ensure emergency equipment is checked and readily available.

Follow patient identification, consent verification, medication safety, and procedural safety protocols.

Report incidents, near misses, and adverse events according to hospital policy.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPI

Performance Expectation

Patient safety

Compliance with patient identification and safety checklists

Documentation

Accurate and timely completion of nursing records

Infection control

Compliance with endoscope reprocessing protocols

Procedure readiness

Timely preparation of the procedure room and equipment

Patient monitoring

Appropriate monitoring and prompt escalation of complications

Equipment management

Proper handling, maintenance, and traceability

Patient satisfaction

Professional communication and compassionate care

Compliance

Adherence to hospital policies and quality standards

Educational Qualification and Experience

GNM or B.Sc. Nursing from a recognized institution.

Valid nursing registration with the applicable State Nursing Council.

Relevant experience in an endoscopy unit is preferred.

Training in BLS and emergency patient management is desirable.

Knowledge of endoscopy equipment, patient monitoring, and infection control is essential.

Working Relationships

Gastroenterologists and endoscopists

Nursing Superintendent and Endoscopy In-Charge

Endoscopy technicians

Anesthesia team, where applicable

Recovery room and ward nurses

Infection Control Department

Biomedical Engineering and Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD)

General Responsibilities

The Endoscopy Nurse shall perform duties assigned by the Endoscopy In-Charge or Nursing Superintendent, maintain professional conduct, protect patient confidentiality, and comply with hospital policies, clinical protocols, and applicable nursing standards.

Note

This job description can be customized according to the h