Endocrinology Nurse
Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner
Paediatric Endocrinology Nurse
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
Endocrinologists investigate, diagnose and treat disorders of the human
glandular and hormonal systems. An endocrinologist is
a physician who specializes in the function of the glands involved in
the production and release of hormones in the body, which regulate
various processes such as metabolism and cell growth.
Such medical professionals deal with the symptoms, diagnosis and
management of endocrine diseases, such as hypo- or hyperthyroidism,
diabetes mellitus or obesity of certain types.
Endocrinology is both a challenging and rewarding medical specialty.
Patients show great variety, both in terms of presenting illnesses,
symptoms and response to medication. Thus there is a large body of
specialized knowledge that an endocrinologist must be able to
assimilate.
Endocrinologists have extensive knowledge about
specific diseases that involve the endocrine system, such as:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism/ hyperthyroidism
- Hormonal imbalances
- Severe obesity
- Hypercholesterolemias
- Cancers of the endocrine glands
ANZSCO ID: 253315
Specialisations: Diabetologist
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become an Endocrinologist, you would need:
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Communication skills
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Attention to detail
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Leadership skills
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Organizational skills
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Problem-solving skills
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Empathy
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Information technology skills
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Physical stamina
(Source:
Paloma Health)
Duties and Tasks
As an Endocrinologist, you would:
- Examine patients to determine the nature and extent of problems after referral from general medical practitioners and other medical specialists, and undertake laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
- Analyse test results and other medical information to make diagnoses.
- Prescribe and administer drugs, as well as remedial and therapeutic treatment and procedures.
- Record medical information and data.
- Report specified contagious and notifiable diseases to government health and immigration authorities.
- Admit or refer patients to hospitals.
- Consult other medical specialists.
Working conditions
Endocrinologists and other physicians usually work full-time, with many
practitioners working in excess of 40 hours per week. They may work in a
hospital, clinic or private practice. They sometimes work alone, but
more frequently they work in multidisciplinary teams with other health
professionals.
Clinical endocrinologists have significant
contact with patients during consultations, which last on average
between 15 and 25 minutes. For this reason, they are more likely to be
affected by infectious diseases such as rhinitis and influenza than some
other careers.
Education and training/entrance
requirements
In order to be recognized as an
endocrinologist, there are rigorous study and training requirements to
meet. One may expect a period of study lasting at least 10 years to
become a qualified endocrinologist.
Firstly, an individual must hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree and
have completed three years of clinical residency satisfactorily,
including passing the medical license exams. This must then be followed
by additional study in a specialized area of endocrinology.
Medical practitioners who want to specialise as an
Endocrinologist can apply for a fellowship with the Royal Australasian
College of Physicians.
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Did You Know? What is the role of an Endocrinologist? https://youtu.be/8ANQ04-HAyU |
An endocrinology nurse is someone who specializes in the care of
patients who have endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus and
Cushing’s disease. They work across age groups and they are employed
in various health care settings such as inpatient hospital units or
departments or ambulatory centers. Some endocrinology nurses also
specialize, such as a pediatric endocrinology nurse.
Endocrinology is one of the popular areas of practice in medicine. It deals with a wide range of endocrine disorders and conditions such as diabetes, acromegaly, follicular thyroid cancer, growth disorders, hyperglycemia, low testosterone and many others. In order for endocrine treatments to run smoothly within a healthcare facility, there must be a team of qualified medical professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat and offer care to patients. One of these professionals is an endocrinology nurse. An endocrinology nurse provides care to infants, children, adolescents and adults who are suffering from endocrine disorders. They work with endocrinologists to take care of such patients both physically and emotionally. They ensure the patient gets an accurate diagnosis, observers the right treatment course and copes well with his or her condition. They also focuse on education about endocrine conditions and teaches patients and their families about healthy lifestyle choices.
Endocrine nurses can play an important role for these patients during diagnosis, medical or surgical treatment and in the postoperative phase. During the diagnostic phase, nurses need to know why patients must undergo certain endocrine function tests, which diagnostic medication needs to be administrated and how to inform the patient. During the operative phase, the endocrine nurse will inform the patient about the pre-operative work up, the surgery and post-operative observations. But it is also important to pay attention to the psychological disturbances patient may suffer from like depression, anxiety and even psychoses.
