The need to increase colorectal screening rates in the United States remains great. The capacity to provide routine screening, especially for rural and underserved populations, however, is lacking. With training and experience, nurse practitioners could fill the need. In Alaska, a nurse practitioner is performing screening colonoscopy for Alaskan Natives. The Veterans Affairs is a system where nurse practitioners could also provide screening colonoscopy. This session will review the most current data and information from the Alaska program and discuss the obstacles that remain for nurse practitioners to fill this critical need.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the Abstracts from the SGNA's 32nd Annual Course: Passion for GI Nursing: Pass It On!! The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.