CHICAGO—The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA) recognizes the need for increased emphasis and education on infection prevention. Infection prevention is a critical part of GI/endoscopy nursing, which is why the SGNA 39th Annual Course, May 18–23, in Phoenix, will focus on this critical topic.
With an expected attendance of more than 1,300 nurses and associates, the annual course brings people together with the shared interest of gaining education and furthering career development. During this event, SGNA will be announcing the new Infection Prevention Champions program, which is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to advocate for the highest infection prevention standards in his or her GI unit/facility.
SGNA President Leslie Stewart, BA, RN, CGRN, nurse manager, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Meridian Health said, “Quality assurance in infection prevention is the responsibility accepted by SGNA—an expectation of our collaborative partners and each and every patient we are privileged to serve. SGNA organizational success requires our personal commitment to build a comprehensive educational leadership competency in infection prevention that addresses our mission to build quality initiatives that deliver the best-in-class performance on all levels of personnel in GI/endoscopy."
The SGNA 39th Annual Course will also feature educational sessions on the topic of infection prevention. Taught by experts in the GI/endoscopy field, infection prevention sessions account for more than 10 contact hours of in-person education available. The optional session “Train the Trainer: The Nurse Manager's Guide to the Reprocessing Competency" features hands-on training under the guidance of skilled trainers. Ideal for nursing assistive personnel, “Infection Control and the Role of the GI Technician" addresses infection prevention issues facing associates or technicians in the GI unit. “Leading the Way to Exceptional Reprocessing in Your Endoscopy Setting" will review current guidelines and practices for endoscope reprocessing, teaching professionals how each individual can impact quality assurance and infection prevention.