After surgery, psychological en physical recovery may take a long time. Even after long-term remission of Cushing’s syndrome, patients report more negative illness perceptions compared with patients with other acute or chronic conditions. There are some patients who will need a rehabilitation program to work on a better physical condition and to get psychological support during reducing the glucocorticoid replacement therapy to a ‘normal level’. In this phase, the endocrine nurse gives education about the recovery process, helps the patient with coping strategies, adherence to medication and self-management. The self-management aspects that come with glucocorticoid replacement therapy, like dose adaptation during medical emergencies, recognising and preventing life threatening situations, like an acute adrenal crisis needs to be highlighted repeatedly.
ANZSCO ID: 2544
Specialisations: Endocrine Nurse Specialists (ENS)
work across the full spectrum of endocrine disorders, either in
clinical practice, research or education.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
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Strong knowledge of the endocrine system and hormonal system
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Excellent interpersonal, communication, assessment, and analytical skills
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Sensitivity to the needs of patients and their families
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Strong computer skills, including the use of electronic health record documentation
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Ability to work in a team
Duties and Tasks
In order to function effectively, there are certain skills you must have as an endocrinology nurse. You must be able to communicate effectively with the patients, their loved ones and the members of your team. You don’t want to be someone who cannot listen to the patient effectively to know his problems and relay such information to the endocrinologist. Apart from excellent communication skills, you must show dedication, intelligence, endurance and the ability to work under pressure. You must also have good interpersonal skills. Endocrine patients need someone who is friendly and able to comfort them in their times of suffering.
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Observe and assess the vital signs of patients, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature.
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Perform physical examinations on the patient. These may include checking the thyroid glands, blood sugar levels, weakness, change in skin texture and abnormal pigmentation.
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Drawing blood from the patient and presenting it to the laboratory for testing.
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Communicating the test results to the endocrinologist to ensure an effective treatment plan for the patient.
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Maintaining and updating patient records.
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Administering medications and monitoring prescriptions.
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Educating the patient and his loved ones on the best health practices.
Working conditions
Endocrinology is very demanding, especially if you work in a large facility. Sometimes you might be required to extend your working hours. The job can also be stressing, particularly if you deal with patients who have hormonal disorders and mental disabilities resulting from endocrine-related problems. Not to mention, the process of becoming an endocrinology nurse is very long.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Everyone who wants to become an endocrinology nurse must first earn a bachelor’s degree and be a registered nurse (RN). Most employers prefer applicants who have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to perform effectively and professionally in a nursing environment. It covers courses such as anatomy, microbiology, nursing assessment, lifespan, nursing research, nutrition and diet and statistics.
Apart from earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing and obtaining your RN certification, there are other things you must do to get started in your endocrinology nursing career. You must gain a considerable amount of experience working in areas such as pediatric nursing, internal medicine, diabetes education and endocrinology care.
As an endocrinology nurse
practitioner, your duties focus on the diagnosis and treatment of
patients with various endocrine diseases. These conditions include
diabetes and thyroid issues such as an overactive or underactive
thyroid. Your responsibilities may also involve providing
assessments and treatments for people with infertility or hormone
imbalance issues. A nurse practitioner is part of the treatment
team; you help educate patients on self-care for their chronic
condition and plan and implement a treatment plan with the help of a
specialized physician called an endocrinologist.
The endocrine system
creates hormones released by glands that control nearly all the
processes in the body. These hormones help to control functions such
as metabolism, growth and development, emotions and mood, fertility,
sleep, and blood pressure. When these hormones become imbalanced it
can cause a myriad of health issues.
An Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner specializes in diagnosing and
treating disorders related to the glands and diseases of the
endocrine system such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth
disorders, obesity, infertility, adrenal issues, pituitary, and
hormonal issues. The main goal of an endocrinology nurse
practitioner is to restore balance to the patient’s hormone systems.
Endocrinology nurse practitioners treat patients as young as infants
through adulthood, mainly in private offices, but may practice in
hospital systems as well.
