What Is a Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner and How to Become One
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What Does a Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner Do?
A gastroenterology nurse practitioner uses specialized skills to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of issues related to the digestive tract under the supervision of a physician. As a GI nurse practitioner, your responsibilities may involve clinical work, research, patient care, and education. Your duties also include obtaining a health history, preparing equipment for surgeries, assisting physicians with procedures, such as colonoscopies, endoscopies, and conscious sedation, communicating with nutritionists for diet assessment and recommendations, managing medication, and other traditional nursing tasks. As a gastroenterology nurse practitioner, you meet the qualifications to work in a hospital, private practice, and other in- and out-patient medical facilities.
How to Become a Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner
As a gastroenterology (GI) nurse practitioner, you diagnose and treat patients with digestive system problems. To begin a career as a GI nurse practitioner, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and complete your credentials as a registered nurse (RN). To become a nurse practitioner, you must complete a master’s program in nursing (MSN). Aspiring gastroenterology nurse practitioners should focus on getting clinical hours assisting with GI procedures.
