An article in the August issue of Nursing 97 listed 41 specialty certifications representing 360,286 certified individuals. A survey of nurses reported in Nursing Management in February of 1997 indicated that the top three reasons for obtaining certification reported by certified nurses are personal achievement, professional growth and increased knowledge within the specialty. Other reasons include earning recognition, demonstrating competence, validating performance and measuring levels of knowledge. Certification is awarded to individuals who meet eligibility criteria based on experience and who pass an examination covering a broad range of knowledge and skills relevant to their professional practice. Each question has four choices and one correct answer.
Candidates have four hours to complete either examination.
The RN examination contains questions from three major content areas. All questions are directly related to the GI specialty. Again, all questions are directly related to the GI specialty. More specific information regarding the content of the examinations is included in the Appendix of the Examination Handbook . SGNA, as well as some SGNA regional organizations do, however, offer review courses.