SGNA 50th Annual Course Schedule

Saturday, May 6

Pre-Conference Workshops

Time	Session/Event	Speaker(s)
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM	Regional Leadership Session	Regional Societies Committee
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM	CGRN Exam Essentials	Cathleen Shellnutt, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CGRN;  Kathie Holloway, MSN, BSN, RN, CGRN
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Under Pressure: A Simulation Course to Improve Abdominal Pressure Strategies	Kelly Osborne, DNP, AGCNS-BC, CGRN
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM	SGNA Reprocessing Training: A Comprehensive Review of Endoscope Reprocessing	James Collins BS, RN, CNOR; Mark Bruns RN, BA, MHA; Laura Schneider RN, CASC
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM	Pursuing Excellence in Motility/pH Procedures	Janet King, BSN, RN, DIPL, CGRN; Kimberly Venturella, BSN, RN, CGRN; Rebecca Chandler, BSN, RN, CGRN
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM	Hands-on EUS	Jay Lardizabal,  BSN, RN, CGRN
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Reprocessing and Beyond - Current Legal Issues & Prevention Strategies in Endoscopy Practice	Carol Stock, JD, MN, RN

Sunday, May 7

Time	Session/Event	Speaker(s)
7:00 AM - 7:45 AM	First Time Attendee Orientation
8:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Presentation: Perform Like a Champion	Aaron Davis
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM	General Session: Rectal Cryotherapy	Toufic Kachaamy, MD, FASGE, AGAF
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM	Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty	Michelle Schmidt RN
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM	All together now!  Getting the Universal Protocol Right!	Lisa Heard, DNP(c), MSN, RN, CGRN, CPHQ, CPPS
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM	When Patients Are Happy, Everyone Wins!  Increased Patient Satisfaction Through a Multifaceted Approach	Stephanie Prischak, BSN, RN, CGRN; Kathy Shields, BSN, RN, CGRN
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM	Have the Guts to Start a Research Program	Dee Tilley RN, CCRC, CGRN, ACRP-MDP, ACRP-PM
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM	A Nurse Navigator Role in an Advanced Colonoscopy Program	Michelle Juan, MSN, RN, CGRN
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM	The Power from Within: Conducting an Infection Prevention Risk Assessment of HLD Practices in your facility	James Collins, BS, RN, CNOR
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM	The Art of Manometry and the Unique GERD Patient	Rebecca Chandler, BSN, RN, CGRN
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM	GI Pharmacology	Peter Buch, MD, FACG, AGAF, FACP
4:30 PM - 6:45 PM	Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

Monday, May 8

Time	Session/Event	Speaker(s)
8:30 AM - 10:15 AM	Remarks and General Session: IBD	Michele Rubin, APN, MSN, CNS, CGRN
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	IBS and Low FODMAP Diet	Youssef (Joe) Soliman, MD
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	ERCP 101	Kimberly Venturella, BSN RN CGRN
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Leading From Within During a Time of Staffing Challenges	Kristi Prince, MSN RN CGRN
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Reflecting on the Past, Imagining the Future	Nancy S. Schlossberg BA, BSN,RN, CGRN, CER; Kathy Baker PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, FCNS, FAAN
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM	Exhibit Hall Open Booth CEs: 12:30-1:00pm; 1:15-1:45pm; 2:00-2:30pm
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	Writing for Publication Workshop	Kathy Baker PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, FCNS, FAAN; Rhoda Redulla, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, FAAN
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	Gastric Cancer: What is New and What is Old in the  Treatment of This Deadly Cancer	John Lipham, MD
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	Bootcamp for Elevated Liver Function Tests	Peter Buch, MD, FACG, AGAF, FACP
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	Interventional Pulmonology	Raed Alalawi MD
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM	Making your Message Stick: The Art of Storytelling	Lisa Heard DNP(c), MSN, RN, CGRN, CPHQ, CPPS; Cindy Friis, MEd BSN RN NPD-BC
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM	Understanding Esophageal Motility Testing: HRM to EndoFlip	Simi Joseph DNP, FPA-APRN, ANP, NP-C, NEA-BC
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM	Let's get to the gist of "GIST": Gastrointestinal stromal tumor explained	Sanjay Bhat, MD
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM	Artificial Intelligence and the Impact on Physician Performance	Elaine Jewett BSN, CGRN;  Yashika Young BSN, RN
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM	General Session: Power Up Your Microbiome	Paula Gallagher, MFN, RDN, LDN
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM	SGNA Celebration to Recognize Fifty Years of the SGNA Annual Course!

