Key issues in the introduction of nurse endoscopy.

The inspection technique of gastrointestinal endoscopy is becoming increasingly popular and services in this area are expanding. Conditions which could only be treated by surgery can now be done endoscopically and this requires suitably trained medical staff. Consequently, there are demands from the medical and nursing professions to develop the role of the nurse endoscopist. This paper raises issues of concern to nurses who wish to undertake diagnostic endoscopy and suggests how the necessary skills and knowledge to gain competence can be obtained.