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It is a little unusual to have the first message from the President posted on the web site so late, but we had some unusual circumstances in our effort to make web site changes. I am looking forward to being your President for the rest of 2008, and excited to meet the challenges that we have before us.
There is a great deal to look forward to in 2008-the spring conference was hosted by Waukesha Memorial Hospital GI Center on April 18-19. As the planning committee worked on the spring conference, they worked on revising the planning manual for those who volunteer to host future programs. Those revisions will be available sometime this summer. Froedtert GI Lab has graciously offered to host the fall conference on October 4. Multi-Regionals will be October 17-19 in Peoria IL. The SGNA national education course was May 16-21 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the theme this year being, "SGNA and You: The Power to Make a Difference."
Since the New Year (all be it is a little late now!) is the time that many of us set new goals and resolutions for ourselves, I ask you to take a little time and reflect on how you can make a difference. All of you already make a difference just by the fact that you have chosen nursing for a profession. You desire to change, improve and make better. How will you make a difference this year? By growing professionally to enhance your own development you can expand your power to reach outward and make effective changes. One way to enhance your professional development is by taking advantage of the educational offerings provided by WSGNA. It is our goal and mission to support education and peer involvement. Please, this year, make a difference in your professional growth and practice by taking the opportunity to attend one of this year's educational courses.
The past year was a work in progress in regards to the newsletter. Cathy Johnson did an excellent job of writing and editing. As we achieved our goal of providing it electronically we were able to save money on printing and postage. The board plans to provide funds for GI Nurse's Day celebrations again this year, as well as award scholarships for the Spring, Fall, Multi-Regional, and National education courses. We will also provide scholarships for certification and re-certification.
We plan to modify the scholarship forms to make application easier. Our goals are to update the website, get more involvement from others in the newsletter, revise the conference planning manual, and give away all the scholarships this year!! We would love to be able to award all the scholarship money, so get those applications turned in!
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions at mary.fiebelkorn@phci.org or 262-928-7614. I look forward to working with you all this year.
Mary Fiebelkorn BSN, RN, CGRN
President WSGNA