Tuesday, May 9

Time	Session/Event	Speaker(s)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM	Poster Oral Presentations	TBD
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM	Poster Oral Presentations	TBD
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM	Barrett's esophagus	Nikolai Bildzukewicz, MD, FACS
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM	Supply Expenditure Waste Reduction (SEWR)	Natalie Dawley, BSN-RN, CGRN; Clay Keith MHA, BSN, RN, CGRN
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM	Advanced Endoscopy and Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication: A minimally invasive treatment option for patients with GERD	Sarah Stainko, MSN, FNP-C
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM	Journey to Tenwek Hospital Kenya on an Endoscopy Medical Mission	Ronda Flesch, RN, BSN, CGRN
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM	Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from basic to latest technology advances	Teodor Pitea, MD
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM	Cannabis and Treatment of GI Disorders	Laura M dos Santos, MBA, BSN, BSP, RN, CGRN
9:15 AM - 11:15 AM	Exhibit Hall Open Passport to Prizes Drawing
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM	A, B, Cs of Bariatric Surgery for GI & Endoscopy Nurses	Nancy S. Schlossberg BA, BSN, RN, CGRN, CER; Gwendolyn Sampson Brown MSN, BSBA, RN, CNN
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM	Release Me because Tight Ain't Right: Nursing and GI Technician responsibilities in the Endoscopic Management of Achalasia	Ayesha Angelito, BSN, RN, CGRN; Ahwa Sung, BSN, RN, CGRN; Celina Silverio, BSN, RN, CGRN
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM	Improving scheduled case time accuracy in a pediatric endoscopy unit	Catie Coley, MSN, RN, CPN
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM	Esophageal Potpurri	Nikolai Bildzukewicz, MD, FACS
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM	GPOEM and Gastroparesis	Sarah Stainko MSN, FNP-C
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM	Use Your Power Within to Enhance Your Practice With Certification!	Lisa Heard DNP(c), MSN, RN, CGRN, CPHQ, CPPS; Conrad Worrell, RN, CGRN; Karin Cierzan, RN, CGRN CRNI
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM	Optimizing a Colonoscopy Prep Protocol Through Process Improvement	Michelle Juan MSN, RN, CGRN; Destenee Dickason MBA-HCM
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM	Operationalizing Process Improvement	James Collins BS RN CNOR
2:45 PM - 4:30 PM	Closing Remarks and Closing Keynote: Infection Prevention	J. Hudson Garrett Jr., Ph.D., MSN, MPH, MBA, FNP-BC, IP-BC, PLNC, CFER, AS-BC, VA-BC, BC-MSLcert™, MSL-BC, CPPS, CCHR-S, CPHQ, CVAHP, CPXP, CDIPC, FACDONA, FAAPM, FNAP, FACHE, FSHEA, FIDSA

Session Descriptions

Saturday, May 6

Regional Leadership Session 

This condensed version of the SGNA Regional Leadership Conference summarizes expectations, responsibilities and resources available to local leaders. The meeting will provide abundant opportunities to network, learn and exchange information and ideas with local leaders. Anyone who is currently a SGNA Regional Leader or considering becoming a Regional Leader should attend.

CGRN Exam Essentials  

Amplify your voice and your career path through GI Certification. Attend SGNA’s CGRN Exam Essentials Pre-Conference Workshop to prepare for the CGRN Certification Exam. During this course, certified faculty will provide you with an extensive overview of gastrointestinal anatomy, disease processes, interventions, management, and nursing care. This is the ultimate preparation course. Don’t miss out; registration is limited!

Under Pressure: A Simulation Course to Improve Abdominal Pressure Strategies 

Roll up your sleeves for this hands-on simulation-based abdominal pressure course. Dr. Kelly Osborne will lead this three-hour course that includes patient assessment, team communication, evidence-based techniques, and hands-on training stations. The course concludes with two simulation scenarios to practice your abdominal pressure strategies. Attendees of the course are provided with training tools to develop competencies for their endoscopy departments. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your abdominal pressure strategies to improve patient and staff safety.

SGNA Reprocessing Training: A Comprehensive Review of Endoscope Reprocessing

This course is for the nurse or technician in the GI setting who is responsible for ensuring that the cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes is done safely and effectively. The session will offer hands-on opportunities to practice the reprocessing steps.

