A Look Back on 2021: The Top 5 Articles

The Pulse | Thursday, December 16, 2021

By SGNA Staff

As we wrap up 2021 and head toward 2022, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned this year. From CGRN study tips to health care legislation, colorectal cancer trends to keep watch on and everything in-between, here are this year’s top five articles on The Inside Tract.

CGRN Study Tips From Fellow SGNA Members, by SGNA HQ: Achieving the Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) credential is a significant milestone in any GI nurse’s career. It takes dedicated and thorough studying, which often starts months in advance. We spoke with a few SGNA members who proudly wear the CGRN letters to get their advice and best practices on preparing for the exam.
The Cures Act: What Nursing Professionals Need to Know, by Georgia Reiner, MS, Senior Risk Specialist, Nurses Service Organization (NSO): In December 2016, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act (“Cures Act”) into law. On May 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published the final rule. The act has several elements of interest to health care providers, including regulations designed to facilitate sharing of data for research purposes — thereby accelerating drug and device development — and those designed to improve interoperability so patients have easier access to their health information.
Colorectal Cancer Trends in 2021 and Beyond, by Whitney Jones, MD: As we continue our work of preventing cancer and saving lives, many challenges stand before us: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing public health measures and the old/new challenges of delivering equitable preventative care across the populations we serve. If we are going to seize the opportunity we have to prevent the rise of colorectal cancer (CRC), then we must think and work our way out of these areas where “catch up” is needed.
Setting the Standards: Challenges in Endoscope Reprocessing, by Candice Quillin, RN CGRN GTS: The Joint Commission published the top five requirements identified most frequently as non-compliant during surveys performed in 2020. Infection control standards made the top of the non-compliant list for most organizations, as well as staff competency to perform their job duties and responsibilities. Endoscope associated infection transmission is frequently linked to inadequate reprocessing. Therefore, regulatory focus on this area will continue.
Infection Prevention Week: Show What You Know, by the SGNA Editorial Committee: Are you an all-star when it comes to infection prevention? This year, in honor of Infection Prevention Awareness Week, the SGNA Editorial Advisory Committee has come up with trivia questions for you to dive into.

Bonus! Top 5 Word of the Week Flashcards

These were the words that got your attention the most: