The Importance of Seeing Your Doctor for a Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. However, colon cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers, and getting a colonoscopy is an essential step in preventing it.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the lining of your colon or large intestine. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end, called a colonoscope, through your rectum and into your colon. The camera will display images on a screen, allowing the doctor to see any abnormalities, such as polyps or tumors.

Why is a Colonoscopy Important?

Colon cancer often develops from precancerous growths or polyps in the colon. During a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove these polyps before they become cancerous. The removal of these polyps significantly reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.

A colonoscopy can also help diagnose colon cancer early. If colon cancer is detected early, treatment is more likely to be successful. In fact, the five-year survival rate for people with early-stage colon cancer is over 90%.

Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?

The American Cancer Society recommends that people with an average risk of colon cancer start getting regular colonoscopies at age 45. However, people with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier or get screened more frequently.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, you should talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy. These symptoms may indicate the presence of colon cancer or other gastrointestinal issues.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Preparing for a colonoscopy can be uncomfortable, but it is essential to ensure that your colon is clean and free of stool so that your doctor can get a clear view of the colon lining. Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, which may include changes to your diet, taking laxatives, and fasting.

During the Procedure

During the colonoscopy procedure, you will receive sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed. Most people do not remember the procedure, and it typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. After the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and should avoid driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day.

Risks of a Colonoscopy

Like any medical procedure, there are risks associated with a colonoscopy. The most common side effect is mild discomfort or cramping after the procedure. In rare cases, more severe complications can occur, such as bleeding or a punctured colon. However, the risk of these complications is low, and the benefits of preventing or detecting colon cancer early far outweigh the risks.

Conclusion

Getting a colonoscopy is a crucial step in preventing and detecting colon cancer early. By removing precancerous polyps during the procedure, the risk of developing colon cancer significantly decreases. If you are experiencing symptoms of colon cancer or are due for a routine screening, it is essential to talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy. While the preparation may be uncomfortable, the procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated, and it could save your life.

Sources:
American Cancer Society. (2022). Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests-used.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Colorectal Cancer Screening. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm

National Cancer Institute. (2022). Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening (PDQ) – Health Professional Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-screening-pdq

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Colonoscopy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/about/pac-20393569

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. (2022). Understanding Colonoscopy. Retrieved from https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-colonoscopy

What is CNA Reciprocity?

Becoming a certified nursing assistant is a lucrative career move if you are interested in becoming a nurse or going into other healthcare fields that involve directly helping patients. Traveling nurses fill short-term positions in healthcare facilities, often in areas that are experiencing nursing shortages due to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and other factors.

CNA reciprocity involves transferring your CNA license to work in a state other than the one where you obtained your license. Reciprocity is essential for avoiding going through a time-consuming certification process all over again if you move or are planning to travel for work. As the trusted resource for nurses all over the company [Company Name] wants to see you succeed, so here are some things to know before applying for CNA reciprocity.

Applying for CNA Reciprocity

After you have established that the state you are traveling to has a reciprocity agreement with your current state, there are certain steps that you should complete:

• Ensure that your existing CNA certification is active and current
• Obtain a reciprocity application, which can be found in the nursing assistant registry where you currently reside
• Gather the necessary form or forms from the state where you will be going to work
• Fill out and submit your application, forms, and any other requested paperwork

Keep an eye on your email inbox and incoming calls in case either state tries to contact you with further questions regarding your application.

Challenges You May Face as a Traveling CNA

If you have decided to become a CNA, then you are already aware of the challenges that nurses and nursing assistants meet on a daily basis. However, traveling CNAs can face even more obstacles.

Envy From Coworkers

Traveling nursing assistants often earn more pay and receive stipends for housing and other expenses that staff nurses do not get. To mitigate any possible jealousy, do your best to show that you are a flexible team player and willing to help out wherever needed.

Loneliness

While CNA reciprocity is a great system to get healthcare workers where they are most needed, being a traveling nursing assistant means spending time away from family and friends in a new city. Since you may not know anyone besides your co-workers, you need to make an effort to avoid loneliness. Stay in touch with family and friends through phone or video calls and make an effort to get to know coworkers and others in your new community.

Extra Work

Because traveling CNAs are sent to areas that already have a staffing shortage and a need for more healthcare workers, there is a good possibility that you will be subject to a heavier workload than you were back home. Make sure to take time to rest and recuperate on the shifts you have off.

Make Your Certification Work for You

[Company Name] is a leader in providing tools and information to those who work as or are interested in becoming a CNA. If you are considering gaining CNA reciprocity and working in another state, reach out to us to discuss your options and learn more.

Sources:

https://clipboardhealth.com/transfer-your-cna-license-to-another-state

https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-cna-job-description-career-guide2008.html#close

https://nurse.org/articles/how-to-make-the-most-money-as-a-travel-nurse/

https://blueforcestaffing.com/challenges-of-travel-nursing/