Message from the SGNA President: Create Momentum

Gut Check | Tuesday, August 27, 2019

SGNA President Lea Anne Meyers, MSN RN CGRN

One of my challenges to you this year is to create momentum. Creating momentum requires you to increase the things that move you forward and decrease the things that hold you back. By creating momentum, we can move beyond barriers and achieve goals. I love this thought process because it can apply to your personal life, your career, a business or an organization such as SGNA.

Some tips to help you create momentum include:

Determine what success looks like by defining the goal(s). You have to know what your destination is so you can figure out the best way to reach it. If you don’t set a destination, you’ll never get there.

Eliminate energy drains and recharge. Focus on people, places or activities that inspire you. It’s hard to create momentum when you are tired or worn out.

Remove fears and embrace change. Momentum means change. Don’t let fear of success, change, failure, ridicule or the unknown get in the way.

Identify people who can help you. Avoid people that will tell you what you want to hear and focus on those that will tell you what you need to hear. These are the people that will mentor and challenge you, and cause growth and momentum.

SGNA is a wonderful place to find strong mentors. Our organization is vibrant because we have a legacy of strong leaders. I was recently reminded of this when we received the news that Past President JoAnne Harbuagh passed away. She served as the 2003-2004 SGNA president and was passionate about healthcare, focusing on quality, infection prevention and nursing leadership. Other SGNA leaders shared these memories of Jo:

“She helped me get my current job, for which I will always be grateful. She was a wonderful nurse and mentor.” —Lisa Fonkalsrud, Director, Tulsa Endoscopy Center, 2015-2016 SGNA president

“We were so lucky to have had Jo as a mentor and leader for SGNA. I will remember her fondly and take with me the lessons she taught me about leadership.” —Lisa Heard, associate dean and associate professor, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2008-2009 SGNA president [Lisa and Jo are pictured in the photo above.]

“Jo always had the time to inspire and mentor.” —Theresa Vos, vice president, operations at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, 2009-2010 SGNA president.

“Jo was always an inspirational leader. She mentored many of us to continue to grow and give back to the community we love and are proud to serve.” —Leslie Stewart, 2011-2012 SGNA president

I think you will agree that Jo created momentum. She had a vision of success, not only for herself but for SGNA which she loved dearly. Her investment in others through mentoring and leadership has a ripple effect, as these leaders whom she mentored went on to mentor many others, including myself.

I hope that you will accept the challenge to create momentum and see where it will take you!

SGNA is a community of nurses, technicians, medical assistants, industry representatives and other GI professionals. Members join to stay up-to-date on industry trends and evidence-based practice, receive free and discounted education, network with others passionate about gastroenterology and to feel pride in their profession. Not a member? Join SGNA today!