Pursuing Excellence in Motility/pH Procedures

This session provides an opportunity to expand your Nursing Practice to better understand the activities taking place in a Motility/pH Lab. It will include  overview and discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the swallowing tract, Esophageal motility disorders and Gastro/Esophageal reflux disease. Esophageal motility disorders using the Chicago Classification will be reviewed including Achalasia.  New research will be discussed regarding recommended treatments of Motility disorders. Hands on opportunities with demonstration and break out tables will be offered using the latest technology available for both Motility and pH testing.

Hands-on EUS

At the end of this 3-hour intensive hands-on course, the participants will possess knowledge and skills related to the indications, set-up, and techniques of Endoscopic Ultrasound.

Reprocessing and Beyond - Current Legal Issues & Prevention Strategies in Endoscopy Practice 

Is your group following current infection prevention and practice standards? What standards and regulations are in place? Which should you follow when they conflict? Is your staff up to date and trained properly for procedures? From pre-procedure to follow-up, we will discuss every day practice situations, explore legal risks and defensible risk prevention strategies you can implement into your everyday practice. Re-evaluate and retool your practice. (Send questions/practice situations prior to session for possible discussion to cstock@carolstock.com

Sunday, May 7

Perform Like a Champion

It’s impossible to obtain long lasting success without the help of others. The past few years have tested the resolve and patience of those in the Healthcare/Medical space like no time in recent memory. They have faced an unprecedented amount of change and chaos and were reminded of the importance of working “together”!

Aaron shares the best practices of successful teams and characteristics of being an amazing teammate!

All together now!  Getting the Universal Protocol Right!

This session will review the components of the universal protocol and provide deep dive into the process, its critical elements and how to implement a standardized process to improve compliance and the safety of endoscopy patients and teams.

When Patients Are Happy, Everyone Wins!  Increased Patient Satisfaction Through a Multifaceted Approach

This session examines the relationship between patient satisfaction and patient outcomes, employee engagement, and growth.  In this presentation, numerous interventions are discussed that can be utilized to increase patient satisfaction. Discussion will include how data and processes are shared and implemented among staff. The data will demonstrate how these interventions improve patient satisfaction, while also enhancing employee engagement and retention. A strong correlation is evident between improving patient and employee satisfaction and overall departmental success.

Have the Guts to Start a Research Program

Are you looking to do nursing research for Magnet status, graduate medical education for a specialty accreditation, home grown research, or to participate in clinical trials? You could impact the future care and change standard therapies for the patients you care for in the gastrointestinal setting. With an understanding of the education and oversight required to conduct research, you can start and be successful in managing research in your GI setting/facility. 

A Nurse Navigator Role in an Advanced Colonoscopy Program

The Nurse Navigator role is new to gastroenterology.  Nurse Navigators can help manage special programs within GI.  This session will focus on the evolution of creating such a role for advanced colonoscopy.

The Power from Within: Conducting an Infection Prevention Risk Assessment of HLD Practices in your facility

Guidance addressing the practice of high level disinfection of endoscopes continues to evolve as research and studies into these practices are investigated.  At the same time, Accreditation Agencies continue to report noncompliance with HLD standards during surveys.

Possessing the ability to perform a comprehensive risk assessment into the HLD practices of a facility is a proactive measure to assist in the identification of the current state of reprocessing practice, evaluate the current practice and develop a strategy to maintain and or improve the reprocessing services. 

This effort will have a tremendous impact in the journey of promoting patient safety, maintaining accreditation readiness, reducing potential patient harm and potentially improving reprocessing efficiencies. 

Monday, May 8

ERCP 101

You can do ERCP! This is the perfect resource to leverage so you can build your momentum in developing as a GI Nurse. You've mastered the basics, now it's time to learn ERCP. This is nothing like our basic procedures, with the exception we use a scope. Don't dread the Extremely Ridiculous Crazy Procedure! This can be Everybody's Really Cool Procedure. If you are new to ERCP this is the course for you! What is all that equipment? What are we actually looking at? Come climb the Biliary Tree with me and learn all about ERCP.

Leading From Within During a Time of Staffing Challenges

Being an Endoscopy leader is especially challenging since Covid struck our nation. In 2021, 1.7 million healthcare workers left their jobs. Staffing shortages are prevalent with 76% of US healthcare workers, including leaders, who are also exhausted and burnt out.

