Working Life: I carry out lifesaving colonoscopies for those with positive BowelScreen tests

Maura O’Connor, advanced nurse practitioner, St John’s Hospital, Limerick

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026 - 02:00

Catherine Shanahan

“Nursing was always my first career choice. I completed general nurse training in Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin. I knew I’d get great job satisfaction from patient care, and it gave me a wonderful opportunity to travel, including a stint in Australia with some of the lifelong friends I made during training.

“I’m a homebird, and when it came to putting down roots, I returned to Limerick. It was here, in St John’s Hospital, that my interest in digestive health really developed. When I started, general nurses rotated through various departments, including theatre and endoscopy. As an assisting nurse in endoscopy, I saw firsthand how early diagnosis could dramatically change outcomes for patients with bowel disease. Wanting to contribute more directly to this ultimately defined my career path.

“In 2015, with encouragement from colleagues, I began a master’s in advanced practice in UCD, which I loved — despite the 5am Monday morning drives to Dublin. At the same time, I was learning the practical skills of scoping through hands-on clinical training in St John’s, and theory weeks at St Vincent’s University Hospital. From the beginning, I really enjoyed the technical and patient-focused nature of the role and knew I had found my speciality.

“Today, my work involves independently performing gastroscopies and colonoscopies, both with and without sedation, to diagnose and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.

Maura O’Connor: From the beginning, I really enjoyed the technical and patient-focused nature of the role and knew I had found my speciality.

“A typical day includes assessing patients, carrying out endoscopy examinations, explaining findings, and reassuring patients who feel anxious or vulnerable. Small touches — like letting patients choose music during procedures — can make a big difference in helping them relax.

“I’m lucky to work with a skilled and supportive team in endoscopy and to be able to collaborate closely with departments, such as radiology, which is central to our work and streamlines patient care.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is working as part of the BowelScreen programme. I carry out colonoscopies on people who have received a positive result from the home test. BowelScreen is for people who have no symptoms of bowel cancer. I have seen cases where participating in screening has literally been life-saving, allowing earlier treatment when outcomes can be far more positive.”