Surgical and endoscopy nurses care for patients before, during and after surgical and endoscopic procedures. Their tasks also include cleaning sensitive endoscopic equipment and caring for patients.

Surgical/endoscopy nurse service - prerequisites

The advanced training for specialist nurses requires a full nursing education. In addition, at least six months of work experience is expected in some cases. In the different federal states, however, these regulations may differ.

In addition to the professional requirements, trainees must also have certain important personal characteristics. Working in the surgical and endoscopy department is psychologically and physically stressful, therefore trainees must have a good constitution. A high degree of responsibility, good technical understanding and the ability to work independently are also required. For the daily contact with patients, future specialist nurses must also show good empathy.

Surgical/endoscopy nurse - content and duration of training

In many of the Federal States, legal regulations apply to the further education of the specialist nurse - operating theatre/endoscopy. The training takes place at state-recognised health service educational institutions. Continuing education can also be provided on a part-time basis. The length of the course depends on the type of education and the educational institution chosen. In the case of continuing education, it is usually two years. At the end, trainees take a written, oral and practical examination.

The continuing education consists of a theoretical and a practical part. The theoretical part includes general nursing knowledge as well as specialised knowledge for operative and endoscopic nursing. The practical part usually takes place in the endoscopy department of a hospital, for example in urology or gynaecology. Here the trainees learn the correct handling of sensitive endoscopic equipment.

Surgical/endoscopy nurse service - salary during training

The further training to become a specialist nurse in surgery and endoscopy is unpaid. Those who complete the further training will of course continue to receive their salary.

Nurse specialist surgical/endoscopy department - salary during career.

The salary of a specialist nurse in a surgery and endoscopy department depends on several factors:

• the company
• the place of work
• its own work experience
• the applicable collective agreements

Depending on the region and the employer, the salary can vary considerably. If the employer uses the collective agreement of the civil service, the gross salary is approximately between EUR 3 314 and EUR 3 903 per month. In private institutions, the income can be different. On average, nurses in surgery and endoscopy earn between EUR 3 330 and EUR 4 533 gross per month.

Specialist nurses in the surgical/endoscopy department - daily work tasks

The main daily tasks are preparing patients for surgery and endoscopic procedures, observing them during the procedure and caring for them afterwards. The specialist nurses in the surgical and endoscopy department ensure that endoscopic procedures run smoothly. They plan the working procedures, provide the necessary instruments, materials and equipment and ensure that hygiene rules are observed. During the operation, they support the surgical team. Cleaning and maintenance of endoscopic equipment is also part of their job.

In addition, specialist nurses also carry out all other tasks in the field of health care and nursing. These include, for example, washing and putting patients to bed, as well as advising relatives. In addition to nursing tasks, there are also a large number of administrative activities. This includes, for example, the documentation of all nursing actions, the interventions themselves and the administration of medication. After further training, the specialist nurses in the surgery and endoscopy department are also allowed to train new colleagues and apprentices.

The profession involves a great deal of responsibility. In addition, the work is usually done standing and walking, which can be physically stressful. In addition to the physical strain, there is the psychological strain of caring for sick, sometimes seriously ill people and their families. The work is therefore challenging, but also varied and diverse, and is much appreciated by the patients.

Surgical/endoscopy nurse service - further training opportunities

Those who wish to continue their professional development after further training and who have a university entrance qualification can take up a course in health and nursing. In addition to human medicine, it is possible to choose a university course in nursing management, medical education or health promotion. Those who wish to work in a management position may consider further training in the health sector in addition to the job line or the Fachwirt. In addition, there are a number of specialised further training courses which enable specialist nurses to expand their area of responsibility, for example in hygiene or wound care and dressing techniques.

Surgical/endoscopy nurse service - working hours

Working hours can be irregular; in hospitals, for example, shift work is often part of the working day, depending on the department you work in. People working in specialist practices can generally expect more regular working hours. The same is true of caring for patients at home.

Surgical/endoscopy nurse service - where can you work?

For example, nurses specialising in surgery and endoscopy work in the following institutions

• University hospitals and clinics
• Specialist practices that perform endoscopies
• Health centres
• Acute care facilities
• Outpatient nursing services