Endocrinology nurse practitioners take care of
patients as young as infants through adulthood. While it is more
common for an adult to have a hormonal issue, infants may be born
with disorders of their endocrine system as well. Hypothyroidism may
affect infants, especially those born prematurely. Infants and
children may struggle with maintaining their blood glucose and may
develop diabetes which requires constant monitoring. There are many
children who struggle with growth disorders and issues with their
pituitary glands as well. Endocrinology nurse practitioners are
needed to care for children and adults.
ANZSCO ID: Knowledge, skills and attributes
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Extensive and systematic clinical knowledge and skill
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Comprehensive skills in patient assessment
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The ability to deal with the unexpected
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The ability to initiate therapy, prescribe medication and to initiate investigative procedures
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Knowing how to learn
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Ability to work with others (teamwork and collaboration is central to practice)
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Provide clinical leadership, in terms of leading practice, being responsible for leading a service and taking responsibility for the practice of others
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High level of self-efficacy
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Ability to use nonlinear reasoning and develop creative solutions in clinical practice
Duties and Tasks
Endocrinology nurse practitioners diagnose and treat hormone-related conditions and correct hormone imbalances. Endocrinology nurse practitioner duties are mostly conducted in the office and include performing examinations, screenings, and ordering diagnostic tests. They may perform ultrasounds and assist in biopsies of the thyroid. Endocrinology NPs provide education to patients with diabetes, they may instruct on insulin administration, monitoring blood glucose, and following a diabetic-friendly diet.
Deciding to become an endocrinology nurse practitioner will give you the unique opportunity to improve patient’s outcomes by balancing their hormones and helping them lead a healthier life. Treating patients with diabetes and other complicated hormonal diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be challenging but satisfying. Endocrinology nurse practitioners may also help patients lose weight which may have a big impact on improving people’s health. They may also assist in the treatment of fertility issues, which may lead to the birth of a baby. Endocrinology nurse practitioners build long-lasting relationships with patients. Treating hormonal issues and autoimmune diseases can be complicated because there is no concrete treatment, becoming an endocrinology nurse practitioner and finding solutions for patients to help improve their life will be very rewarding. Endocrinology NPs have the unique ability to work across diverse settings, working in outpatient clinics or private practices will create a greater work-life balance.
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Endocrinology nurse practitioners diagnose and treat hormone-related conditions and correct hormone imbalances.
-
Endocrinology nurse practitioner duties are mostly conducted in the office and include performing examinations, screenings, and ordering diagnostic tests.
-
They may perform ultrasounds and assist in biopsies of the thyroid.
-
Endocrinology NPs provide education to patients with diabetes, they may instruct on insulin administration, monitoring blood glucose, and following a diabetic-friendly diet.
Working conditions
When becoming an endocrinology nurse practitioner, you can expect to work standard office hours conducting patient visits throughout the day. Some offices may offer evening hours, working an evening or two may be necessary. Most endocrinology nurse practitioners do not work weekends or holidays. However, some endocrinology NPs may see patients in the hospital, and it may be necessary to conduct visits during off-hours or provide “on-call” hours to be available to prescribe medication or order diagnostic testing.
Typically, endocrinology nurse practitioners are employed in private practices, however, some may work in hospitals or other clinics that treat specific hormone issues, such as, fertility or obesity clinics. Other endocrinology nurse practitioners may desire to work in diabetes clinics and educate patients on diabetes management and treatment.
Endocrinology nurse practitioners who are interested in pediatrics
can work with the pediatric population in private offices, clinics,
or hospitals.
After practicing endocrinology for a few years, nurses may decide to become an endocrinology nurse practitioner who works for a pharmaceutical company, academic institution, or possibly a research organization conducting studies to better endocrinology patients’ lives.
The length of becoming an endocrinology nurse practitioner varies greatly depending on the course of study a nurse takes. Generally, it takes 6 or 7 years to become an endocrinology nurse practitioner, between obtaining a BN and an Masters of Nursing. However, it may be extended if the nurse decides to work in a unit and gain experience first.
