Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Nursing Course

Lesson 1 • The Endoscopy Nurse's Role

Defines nursing responsibilities before, during, and after endoscopic procedures. Clarifies scope of practice and interdisciplinary collaboration expectations.

Lesson 2 • Overview of Endoscopic Procedures

Introduces the full spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures. Provides context for understanding nursing roles across different procedure types.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory and Ethical Frameworks

Outlines professional standards, patient rights, and ethical obligations governing endoscopy nursing. Connects regulatory compliance to safe, patient-centred care delivery.

Lesson 1 • Automated Endoscope Reprocessors

Covers operation, validation, and troubleshooting of automated reprocessing equipment. Builds competency in machine-assisted disinfection as a complement to manual cleaning.

Lesson 2 • Endoscope Reprocessing Workflow

Details the sequential steps of manual cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation of flexible endoscopes. Correct workflow prevents healthcare-associated infections linked to inadequate reprocessing.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Infection Prevention

Establishes standard and transmission-based precautions specific to the endoscopy setting. Provides the infection control foundation required for safe reprocessing practice.

Lesson 1 • Pre-Procedure Patient Assessment

Teaches structured history-taking, physical assessment, and risk stratification for endoscopy candidates. Accurate assessment directly informs sedation planning and procedural safety.

Lesson 2 • Consent and Pre-Procedure Documentation

Addresses the nurse's role in verifying informed consent and completing pre-procedure checklists. Thorough documentation supports legal compliance and procedural team readiness.

Lesson 3 • Fasting and Dietary Guidelines

Explains evidence-based fasting intervals for solids and liquids prior to endoscopic procedures. Correct fasting reduces aspiration risk and supports safe sedation administration.

Lesson 4 • IV Access and Pre-Medication Administration

Teaches peripheral IV insertion, site selection, and pre-procedure medication protocols. Reliable IV access is a prerequisite for sedation delivery and emergency drug administration.

Lesson 1 • Recognising and Managing Sedation Complications

Identifies signs of over-sedation, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular compromise during procedures. Rapid recognition and intervention minimise patient harm.

Lesson 2 • Patient Monitoring During Sedation

Covers continuous monitoring parameters, equipment use, and documentation during moderate and deep sedation. Vigilant monitoring enables early detection of sedation-related complications.

Lesson 3 • Airway Management Fundamentals

Teaches airway assessment, positioning, and basic airway interventions for sedated endoscopy patients. Prompt airway management prevents hypoxia and respiratory arrest.

Lesson 1 • Patient Positioning and Throat Preparation

Teaches left lateral decubitus positioning, bite guard placement, and topical pharyngeal anaesthesia application. Proper positioning and throat preparation facilitate safe scope passage.

Lesson 2 • Therapeutic Upper Endoscopy Assistance

Introduces nursing roles in polypectomy, haemostasis, dilation, and foreign body removal during upper endoscopy. Therapeutic procedures require additional accessory preparation and monitoring vigilance.

Lesson 3 • Upper Endoscopy Equipment Setup

Covers scope selection, light source connection, insufflation setup, and accessory preparation for upper endoscopy. Correct setup prevents procedural delays and equipment-related complications.

Lesson 4 • Intra-Procedure Nursing Assistance

Details real-time nursing tasks including scope guidance support, accessory passing, and patient monitoring during upper endoscopy. Coordinated assistance improves procedural efficiency and safety.

Lesson 1 • Scope Navigation Assistance

Teaches external scope manipulation support, loop reduction manoeuvres, and patient comfort management during colonoscope advancement. Effective assistance shortens caecal intubation time.

Lesson 2 • Colonoscopy Equipment and Room Setup

Details colonoscope selection, CO2 insufflation setup, fluoroscopy readiness, and accessory preparation. Thorough room setup reduces procedural interruptions and patient risk.

Lesson 3 • Colonoscopy Complication Recognition

Identifies intra-procedure signs of perforation, bleeding, and post-polypectomy syndrome. Early recognition and escalation prevent life-threatening outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Patient Positioning for Colonoscopy

Covers initial and intra-procedure positioning changes that facilitate colonoscope advancement. Correct positioning reduces loop formation and patient discomfort.

Lesson 1 • Procedure Documentation and Reporting

Covers complete procedural nursing notes, pathology tracking, and adverse event reporting requirements. Accurate documentation supports continuity of care and quality review.

Lesson 2 • Managing Post-Procedure Complications

Addresses recognition and initial management of bleeding, perforation, aspiration, and vasovagal events post-procedure. Prompt nursing response limits complication severity.

Lesson 3 • Post-Procedure Patient Education

Teaches delivery of written and verbal post-procedure instructions covering diet, activity, and warning signs. Effective education reduces preventable emergency department visits.

Lesson 4 • Immediate Post-Procedure Monitoring

Covers vital sign monitoring, sedation recovery scoring, and airway surveillance in the recovery area. Systematic monitoring detects delayed sedation effects and early complications.

Lesson 1 • Capsule Endoscopy and Enteroscopy Support

Addresses patient preparation, sensor placement, and data recorder management for capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy. Small bowel procedures require unique preparation and monitoring protocols.

Lesson 2 • Haemostasis and Stenting Procedures

Covers nursing assistance for variceal banding, injection sclerotherapy, and biliary and colonic stent placement. Haemostasis and stenting procedures carry high complication risk requiring vigilant monitoring.

Lesson 3 • Endoscopic Mucosal and Submucosal Resection

Covers nursing roles in EMR and ESD including injection solution preparation, specialised knife passing, and specimen retrieval. These advanced resections require precise accessory management.

Lesson 4 • Endoscopic Ultrasound Nursing Support

Introduces echoendoscope setup, FNA needle assistance, and specimen handling for EUS procedures. EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound, requiring dual equipment competency.