Gastrointestinal or GI Nurses work with patients who suffer illnesses and disorders related to the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the most common and most serious conditions affecting this system are colorectal cancer, hospital-acquired infections, and opioid-induced constipation (OID). GI nurses have a patient-facing role which involves pre- and post-operative care, as well as administrative and counselling duties.  Something of a social stigma still exists around issues with gastrointestinal health, meaning that GI do crucial work as patient educations and advocators.

In practice, GI nurses often assist in procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. In the former, a colonoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube mounted with a tiny video camera, is inserted into the rectum so that healthcare professionals may observe any changes or abnormalities in the large intestine. In the latter, a similar device (called an endoscope) is inserted down the throat so that abnormalities in the upper digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, and the small intestine. During an endoscopy, tissue samples may also be collected for diagnostic purposes.

During GI Nurses and Associates Week, we recognise the contributions that GI Nurses and their associates make to the safe, effective, and compassionate practise of gastroenterological care. We have a gut feeling that we couldn’t stomach a world without you! To learn more about the kinds of specialties that Adevia Health recruits in, read our other blog articles here