There are many universities offering the Master
of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) across Australia, including online
options. All degrees are at the master’s level and have universal
admission requirements, which are:
registration as a registered nurse
a minimum of 2 years’ full time equivalent as a registered nurse in
a specified clinical field
a minimum of 2 years’ full time equivalent advanced practice in that
same clinical field
a postgraduate qualification (graduate certificate or graduate
diploma) in a clinical field
Individual courses may have more requirements, and all are
accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation
Council
Employment Opportunities
Endocrinology nurse practitioners have a profession that is continuously required, which provides job security.
A pediatric endocrinology nurse works with children from birth to
age eighteen, treating and managing endocrine disorders. The
endocrine system produces hormones that help regulate processes that
occur in the body such as breathing, growth, fluid balance,
appetite, digestion, weight control and reproduction. The most
common endocrine disorder a pediatric endocrinology nurse will treat
is diabetes mellitus, as this condition
is seen as young as infancy. Other endocrine disorders the nurse may
encounter include: hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, pituitary
problems, adrenal diseases such as Addison's, childhood obesity, and
more. Many of these disorders can affect a child's growth and
development, thus the nurse works closely with the patient's parents
to educate them on the treatment of the disorder.
A pediatric
endocrinology nurse works with the child, the family, and the
pediatrician to develop an effective treatment plan to manage the
child's endocrine disorder. The nurse will provide education to the
child's parents regarding how to deal with the child's condition,
including medication education, lab testing and any diet/lifestyle
modifications. Depending on the age of the child, this information
will be taught to them as well.
ANZSCO ID: 254425
Knowledge, skills and attributes
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Extensive and systematic clinical knowledge and skill
-
Comprehensive skills in patient assessment
-
The ability to deal with the unexpected
-
The ability to initiate therapy, prescribe medication and to initiate investigative procedures
-
Knowing how to learn
-
Ability to work with others (teamwork and collaboration is central to practice)
-
Provide clinical leadership, in terms of leading practice, being responsible for leading a service and taking responsibility for the practice of others
-
High level of self-efficacy
-
Ability to use nonlinear reasoning and develop creative solutions in clinical practice
Duties and Tasks
Some duties the nurse may perform include:
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Vital sign assessments
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Physical assessments
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Blood draws for laboratory testing
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Communicating test results to the pediatrician to ensure the plan of care is effective for the patient
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Inserting catheters
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Keeping patient records updated
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Monitoring prescriptions
Working conditions
A pediatric endocrinology nurse may work in a hospital setting on a
specialized floor that may be solely for pediatric endocrine
disorders or for pediatric patients with an array of conditions. The
hospital nurse treats acute conditions or symptoms that need to be
addressed on an inpatient basis.
A pediatric endocrinology nurse may also work in a pediatrician's or
other physician's office. The work in this setting is for less
emergent situations and focuses on prevention, education and ongoing
monitoring/management of endocrine disorders.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Prospective pediatric endocrinology nurses should have experience
treating children in a medical setting, and a background in or
strong working knowledge of diabetes is also helpful. This type of
nurse may see patients over a long period of time to track growth
and disease progression, so the ability to form relationships is a
must. Excellent communication skills are also of paramount
importance, since pediatric endocrinology nurses must keep parents
up-to-date and help to calm children who may be frightened of the
necessary tests and procedures they must go through.
Upon successful completion of the examination, many pediatric
endocrinology nursing positions require some experience. To obtain
the best experience, the nurse should seek experience in diabetes
education, internal medicine, endocrinology and pediatrics to
prepare for a career in pediatric endocrinology. A pediatric
endocrinology nurse must have strong assessment skills, a strong
foundation in pharmacology, IV skills, a Basic Life Support (BLS)
certification as well as a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
certification for a hospital setting.
The nurse may further their education to become a Nurse Practitioner
(NP) that can specialize or work with endocrine disorders in
children. This requires additional schooling at an accredited
university
Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Endocrinologist; ]
NSW Health Dept [Nurse Practitioner; ]
News Medical Life Sciences [Endocrinologist Career; ]
Daily Nurse [Endocrinology Nurse; ]
Zip Recruiter [Endocrinology Nurse; ]
Nursing Process [Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner; ]
Cheap Nurse Degrees [Endocrinology Nurse; ]
Registered Nurse [Paediatric Endocrinology Nurse; ]
Endocrine Abstracts [Endocrinology Nurse; ]
Your Career [Endocrinologist; ]
