by
Sean Ruck, Contributing Editor | April 12, 2016
From the April 2016 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
The 43rd Annual Course, presented by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates Inc., is fast approaching. The event, taking place at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle May 22-24, will offer attendees the opportunity to earn up to 41.75 contact hours, making it an important gathering for gastroenterology professionals seeking to pull down a lot of continuing nursing education credits over a short time. In addition to the education offerings, the event has other activities slated for attendees and also has exhibitors displaying the latest products and services relevant to the group. That’s not to say the course is the only thing SGNA has been working on. HealthCare Business News caught up with SGNA President Lisa Fonkalsrud to learn more about the happenings at the society.
HCB News: How did you get involved in health care?
LF: I always knew I wanted to have a career in health care, ever since I was young. When I was deciding what career path I should follow, the pathway to nursing was the obvious choice for me as I desired the direct patient care and impact that came with the profession.
HCB News: How did you get involved with SGNA?
LF: Within my first year in the GI specialty, my boss invited me to a SGNA regional society meeting. I joined the organization that night, and haven’t looked back since.
HCB News: Why should people consider joining SGNA?
LF: SGNA has unparalleled resources. There are the tangible resources like continuing education, practice documents and Web-based information. SGNA also has the resources that are unseen, like regional and national connections with other people who share the same passion. It is really exciting to get together with our GI community — with people from all over the world who feel the same way about GI and nursing.
HCB News: What are the main initiatives you’re championing as president?
LF: I’m a champion for our continued efforts of setting the infection prevention standards. With the recent release of two infection prevention-focused practice documents, as well as our Infection Prevention
Champions Program and continuing education offerings, SGNA has the information for GI professionals to provide safe patient care. Infection prevention and safety takes the full GI team — regardless of job position — and being confident to perform at the highest level requires an understanding of current research and best practices. SGNA provides this education and training for GI nurses and associates, so they are able to enhance their quality of care.
