Welcoming Address
Jan Bryer, MSGNA President 2009
The state of the economy makes it an extremely challenging time in our professional and personnel lives. We’re seeing a decrease in salaries, benefits, workforce, public assistance and customers. Folks will need to make choices; medication or food, see my physician or wait it out. Despite the uncertain economic road ahead, we cannot loose sight of how precious human lives are. As healthcare professionals, we need to continue to reach out to patients, families, friends and neighbors and continue to educate them about following through with the physician’s recommendations and about disease prevention. We need to educate them about GI health. We all know colon cancer is preventable through screening colonoscopy. We need to remind patients of the importance of keeping that next procedure appointment. We need to support our UC, Crohn’s and IBS patients. We need to support our swallowing disorder, acid reflux, celiac sprue, Hepatitis C, liver and pancreatic disease patients. We need to continue to spread the word and educate.
It is an honor to hold the position of President for the Maine Association of GI Nurses and Associates as we move into our 26th year. Involvement in one’s professional organization always offers a wonderful opportunity for professional and educational growth whether holding a position or being part of the membership. Nurses are a very giving group. We love to share what we’re doing in our workplaces. Networking with colleagues is one of my favorite reasons for being active in our professional organization. I urge you to talk with your colleagues and encourage those who are not members to join us! The rewards are great! Bring them with you to our Spring or Fall Conference. Encourage them to go to our national conference being held in St. Louis this year. We’d love to meet them!
Together, we can help our patients and colleagues! You don’t need a title to be a leader. Talking costs us nothing and even one person can make a difference! Let that be you!
All the best, Jan