Elkins, WV – Kathryn “Kitty” Lee, RN, CGRN has been named to a two-year term on The Item Review Committee for the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN). Lee works at Davis Medical Center (DMC) as the Specialty Practice Nurse for Dr. Nitesh Ratnakar, MD, FACG.
“I’m pleased that Kitty was appointed to this national committee and is able to share her knowledge and experience with others in the field. It is a reflection and acknowledgement of the high quality care that patients receive at Davis Medical Center,” Dr. Ratnakar said.
ABCGN is a volunteer non-profit organization whose purpose is to maintain and improve the knowledge, understanding and skill of nurses in the fields of gastroenterology and gastroenterology endoscopy by developing and administering a certification program. The Item Review Committee reviews all test items submitted for the certification examination for accuracy, verification of correct answers, and appropriateness for entry level competence. The committee is comprised of 7 Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurses (CGRN) from across the United States.
Lee, who has practiced as a Gastrointestinal (GI) nurse for over 30 years, received her initial GI Certification (CGRN) in 1995. Currently, there are only ten CGRN’s in West Virginia.
In 2012, Lee was selected for the ABCGN’s Passing Point Committee, a committee that helps determine the passing point of the certification exam.
Of her current appointment Lee feels it is an honor to be selected and to serve.
“I really enjoy the opportunity to work with gastroenterology nurses from all over our country, and to help set the standard by which we practice. It’s been an honor to be selected by our National Board to serve on these committees.”
She continued, “I have always been encouraged to get involved in my professional organizations by my supervisors at DMC. With the assistance of my managers, and staff I have had the opportunity to attend countless national meetings over the years, which enabled me to help write policy and put into practice the excellent standards by which we operate DMC’s GI unit. Interacting with peers from all over the country also gave me the exposure to receive the invitations to serve on committees at a national level. I am thankful for the professional opportunities that my employment at DMC has allowed.”
Through the years Lee has held many different offices in the West Virginia Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (WVSGNA) including her current post as Secretary/Treasurer. In addition Lee and fellow GI nurse Michelle Streets, RN, will host the 2015 WVSGNA annual meeting on March 28 at the Isaac Jackson Hotel.
The Gastroenterology Unit and Endoscopy services at Davis Medical Center provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment for adults with digestive system disorders. For more information call 304.637.2360 or visit www.davishealthsystem.org.