As my year comes to an end, I would like to take this time to thank ASGNA for the opportunity to serve this great organization. It has been a busy and exciting year. We have been involved in multiple activities including Relay for Life, Crohns and Colitis Walks, Save our Parents activities at ASU and U of A, a booth at the Woman’s Expo, and completing the year with our involvement in planning and participating in the Undy 5000.

I would like to thank all of the members who have assisted in manning the booths and sharing their time and talent to spread the word about colon cancer prevention. In addition, the education committee has developed and offered multiple contact hour opportunities for education and networking for the ASGNA community across the state.

The organization was able to purchase and present each member with an ASGNA lapel pin. If you are a member and have not yet received your pin, please contact the membership chair, Mary Bondank. If you have lost or need your pin replaced one can be purchased for a small fee.

The board and membership are deeply saddened by the passing of Cathy Olsen. She spent much of her career as an active member and board member of ASGNA. Because of her dedication, the board has created a memorial scholarship in her name to be awarded annually. This scholarship will allow her memory to continue.

I am proud to say that the ASGNA membership has stepped up and become more involved in the organization. There was increased number of candidates for board positions and committee involvement for the coming year. I thank all who have offered their time and talent. ASGNA involvement is very rewarding. Please remember that the need is ongoing, so contact the board with your interest and we will get back to you.

Elections are in progress for national positions. I encourage all members to exercise your right to vote. Profiles for each candidate are posted on the SGNA web site. Voting must be completed by January 15, 2009.

And last, but certainly not least, I want to express my deep appreciation to the 2009 ASGNA board. This group of dedicated professionals has worked tirelessly to complete the multiple tasks necessary to keep this organization alive. They have also been a tremendous support to me and they will always hold a place in my heart.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve this fine organization; it has truly been a pleasure. I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season and a rewarding new year.

President: Sue Kendrick
President–Elect: Cathy Yows
Treasurer: Sandy Rowe

The Colon Cancer Alliance sponsored the Undy 5000 on November 21. The intent of the walk/run event was to increase public awareness for the need of colon cancer screening. 836 people registered for the event, held in downtown Phoenix. $100,000 was raised during the event. The 5K winner ran the race in17.22 min. Good Job!! Other activities this past year included the Crohn’s and Colitis Walk at the University of Phoenix Stadium in April 09, the Women Expo in April 09, Relay for Life in April 09 and Save Our Parents at the ASU and U of A campuses. Come join us in 2010 as we continue to demonstrate our concern and support of our communities to in prevention of cancer.

1. How can I get a scholarship to take the exam or recertify?
The deadline for ABCGN Scholarships is December 15, 2009 so act quickly.
Go to the ABCGN.org website, across the top is the Resource tab.
Click there and go to Award/Scholarship. Complete the application and submit.
Don’t forget you can also apply for an SGNA scholarship for the annual course on their website under Education.

2. When will we have all Computer Based Testing (CBT)?
Starting next year, 2010, the only written test will be at the annual course, which is in Orlando next year. CBT will be offered 30 days prior to the Annual Course and in the fall, October 1-31^st. There are sites all across the country for CBT which saves you money for travel. Exam cities are available through the ABCGN website.

3. Can I recertify on line?
Yes and it is not hard to do. On the website go under the Recertification tab and everything you need is there. Sue Kendrick did hers recently and it took about two hours to input the information. She had her new certificate good for five years in about a week. We audit 10% of the recertification packets so save all your agendas and objectives. If you get audited, the agendas and objectives need to be submitted with your certificates. An agenda is not needed, if your certificate states ABCGN has approved X number of GI specific contact hours.

4. How do I get GI specific contact hours for my hospital programs or vendor programs?
This is a free service (at least for now) which ABCGN offers to all program directors. On the website under Recertification/applications/forms you can get a GI specific application. All program directors can complete this form even if they submitted to their State Board of Nursing for contact hours. The program is reviewed by the GI specific audit committee and GI specific contact hours are given. This saves everyone time with the recertification process.

Cathy was a long time member of ASGNA & SGNA. She was also member of the ASGNA board for several years was a GI nurse for many years attending both local and national SGNA meetings. Cathy started her career in Endoscopy department of Maryvale Samaritan Medical Center and finished her career with the Arizona Medical Clinic, Gastroenterology Department. Her expertise and knowledge in GI was invaluable to everyone. She will be greatly missed was born November 19, 1948 and passed away November 11, 2009 after a courageous three year battle with leukemia.