Conrad Worrell, RN, CGRN, CSN, of Endoscopy at Brigham and Women’s Health Care Center in Chestnut Hill, was recently appointed as president of the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN).

ABCGN administers the Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) program — the only professional certification for gastroenterology nurses — validating the highest standards of patient care in the field.

“I’m very happy to be a part of ABCGN,” said Worrell. “It’s a great organization. I joined about five years ago, and I was elected president this year. It’s just been absolutely fantastic.”

Worrell recently answered a few questions about his presidency and advice for nurses considering certification in gastroenterology.

What inspired you to join ABCGN?

When I started in gastroenterology back in 2002, I had a great mentor who was very involved in ABCGN. They gave me the application to our national association as well as our core curriculum. They advised becoming certified within two years because of how beneficial it is to nursing practice and patient care, and so I did.

What are some of your responsibilities as president of ABCGN?

The American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses verifies certification for gastroenterology nurses who have completed at least two years in endoscopy or gastroenterology. The test is specific to gastroenterology, and it’s all about management, scope reprocessing and different diseases and treatments.

Could you share more about your presidency term?

it is a three-year term. The first year, you serve as president-elect, learning the role of presidency through bi-weekly meetings with our executive director, president and president-elect. The next year, you serve as president with the responsibility of leading the organization. During the third year, as a former president, you serve as an advisor/consultant. I just started my president year last month.

Do you have any goals you would like to accomplish as president?

The American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses currently has approximately 4,000 members. One of my goals is to try to increase that number through certification.

Do you hold any other roles with the organization?

I also serve as chair of ABCGN’s Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) accreditation standards taskforce and as a member of the bylaws/policy and procedures, website, and budget and finance committees.

Do you have any advice for nurses who are considering certification in gastroenterology?

The best thing for nurses to do is get certified. Certification is linked to better patient outcomes and care, so I want to stress its importance for nurses who are involved in gastroenterology or endoscopy. Certification helps you keep up on what is happening as our tests change and other updates in the field. It also helps you keep up on your education because you need CEUs to re-certify.

How has certification benefited you?

There are a lot of benefits personally, as well as professionally. I never would have gotten some of the jobs I have held if I wasn’t certified. I feel I’m able to give patients better information because I’ve done all that studying and am aware of what information patients need to help themselves stay well. It’s also great to serve as a source of knowledge for other colleagues. Brigham and Women’s is very supportive of certification.

To learn more about certification resources for Brigham nurses, please visit this page. (Note: This link is available to MGB employees only.)