A Q&A With Cathleen Shellnutt, 2020 SGNA Distinguished Service Award Winner

The Pulse | Thursday, May 28, 2020

The 2020 SGNA Annual Course Distinguished Service Award is sponsored by Diversatek Healthcare.

Cathleen Shellnutt, DNP APRN AGCNS-BC CGRN, was recently named the 2020 SGNA Annual Course Distinguished Service Award winner. SGNA spoke with Shellnutt about her career path in gastroenterology, getting involved with SGNA on both the regional and national levels, and what this award means to her.

This award acknowledges an SGNA member who has demonstrated service and leadership to the organization. Why do you believe it’s important to give back in this way?

It is important to be involved as a member of SGNA to have an impact on the practice of nursing related to gastroenterology (GI). I started my active participation with SGNA at the regional level and quickly learned the value of networking with other GI nurses and associates in my region. I have also benefitted from the resources provided by SGNA to improve the practices of the facilities I have worked in. It is important to give back in this way to advance your knowledge and network.

Looking back on your time with SGNA, what moments stand out? How has your involvement with the organization helped in your professional development?

I was part of the North Texas SGNA (NTSGNA) Board when Laura Schneider was our president and organized our annual education event at the Gaylord Texan. It was a learning experience for me to be part of a large educational event. I have enjoyed my time as a member of the SGNA Annual Course Program Committee and have used my education planning experience many times for regional and national events.

When I became manager at the Texas Health Resources (THR) GI lab in Dallas, Flo Shaffer sent me a personal note about my involvement in SGNA. Flo was one of the founding members of NTSGNA and the first manager of the GI lab at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas (now THR Dallas). Flo was also the National SGNA President from 1981-82. Her recognition of my work with SGNA meant the world to me professionally.

My involvement with SGNA has helped me advance professionally through relationships with many of its members. I met fellow member Kathy Baker many years ago. When my job put me through Texas Christian University’s Evidence-Based Practice Fellowship, our relationship grew and she encouraged me to continue my education. I have now completed my DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). She has been my mentor for many years and continues to challenge me to stretch myself professionally through SGNA.

Attending the Train the Trainer (TTT) course was also a pivotal moment for me. I have always been passionate about endoscope reprocessing and was anxious to become part of the TTT team. I have been able to teach at several of the courses and value my experience as a trainer and my time with the participants as we all learn from each other.

What does receiving this award mean to you?

Receiving this award means that my peers have noticed and appreciated my contribution to gastroenterology nursing. My goal has always been to have a positive impact on gastroenterology nursing practice.

What is your advice for the next generation of GI nurses and associates?

My advice for the next generation is to be flexible. There are always many changes in healthcare and gastroenterology nursing, but be sure to appreciate and extract wisdom from the trailblazers before you. I would not be where I am today if Flo Shaffer had not pioneered the first GI lab at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas where I held my first position as a staff nurse, and then later in my career as a manager. Laura Schneider and Kathy Baker have introduced me to many key people within SGNA at a national level over the years and have blessed me with their wisdom from their careers in GI nursing.

Many GI nurses around the country have lifted me up and recommended me for positions within SGNA leadership over the years, and I am grateful for those friends and peers. Attend the national conference as often as possible and don’t be afraid to volunteer at the regional or national level.