About ABCGN
Who We Are
The American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN) awards the only professional certification for gastroenterology nurses, which validates the highest standards of patient care, and recognizes the caregivers who demonstrate this commitment through CGRN achievement. It is an independent board established in 1986 to administer the Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) program.
To help demonstrate the importance of the CGRN and similar certifications, ABCGN is a member of the Professional Certification Coalition, an organization that addresses efforts to enact state legislation that would undermine the activities or recognition of certifications developed or offered by non-governmental, private certification organizations.
More About ABCGN
Mission:
The American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses provides a certification and recertification program for gastroenterology and gastroenterology endoscopy registered nurses that promotes their knowledge, skills and competencies in order to ensure quality patient care and outcomes.
Vision:
To lead and promote professional excellence in the practice of gastroenterology nursing.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement:
The American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN) is committed to embracing the diversity of our board, volunteers and certified professionals that support the need for equity and inclusiveness in our organization, our profession, and in our efforts to lead and promote professional excellence in the practice of gastroenterology nursing.
ABCGN is committed to striving for equity for all CGRN candidates and recertificants. Equity for our candidates means that everyone who meets the eligibility criteria has access to exams across all populations.
In May 1986, at 26 locations across the United States, 669 candidates sat for the first gastroenterology certification exam. What an exciting day and milestone for GI nurses! This was the culmination of several years of planning and rigorous preparation.
The first seeds for certification were sown by SGNA, then named SGA—Society of Gastrointestinal Assistants. In 1979, SGA formed an Ad Hoc Certification Committee to study the feasibility of a certification program. In 1980, this group became a standing committee and developed five steps leading to certification:
- Standards of Practice
- Educational Curriculum Guide
- Educational Training Programs
- Accreditation Program
- Implementation of Certification
In 1985, the certifying group separated from SGNA and became the Certifying Council for Gastroenterology Nurses (CCGN). The first role delineation study was conducted, which identified the competencies and skills in the scope of practice for a certified gastroenterology nurse. The first exam followed.
Through the years, we have experienced many changes. Our name has changed three times - from Certifying Council for Gastroenterology Nurses to Certification Board for Gastroenterology Nurses to our current name, the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses. Yet one thing has remained constant, our dedication to the GI profession.
Congratulations to all of you who recognized the importance of demonstrating continued competence and became certified. Over the 25 years, more than 10,000 nurses have taken the exam; 4,000 nurses are currently certified.
As we celebrate this milestone, let’s acknowledge those who recognized the need to standardize our specialty and who worked tirelessly to develop our program. We are indebted to the countless volunteers who have written and reviewed items to provide a quality exam and those of you who served on the Board of Directors and various committees.
Goal 1: Increase the value of maintaining the CGRN credential.
ABCGN will develop and focus its marketing and branding efforts to enhance the understanding of the value of the CGRN certification among key stakeholders and to increase the number of individuals applying for certification.
Goal 2: Innovate and stay ahead of certification best practices for both initial exam and recertification.
ABCGN will evaluate the current innovations with the certification space that will enhance the certification and recertification program.
Goal 3: Promote ongoing development of GI nursing certification through outreach and expansion of market.
ABCGN will engage stakeholder groups to promote all facets of the CGRN certification program.
This new document will take the place of our yearly, virtual Annual Business Meeting and provides updates on the current state of our organization.