Most Valuable Professionals

EndoNurse has a longstanding practice of honoring the best of the best, but typically, we feature teams of nurses, rather than individuals. This supplemental issue is intended to pay tribute to those exceptional people who exemplify the best of their teams.

In this section of EndoNurse, sponsored by Mobile Instrument Service & Repair, you will find descriptions of first-class nurses, technicians, physicians, and other staff members who have made endoscopy one of the most pleasant departments in the hospital.

Once you've read this section, please go online to vote for your favorite MVP! The top three winners will receive a special prize, and will be featured in our October/November buyer's guide issue. Vote for your favorite at www.endonurse.com/vote.

And don't forget to nominate your own favorite colleague for our 2008 MVP issue. Visit www.endonurse.com/valuableProfessional.html to nominate someone for 2008.

“Jasmin Medrano, RN, is an MVP because she capitalizes on opportunities,” says Lucila Delos Santos, RN, BSN, CNOR, MBA, director of the operating room (OR) at Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md. Medrano, she says, looks beyond problems and obstacles, exhibiting positive energy and enthusiasm. Over the past year, Medrano assisted the main OR staff in making posters to be exhibited in the AORN 54th National Congress in Orlando, Fla. in March 2007. She had personally designed one of the team’s posters, titled “SCIP: Our Journey to Surgical Excellence,” which they proudly presented at the conference. (Editor’s note: SCIP stands for the Surgical Care Improvement Project. )

“Jasmin has proven that she is a valuable resource in using the latest trends in information technology,” Delos Santos adds. “Professionally, she takes pride in her job and has been observed to demonstrate ingenuity in anticipating and meeting unexpected patient needs, when she takes charge in the absence of detailed instructions. She puts patient safety as her top priority and effectively applies new concepts and techniques to resolve nursing issues and concerns.”

Medrano also adapts principles of evidence-based practice in the annual review and revision of the department’s policies in endoscopy. Most recently, she took the initiative to pursue her advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification to increase her knowledge and skills in the management of patients undergoing endoscopic procedures under moderate sedation. “Obviously, she can handle a charge nurse’s responsibilities in the absence of her specialty coordinator, Mary Stamler, RN,” Delos Santos adds. “Jasmin Medrano is a great asset not only in the endoscopy department but in our main OR as well, where she works as our pre-op nurse for open heart patients. But her credentials do not end here, because she is continuously working on being the best that she can be every chance she gets. It is our consensus at Washington Adventist Hospital Surgical Services that her genuine interest in handling formidable challenges in perioperative nursing should earn her a spot on this year’s list of MVPs in endoscopy.”

Hunter is able to stay focused on the flow and mission of the unit, Overton adds. “Ramona has learned lots of skills since starting endoscopy about four to five years ago,” she continues. “She has become very familiar with her role and is instrumental in helping to train new staff. Ramona is responsible for several process improvement (PI) projects in our unit. She maintains the schedule for our ultrasonic washers, and keeps up with the scopes’ availability.”

Hunter’s abilities are not limited to scheduling. In fact, says Overton, “I find Ramona to be an excellent resource person. She has made herself the most knowledgeable person on our unit to maintain the ultrasonic washers. She strives for 100 percent compliance with scope cleaning and tracks it daily. She is able to do all the procedures in our unit and help out in so many others. She accepts responsibility willingly, while being a wonderful team player who is very dependable. She has the ability to plan her day by the morning schedule, adapting quickly to changes throughout the day. (That’s endo.) Ramona is perceived well by all who know her and unfortunately doesn’t get all the recognition she truly deserves. However, for the record, she is one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

“Lauren has been a leader in the specialty of gastroenterology, and has been an integral component to the successful development of five surgery centers for DHAT,” he adds. The centers were developed over the last seven to eight years, and include Endoscopy at Redbird Square, Old Town Endoscopy Center, Central Park Endoscopy Center, Park Ventura Endoscopy Center and North Richland Hills Endoscopy Center.

In addition to helping develop new centers, Jensen serves as a CPR instructor for her employers and for staff at the physician offices.

“With the development of each center, Lauren has continually strived to improve efficiency and patient care, and has kept abreast of new technology to incorporate into each new facility,” Puccetti says. “DHAT is the largest gastroenterology physician group in the country. With more than 30 locations covering a 100-mile radius, DHAT provides healthcare services for the entire Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.”

However, Eileen has more going for her than just the ability to educate. “Eileen is patient, approachable, and knowledgeable, and has a great sense of humor,” Fioriglio adds. “Nursing has sometimes been known to eat its young, but Eileen is able to provide nurses and patients with a very positive side of nursing. She takes pride in her role and it shows! I am honored to work with her and nominate her for the most valuable professional.”

And, says nurse manager Anna G. Garcia, “She assists with all of our special procedures such as EGDs/ PEGs, bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, etc. She also sterilizes instruments and works in the wound care center as a technician, assisting physicians with biopsies, and irrigation and debridements. Julie volunteers for many activities and fundraisers within our community. She covers three Kindred facilities, is on call seven days a week and has never complained about the amount of work she has to do. She is truly a team player and has always kept a positive and optimistic outlook. Her dedication to maintain quality and professionalism within our community, to the patients, staff and physicians at our Kindred facilities is priceless.”

Carmen Padiernos, RN, agrees. “Julie is very dedicated, consistent, and reliable in every aspect of her job,” she adds. “The doctors love her attention to every detail. The safety and comfort of patients is her priority. She makes them feel comfortable with her cheerful welcome, and is always learning about new trends. She is active in the organization, and puts together inservices for the staff.” Spallino is truly a valued professional.

Essick has made quite a positive impression on her fellow nurses. “She is excellent role model for other staff and does a great job orienting new staff members,” Cooke points out. “She follows the highest standard of care for every patient. She is quality conscious and often makes recommendations for changes that would benefit both our patients and our office. She is truly one of those people that you love to work with and is always missed by us and her patients when she is gone.”

“She has become an excellent GI nurse,” says fellow nurse Sandy Hall, RN. “She shares her psych skills with her peers as well. The level of compassion and genuine care she gives to patients is outstanding.”

Galloway’s background as a psychiatric nurse has been helpful in the endoscopy unit, Hall says, because it helps with understanding patients and their mindsets when they enter the suite. “She is able to read them better; it’s like she works magic with people, she’s so perceptive to their needs,” she adds. “I believe that’s because she was such a good psychiatric nurse and worked with all age ranges in that setting. It takes less sedation with her patients because she has such a good way with them.”

Although Galloway knew nothing about endoscopy when she was invited to interview with the department, she has become so skilled, Hall says, that “Inside of a year, you’d never know she hadn’t worked gastroenterology (GI).” Nurses in the unit sedate and take care of equipment in the room, and Galloway is so well-rounded that she is able to help with all the necessary tasks. “It was a hard transition, learning scopes and the equipment, but she’s done it all.”

Galloway has proven popular not only with her peers, but also with the recipients of her care. “All of her patients fall in love with her, she is so kind and caring,” Hall affirms. “The rest of her team love her as well. They respect and admire how successfully she changed careers after such a long time.”

Before moving over to the GI lab, Price had been working in another unit. There was only one room for the “endoscopy department,” which was a spin-off of surgery. “One of the gastroenterologists encouraged me to apply for the job, and I’ve always had a love for it,” she recalls. “I still enjoy what I do. We now do both pulmonary and GI.”

Although in Tennessee, nurses cannot currently do flexible sigmoidoscopies, Price looks forward to a day when that might be possible. “If I could do scopes, I would do flex sigs on patients,” she affirms. “I think that would be interesting.”

Price, Waters adds, is great with the patients. “They all love her and ask for her when they come into the lab,” Waters says. “She works hard to keep our lab as current as possible with the numerous changes in the gastroenterology and pulmonary fields over the last 22 years. I should know, as I’ve worked with her for 17 of those years!”

Ontiveros trains all nurses and techs at the facility, and, Eaker says, “The staff trained by Eva know endoscopy inside and out by the time she is done. She is meticulous in their training and sets high standards for all staff involved with endoscopy.”

Not only that, but all of the GI physicians have the utmost respect for her and enjoy working with her, as does the staff, Eaker continues. “As the director of the department, I find her to be a true asset. Not only is Eva instrumental in training our own endoscopy staff, but she has also been the driving force behind the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) training courses offered annually here. Last year’s conference had 100 nurses and techs in attendance, from as far away as Amarillo, Texas, and Phoenix.”

Eva is a born teacher and truly loves to help people, she says. “You will not find a more professional, dedicated, kind, caring, and compassionate nurse. When you think of the characteristics of an MVP, Eva definitely fits the description. I recommend her with complete confidence and without reservation.”

Sylvain handles materials management for the unit, and also assists her director with budget planning.

Sylvain is the most competent and knowledgeable CST that she has had the pleasure of knowing in her eight years of endoscopy, Heaton adds. “She has taught me a great deal and has the respect of the whole staff.”

Sylvain received the SGNA's now-defunct CGA certification in 1996.

Stamler, she says, uses the synergistic power of teamwork to achieve results. “Her nursing staff attest to these skills that develop a strong camaraderie among the team members.”

Economic turmoil has swept through the healthcare industry — decreases in budget, low case volume, crosstraining conflicts, and productivity dilemmas have been their experience lately — but Stamler knows how to redirect her skills and energy where they are most needed. “Mary does our Kronos, the OR payroll system, and has been diligently reporting discrepancies that led OR leadership to review and develop a new strategy in our extended call approach,” Delos Santos explains. “She has been instrumental in our internal cost control system through her diligent monitoring of daily and call schedules. She exhibits extreme patience in tracking down employees so that they will be properly paid in a timely fashion, at the same time assuring that the hospital is not ripped off by illegitimate time punches. Mary enjoys being on hospital committees, and actively participates in all of the activities that review the policies and procedure like the policy on conscious sedation. This is really close to her heart, since this is one of her standards of care in endoscopy.”

The staff, she says, “loves Mary because she is an empathic listener and knows when to ask and pursue a penetrating question. She is a pleasure to work with because she remains powerful and effective under stress. Mary Stamler is our Most Valuable Professional in endoscopy and this is our way of thanking her for her wonderful contributions not only in endoscopy but the entire surgical services department.”

“Having had repeated testing through the years for me, my husband and my father, we have always requested that John be in attendance,” says Donna M. Thomas, RN, employee health nurse, who is both a colleague and a patient. “His kindness and reassurance and high capability talents make what is a delicate and stressful situation much more acceptable. My dad, who is 85 years old, feels so much better when John is in attendance. He is an exemplary employee."

Griffith has always had a love for GI; he started in endoscopy 18 years ago and never left.

Chasmar, she adds, is very knowledgeable regarding procedures and processes. “She lends her expertise in all areas of endoscopic nursing. Additionally, Lisa works well with the physicians, having developed a high level of trust and camaraderie. She has been instrumental in guiding our department towards advancing technology, volunteering for educational opportunities, and being a mentor for all staff. Lisa is a shining example of an MVP in endoscopy, as well as any nursing setting. Now, if I can just convince her to pursue advanced degrees, she will be practically perfect in every way!”

Carl Barsanti, MD
Pulmonologist

Carl Barsanti, MD, is a pulmonologist at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill. “He is a role model for compassionate care of patients, a true motivator, and an inspiration to nursing staff,” says colleague Cecelia Pezdek, the manager of the endoscopy center. “He is a patient and thorough teacher and is always approachable. A true safety advocate, he always concerned about what is best for the patients.”

Barsanti has had direct involvement in a nursing research project on capnography and pre-tracheal auscultation, and has also been involved with communication collaboration and critical thinking (CCC), an initiative to improve communication between physicians and nurses. “He has worked tirelessly to provide direction for a sleep apnea protocol for surgical patients. He also demonstrates work-life balance — he recently participated in the Chicago marathon. He is a member of the ethics committee.”

Although Barsanti is in private practice and not an employee of the hospital, the staff sees him often enough to know that “his passion for making a difference is evident in all he does,” Pezdek adds.

Ongoing education has been important to Ayers’ gastroenterology knowledge base and her growth as a manager. “She is married, with a blended family, which combines her professional and personal lives effectively,” adds Campbell. “She is a typical, dedicated, American nurse, who gives of herself every day, and yet receives very little recognition for her excellent care of her patients. She is a wonderful person, friend, and coworker! I am proud to nominate her for this honor.”

Although Young no longer works with Monita, she still remembers her as one of the most pleasant coworkers in her experience. “Mary never complains even if her personal life is challenging. I am sad that I no longer work with her, but I always remember the smile that would keep us all on the right track. We need more people who can say ‘Let’s do the job that we’re here to do with humor and a smile.’ She’s worth her weight in gold.”

Palumbo has an amazing ability to make those around her feel both important and valued, Street adds. “If you make a mistake, she says, ‘We have all made that mistake and that is how we learn.’ She is such a terrific motivator, and makes the job fun and interesting. Over the years I have seen her recruit, teach and inspire new staff members to perform at a level much higher that I would have ever imagined they could.”

Palumbo has gone overboard to make working at the center a pleasurable experience. “This past summer, Marybeth arranged for me and my technician co-workers to take the SGNA GI Technical Specialist Program online,” recalls Street. “When we passed, as a surprise, she had a pinning ceremony arranged with all the doctors and team members present. Our medical director presented us with our beautifully framed diplomas, gave us our pins, and pictures were taken to record the event. It was so nice to be recognized. Marybeth even had new name tags made with the initials GTS after our name. As a nurse and as an individual, MB is compassionate, kind and warm hearted. She is respectful and well respected. In my book, she is definitely an MVP!”

Leslie McRae-Matthews, RN, BSN, CGRN
Staff nurse/unit educator

Leslie McRae-Matthews, RN, BSN, CGRN, is a staff nurse and unit educator for the Florida Hospital-Altamonte in Altamonte, Fla. Her family and colleagues have admired her work for years. “She is a consummate professional,” affirms her husband, Patrick McRae. “She is nurturing, caring, and freely gives of her time and expertise. She is able to wear many hats, as a wife, mother and nurse. There are few people who can maintain the delicate balance between business and personal life.”

McRae-Matthews is currently working on her master's degree in nursing education. “I am in awe when I see how she maintains her calm exterior, even though there are multitudes of tasks, deadlines, and patient care decisions in her path,” he adds. “Throughout her career, she has always mentored people without a hidden agenda. She strives to learn and enjoys teaching others. She is a member of the SGNA and is a strong advocate for the issues related to endoscopy. She obtained her CGRN certification and has encouraged her peers to achieve the same goal. Unselfishness and sincerity are characteristics that are a must in this field and she has both.”

Instead of looking for praise for her abilities, McRae-Matthews performs her duties out of genuine compassion, he notes. “She is very conscientious and strives toward excellence. She is a preceptor, mentor and role model for all nurses.”

Loralee Kelsey, RN, CGRN
Staff nurse

Loralee Kelsey, RN, CGRN, is a staff nurse at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Ill. “Loralee was instrumental in reforming our regional SGNA,” recalls her coworker Annett Schmit.

Kelsey has made volunteer work and healthcare involvement a regular part of her contributions to the community at large. She serves as chairperson for the SGNA National Practice Committee, and is a lead preceptor in the hospital’s gastroenterology department. She also serves on numerous hospital committees.

“Above all, she makes GI nursing contagious. Her enthusiasm and drive bring out the best in others,” Schmit says.

Thacker has been a GI nurse since 1983, coming to the current facility in May 1989 with a wealth of experience from other hospitals. “In the early 1990s, he was instrumental in incorporating the extension of a separate GI lab from the OR here and having exclusive staff members,” Acord recalls. “Howard runs the department, makes out the schedule, and trains the new employees. He stays on top of the budget, checks equipment, works closely with the gastroenterologists to update the scopes, and does all the troubleshooting whether he is here or on the road.”

Miller has been doing endoscopy since 1997. “I came from a medical-surgical floor,” she recalls. “I went to the emergency room, and as part of my duties there, I trained in endoscopy. Our unit does both – we have a dual role of providing both endoscopy and ER services.”

Miller has a history of being willing to throw in an oar, regardless of what task is at hand. “It doesn’t matter if she is on the sedation end of it or the physician’s assistant -- she is more than happy to help. She is an asset to this facility,” Voelker concludes.

Luteran loves her profession and her patients, and it shows, Assad adds. “She is a hard worker and a patient teacher. I had the pleasure of working with Debbie for many years and learned so much from her. Debbie went out of her way to help staff, patients, anyone who needed it. Debbie inspired all with her knowledge, dedication and professionalism. Debbie is someone who really was ‘born to be a nurse.’ I am so proud and honored to know her.”

Joanne Heidorn, RN, CGRN
Patient care coordinator

Joanne Heidorn, RN, CGRN is the patient care coordinator at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, Ill. “Joanne is the ‘guru’ of endoscopy,” says former colleague Linda Zema, the past coordinator of endoscopy services, now a staff nurse in the recovery room. “She is the expert and a fountain of information for all the happenings in our GI department. The physicians always ask for her, and the staff relies on her. She is the workhorse of the department.”

Heidorn has been in nursing for over 30 years, and in endoscopy for the last 10. “I came to endoscopy initially for the daytime convenience, with encouragement from the endoscopy leader at the time,” Heidorn recalls. “Nursing has always been my love. From the time I was a young kid, I had set my goal to be a nurse. I have to admit when I first came to endoscopy, it was a new challenge, but I would never realize the opportunities that I would face over the years.”

Heidorn relishes patient interaction and the feeling that she has made a difference in someone’s life. She has spent her time in endoscopy learning all she can about the field through countless seminars, journals, and the Internet. She became a CGRN more than five years ago, and renewed it in 2006 with over 200 hours of education. “I love to share my knowledge with the staff in the department and throughout the hospital. I have hosted skills labs and developed competencies throughout years to help keep the staff competent with all phases of the department,” she adds.

“What makes endoscopy special are the new advances that have taken place throughout the years. It has enabled me to enjoy new challenges and help build a strong endoscopy lab. Leadership support toward personal growth and quality has helped make working at Delnor Community Hospital a privilege,” she says.