RN

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides and coordinates professional nursing care for patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal procedures. The RN rotates among pre-procedure, procedure room, and post-procedure recovery assignments according to patient care needs and staffing. The RN applies the nursing process through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation; administers and monitors moderate sedation under authorized orders and facility protocols; assists with endoscopic procedures; and manages recovery and discharge care. The RN collaborates with gastroenterologists, anesthesia personnel, technicians, and other team members to provide safe, efficient, compassionate care. The RN practices within Mississippi licensure requirements, demonstrated competencies, and Forrest policies.

Performance Expectations:

Pre-Procedure Nursing Care

• Performs and documents age-appropriate nursing assessments, including history, allergies, medication reconciliation, vital signs, risk factors, and individualized care needs.
• Reviews procedural orders, relevant test results, anticoagulant/diabetes medication instructions, bowel preparation, fasting status, and other readiness considerations; escalates discrepancies to the responsible provider.
• Verifies patient identification, intended procedure, consent documentation, and required safety checks; confirms that informed consent is obtained by the authorized practitioner and addresses patient questions within nursing scope.
• Establishes and maintains intravenous access, administers ordered medications, and prepares patients for monitoring and procedure in accordance with policy.
• Provides patient and family education regarding preparation, anticipated care, sedation, recovery, and discharge expectations.

Intra-Procedure Nursing and Sedation

• Functions as assigned circulating/procedure RN during EGD, colonoscopy, and other approved gastrointestinal procedures, maintaining patient safety, positioning, privacy, and procedural documentation.
• Participates in pre-procedure verification and time-out; coordinates communication with the proceduralist, anesthesia provider, and other team members.
• Administers moderate sedation as an assigned core responsibility under authorized provider orders, approved facility protocols, validated moderate sedation competency, and applicable requirements. Provides continuous dedicated monitoring and documentation as required by the sedation policy, with appropriate staffing so concurrent tasks do not compromise patient monitoring.
• Monitors and documents physiologic parameters, level of consciousness, pain, and clinical response at intervals appropriate to the procedure and sedation plan; recognizes and responds promptly to deterioration.
• Assists with diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic interventions within nursing scope and verified competency, including specimen management and safe use of endoscopic accessories.
• Ensures immediate availability and appropriate use of emergency equipment; initiates emergency interventions and resuscitation according to training and established protocols.

Recovery and Discharge

• Performs and documents post-procedure and post-sedation assessments, including airway, respiratory status, hemodynamics, consciousness, pain, nausea, and potential complications.
• Implements appropriate nursing interventions and communicates significant changes to the physician or anesthesia provider.
• Evaluates discharge readiness using facility-approved criteria and authorized discharge orders; coordinates safe handoff and discharge.
• Provides and documents individualized discharge instructions, medication guidance as ordered, warning signs, follow-up needs, and confirmation of an appropriate responsible adult when required after sedation.

Endoscope Reprocessing, Infection Prevention, and Quality

• Adheres to Standard Precautions, hand hygiene, aseptic technique, safe injection practices, and the ASC infection prevention program.
• Oversees and verifies assigned technician work within RN supervisory responsibilities, including endoscope transport, cleaning, high-level disinfection, drying, storage, and traceability; escalates deviations and does not release improperly processed equipment for use.
• Performs endoscope reprocessing tasks only if specifically assigned, trained, and competency-validated; follows manufacturer instructions, chemical safety requirements, and facility protocols.
• Maintains accurate documentation of endoscope and accessory traceability, medication administration, specimens, procedure events, recovery, and patient disposition.
• Participates in incident reporting, quality assurance/performance improvement, infection surveillance, drills, education, and required competency assessments.

Professional Practice and Teamwork

• Delegates appropriate tasks consistent with Mississippi nursing requirements, employee competencies, and organizational policy; retains accountability for nursing assessment and clinical judgment.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, physicians, anesthesia personnel, and coworkers; provides timely and complete handoffs.
• Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, time management, service excellence, and respect for confidentiality.
• Maintains current required certifications and clinical competencies; follows Forrest policies and procedures.
• Performs other reasonably related duties consistent with licensure, competency, and ASC needs.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

• A graduate of a recognized non-online RN program required.

Work Experience:

• Minimal 1-2 years nursing experience required.
• Critical Care experience preferred.
• Previous Endoscopy experience preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• Licensed RN able to practice within the State of MS

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Within 90 Days of Employment

Required

• NIH Stroke Scale

Within 90 Days of Employment

Required

• Moderate Sedation

Within 90 Days of Employment

Required

• Telemetry Nurse Education

Within 90 Days of Employment

Required