The effects of the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be devastating to the patient and his family and significant others. Often, it is the nurse who first touches the patient, knowing something is wrong. Anger, fear, and confusion occur with this disease and its accompanying poor prognosis. The knowledgeable gastrointestinal (GI) nurse impacts the patient, providing immediate education and vision, offering a plan of care, and adding hope to the patient's range of emotions. The purpose of this session is to educate the endoscopy and ambulatory GI nurse in the multidisciplinary treatment plan and care of the patient with pancreatic cancer. Knowledge will positively affect the patient and help the nurse to realistically walk step-by-step with the patient beyond treatment completion. Equally important as emotional support, the nurse should focus on assisting the patient with compliance to the treatment plan, including symptom management. Pancreatic cancer basics, case presentations, and pictorials with simultaneous staging entities will be highlighted. It is challenging to educate and motivate a patient to pursue a decisive path in a malignant process. The educated, confident nurse can help the patient by directing him in a step-by step manner, incorporating goals that are achievable and manageable.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from SGNA's 33rd Annual Course, SGNA on a Mission: Exceeding Expectations. 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.