Reflecting on the Past, Imagining the Future

This session takes a whimsical look back at the roots of gastroenterology nursing and shines a light on the future art and science of our profession.

Writing for Publication Workshop

Sharing important clinical and theoretical knowledge is important in advancing the science and art of nursing. Nurses are encouraged to disseminate their work through publication. This session will present various aspects of the writing process. Participants of The WRITE Project will share their experience from identifying a writing topic, manuscript preparation, and submission.

Gastric Cancer: What is New and What is Old in the  Treatment of This Deadly Cancer

Early symptoms of gastric cancer may include GERD, abdominal pain, nausea and early satiety.  Often individuals treat these symptoms with over the counter acid reducing medications.  Initially, relief is fund with these medications, but this is only masking what is really going on in their stomach.  By the time patients seek treatment, it is sadly often too late.

Bootcamp for Elevated Liver Function Tests

The evaluation of elevated liver function tests can be frustrating.  So many choices! Could I be missing something? Please join Dr. Peter Buch for an interactive, practical guide highlighting the most common sources of elevated liver function tests. This session will provide the clinical tools to renew your confidence in evaluating a patient with elevated liver function tests.

Making your Message Stick: The Art of Storytelling

Using a story to share a message can help to better illustrate a situation, evoke an emotion, and leave an indelible mark on the listener.  Session participants will delve into art of storytelling and be provided with the tools and roadmap to make an impact. Participants will practice this technique and start to develop their own style in telling a story.

Understanding Esophageal Motility Testing: HRM to EndoFlip

Gastroenterology specialty has many diagnostic tests to identify and treat different conditions of the GI tract. High-Resolution Manometry (HRM) can accurately assess the relationship between contractile wave closure force, esophageal clearance force, and esophageal outflow resistance. EndoFlip is an Impedance Planimetry System that provides a three-dimensional image of the esophageal lumen to measure pressure changes, diameter, and volume. This one-hour session on esophageal manometry and Endoflip will be a great learning opportunity for all gastroenterology nurses on performing this procedure, patient preparation, its analysis, and interpretation of the results based on patient presentation.

Let's get to the gist of "GIST": Gastrointestinal stromal tumor explained

This presentation will educate all on the importance of early recognition of GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) and management.

Power Up Your Microbiome

The gut microbiome is crucial to health. The microbiome is composed of thousands of species of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa which vary from person to person. Although there are many different types of microbes inside the human body, bacteria are the most studied. Genetics, antibiotics, diet, environment, and social interaction all play a role in the functioning of the species inhabiting the gut. There are many variables affecting our microbiome so harnessing key factors can allow us to power up our gut microbiome for optimal performance. This session will describe the different therapies and approaches to improving and preserving the gut microbiome including supplements, weight maintenance, exercise, and dietary changes. Moreover, research presented will help participants understand the link between the gut microbiome and many chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and brain health.

Tuesday, May 9

Supply Expenditure Waste Reduction (SEWR)

This session will explore an initiative implemented to reduce financial waste as well as decrease the burden imposed across the healthcare system by discarding useable products and devices. Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center Endoscopy Department is a hub for cutting-edge advancements in the field of Gastroenterology in the Texas Medical Center, the largest network of hospitals in the world.

Advanced Endoscopy and Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication: A minimally invasive treatment option for patients with GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a very common condition that occurs when acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus. Severe GERD can be treated surgically such as open Nissen or laparoscopic Nissen surgery. Advanced endoscopy techniques now offer a minimally invasive approach with TIF or transoral incisionless fundoplication.

Journey to Tenwek Hospital Kenya on an Endoscopy Medical Mission

Take a journey on an Endoscopy  Medical Mission to Tenwek Hospital in Kenya.

A, B, Cs of Bariatric Surgery for GI & Endoscopy Nurses

This session arms GI/endoscopy nurses with up-to-date information to care for pre and post bariatric surgery patients in and out of the endoscopy suite.

Release Me because Tight Ain't Right: Nursing and GI Technician responsibilities in the Endoscopic Management of Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects 1 in every 100,00 people. Patients now have a non-surgical option to treat their symptoms.

Use Your Power Within to Enhance Your Practice With Certification!

Certification in Gastroenterology Nursing validates the highest standards of patient care and recognizes the nurse’s commitment to their profession and to their patients. If you have started or are interesting is starting your certification journey this panel discussion with certified nurses will provide you with information and tools to aid in your success.