Endoscopy Nurse Career Overview
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Credit: Satyrenko / iStock / Getty Images PlusWhat Does an Endoscopy Nurse Do?
An endoscopy nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who helps surgical teams during endoscopic procedures, a group of procedures designed to examine the inside of the body. Common examples include:
- Colonoscopy (examines the colon)
- Bronchoscopy (examines the airway and lungs)
- Cystoscopy (examines the bladder)
- Laryngoscopy (examines the throat and voice box)
Often well-versed in calming patient fears about these invasive and sometimes uncomfortable experiences, endoscopy nurses provide care before, during, and after these procedures. They help prep the patient and educate them about treatment and care after the procedure is complete.
To become an endoscopy nurse, you must first earn your RN license. Then, you must acquire specialized clinical knowledge about gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary diseases and the skills to prepare a patient for a procedure that requires sedation, use and maintain endoscopic equipment, administer sedation medication, and manage emergencies and complications.
Endoscopic nurses carry out a variety of clinical and supervisory roles and responsibilities depending on the specific employment setting.
Career Traits
- Proficiency in endoscopic procedures
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Detail-oriented
Certification Option
Where Do Endoscopy Nurses Work?
Endoscopy nurse jobs exist in several different healthcare settings. An endoscopy nurse can often find employment as a staff nurse in a hospital or an outpatient clinic, particularly one specializing in endoscopic procedures. Looking beyond the bedside? Endoscopic nurses can also find work in administrative positions.
- Hospitals: Hospitals rely on endoscopy nurses to prepare patients for an endoscopic procedure or administer sedation medicaitons, monitor vital signs, observe patients throughout procedures and recovery, and provide information to patients and caregivers about tests and treatments.
- Specialty Clinics: Endoscopy nurses may work in outpatient clinics that specialize in specific areas of the body like gastroenterology, pulmonology, or urology clinics. In these settings, they help perform both diagnostic and disease management functions. Duties include preparing patients for procedures, administering medications, assisting with procedures, conducting cancer screenings, and helping patients manage health conditions.
- Endoscopy Laboratory Administration: An endoscopy nurse working in laboratory administration helps supervise technicians and other endoscopy team members. They oversee equipment preparation, cleaning and disinfecting equipment and room for endoscopic procedures, and other aspects of these important behind-the-scenes operations.
Is Endoscopy Nursing Right for Me?
RNs who pursue endoscopy nurse jobs can find rewarding career opportunities in this expanding area of healthcare. But everything has its pros and cons. Here’s a look at some common advantages and disadvantages to being an endoscopy nurse, to help you decide if it’s the right field for you.
Advantages to Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse
Develop expertise in a variety of diagnostic procedures and disease management- Acquire rewarding teamwork experience with physicians, technicians, and other healthcare providers
- Offers competitive salaries and job security, especially for nurses who are certified
Disadvantages to Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse
Can be emotionally draining due to fast-paced work environments and dealing with emergency situations often- Involves management of potential patient anxiety over endoscopic procedures
- As the field evolves, must stay updated on and proficient in latest techniques and treatments
How to Become an Endoscopy Nurse
Like many nursing professions, becoming an endoscopy nurse requires earning a nursing degree, gaining and maintaining your RN licensure, then building up the experience you need to practice more exclusively in that area — or even gain your specialty certification.
Here are the specific steps to become an endoscopy nurse.
- 1
Earn a BSN or ADN degree
An endoscopy nurse needs, at minimum, a two-year associate degree. Because of the specialized training required in endoscopy practice, many employers prefer to hire RNs who hold a four-year BSN.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive nursing licensure
To practice in their chosen state, graduates of ADN or BSN programs must apply to their state nursing regulatory board and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).
- 3
Gain clinical nursing experience
After earning their degree and RN license, nurses typically seek clinical experience in a specialty field. Nurses who plan to pursue gastroenterology RN certification must complete two years of experience to qualify for this credential.
- 4
Consider getting certified
While CGRN certification is voluntary, many endoscopy nurses pursue this credential to advance their careers and improve their patient care skills. Some employers prefer to hire CGRN-certified nurses.
Endoscopy Nurse Salary
Endoscopy nurse salaries are competitive with those found in other RN specialties. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics does not keep salary data for endoscopy nurses, but the average annual pay for all RNs is $94,480.
According to ZipRecruiter, endoscopy nurse jobs average $98,990 per year as of September 2024. The highest-earning endoscopy nurses take in about $156,000 per year on average, while the lowest 25% earn about $75,000 annually.
Endoscopy nurse salary levels fluctuate depending on factors, such as experience or education level, work setting, and geographic location.
Vivian, a healthcare hiring platform, reported a $46.95 hourly pay rate for endoscopy nurses — 2% higher than the overall average for all US nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Being an Endoscopy Nurse
An ADN degree typically takes two years to complete, while a BSN can require four years of study. After earning their degree, prospective nurses must take the NCLEX-RN and satisfy the nursing licensure requirements for their state. Endoscopy nurses who intend to pursue certification must complete two years of RN clinical experience directly in the field.
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