My first encounter with the world of GI was quite by accident. It occurred when during my hospital orientation, I made a wrong turn and ended up in what I thought was a closet in surgery. To my amazement there was a nurse, one doctor, and a pegboard filled with these strange long tubular instruments. I wondered, "What are these things used for?" Little did I know.
As my nursing experience grew, I noticed that the little GI lab was growing also. They had moved into a two-procedure room suite, had two full time RNs with four gastroenterologists, and more expected to be using the lab soon. I also discovered at that time that an organization existed which was comprised of other RNs and associates who also did this type of work in other hospitals throughout the state. It was a small organization that periodically met to discuss new procedures, equipment, and other issues related to the GI field. This was ASGNA (Arizona Society of Gastrointestinal Nurses and Associates).
While working in ICU, I got the chance to watch some bedside procedures and I thought that this was something I might enjoy doing. After all, the hours were good, the doctors seemed like teddy bears (compared to some of the cardiologists and thoracic surgeons), and everyone I met who worked in the endoscopy lab had a smile on their face. I am beginning to think that the last item was due to prolonged exposure to gluteraldehyde fumes. It was during this time that I decided to become an endoscopy nurse. So, when the position became available I applied and was accepted.
I found my GI orientation to be exciting as well as challenging with all the new procedures to learn and equipment to use. Never have I felt as awkward and clumsy as when I first had to handle an endoscope and biopsy forceps. I now knew what wrestling with an octopus must be like. I remember the first time I wandered down the halls with my endoscopy cart to set up for a bedside procedure. I thought that I looked like a hot dog vendor with her cart wandering through a stadium. I remember my frustration at attempting to calibrate the old motility machine and how I always had ink not only all over my hands but also all over my scrubs. There was so much to learn and so much to remember.
That was 14 years ago and although I feel like a seasoned GI nurse, there still is a lot more to learn and experience. I look forward to whatever future opportunities and challenges lie before me.
Throughout my GI career I found that the more I wanted to learn, the more I got involved with the ASGNA. I enjoyed the educational offerings and I met a lot of great people state-wide. As our organization grew, we became affiliated with the national society of SGNA. With the increased growth of our organization and the active participation of our members in legislative issues, community service projects, and our various educational seminars offered to members and non-members, Arizona was awarded the Outstanding Regional Award for 1994 (an award we hope to win again soon). We were pleased to learn the annual national conference would take place in Phoenix in 1995. We had 2 years to plan the various activities which were offered for the participants during their time here. It was a lot of hard work but when we heard all the positive feedback it made it all worthwhile.
Phoenix will again be the host city for the national conference in May, 2002. For those of you who have never attended a national conference, I strongly encourage you to do so. The knowledge you will obtain and the friendships you will make will be invaluable. For the rest of you seasoned conference-goers, you know that this is the time for you to catch up with your friends from all over the country and the world. From the feedback I received at the Tampa Bay conference this year I anticipate an even larger turnout than the 1995 conference.
So come join us at the Arizona Hospitality Booth and help us welcome all the attendees. Let everyone know what gracious hosts we are.
I hope to see all of you there and remember our slogan "DO AZ IN 2002."
Sharon Metzler, RN, works at the Arizona Medical Clinic where she is the lead nurse in the GI department. She is also the 2001 ASGNA president.
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