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BASIC DESCRIPTION
Gastroenterology nursing is a specialty practice area in which nurses provide care to patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal problems and who are undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic treatment and/or procedures. This area of nursing has expanded because of increased technology and new screening procedures. Practice environments are usually available in endoscopy departments in hospitals, clinics, or physicians’ offices, as well as in ambulatory outpatient endoscopy facilities.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Registered nurse preparation is required. National certification in the specialty is available through the Certifying Board of Gastroenterology Nurses. This board sets the requirements for obtaining and maintaining certification. Certified registered nurses earn the credential Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse. Generally, nurses have experience in medical–surgical nursing prior to electing to specialize.
CORE COMPETENCIES/SKILLS NEEDED
■ Technical competency
■ Maturity
■ Empathy
■ Knowledge of pathophysiology of gastrointestinal system
■ Physical assessment and screening skills
■ Case management skills
RELATED WEB SITES AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
■ Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (www.sgna.org)
■ Gastroenterology Nursing (www.gastroenterologynursing.com)
■ Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses, Inc. (www.abcgn.org)