SGNA Offers Educational Focus on Infection Prevention at Annual Event

The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA) recognizes the need for increased emphasis and education on infection prevention. A critical part of GI/endoscopy nursing, infection prevention is an issue that impacts every procedure, every patient and every professional in the GI unit. SGNA is committed to providing GI/endoscopy professionals with the tools, education and resources necessary to stay informed on infection prevention developments, as well as provide the very best in patient care.

The SGNA 39th Annual Course, May 18-23, 2012 in Phoenix, is the premier educational conference for GI/endoscopy nursing professionals. 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 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Meridian Health states, 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.

For more information about the SGNA 39th Annual Course, including how to register, visit the SGNA Web site at www.sgna.org.