Gastrointestinal endoscopy is an expanding field with more therapeutic procedures being performed. In addition, JCAHO standards are increasing in procedural areas. Debates arise over requiring ACLS for procedural area nursing staff, sedation guidelines, and the most effective way to maintain staff competencies. These issues provide challenges for the Nurse Educator in the endoscopy suite. This presentation will walk you through the responsibilities of the educator in the GI lab. Areas of concern such as maintaining competency of the staff in low volume, high risk procedures, and keeping up-to-date in the latest procedures and issues in the endoscopy arena will also be addressed. Magnet status, certification, ACLS requirements and knowledge needed before sedation administration will be discussed. Strategies for success, such as the use of computerized web based education and various ways to promote critical thinking, will also be covered.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from SGNA's 34th Annual Course, Charting a Course for Professional Growth. 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.