The Minnesota Regional Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, MnSGNA, is chartered by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). Membership in the society is comprised of nurses and associates (technicians, pharmaceutical, equipment and industry representatives, assistants) who are involved in the specialty of gastroenterology and biliary tree entities. The goal of our society is to further knowledge by providing education about disease processes of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract and biliary tree, as well as aspects of health and wellness associated with this body system. MnSGNA has a membership in excess of 190 professionals. We provide contact hours at our annual Fall course with education specific to the field of gastroenterology nursing. Objectives of education include promotion of safe patient outcomes.

Technology in our specialty includes the use of endoscopes that allows direct visualization, without surgery, of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small bowel, large bowel, and the biliary tree: hepatic duct (from the liver), cystic duct (from the gallbladder) and pancreatic duct (from the pancreas). Most of the procedures are performed by physicians. The use of conscious sedation assures patient comfort. We place high emphasis on aspects of infection control and safety, for patients, as well as staff.

Inside Channels, MnSGNA's newsletter is published minimally, twice per year.  For questions or comments, or if you would like to be included on the mailing list to receive the newsletter, or if you would like to submit items to this newsletter, please contact either: