"I would like to recognize the accomplishments of the entire endoscopy team," writes Christie Turner, RN, supervisor of gastroenterology and oncology at the medical center. "The department had nearly a complete turnover in staff as well as a new supervisor in the past year and a half. They have weathered a new doctor and nurse practitioner as well as retiring a long-time physician. They have welcomed changes in the department in blocked scheduling and increased cases -- approximately 21 percent more colonoscopies than last year."
The team includes: Maryann Gonsalves, RN, Margaret Palmer, LVN, Janis Dinardi, RN, Sue Carrow, RN and Sheryl Gustafson, RN.
"They continue to provide the highest quality of care to all of the endoscopy patients and maintain the highest of professional standards," Turner says. "They work together both here and in the care center satellites to provide endoscopy care. They are one of the finest teams I have had the pleasure of working with him any department."
Congratulations Sutter Gould Endo Team!
Consultants in Gastroenterology All Stars
Michelle Boram, RN, says the teams focus on efficacy to keep the process running smoothly.
"All day we are admitting patients and preparing and educating those patients for their procedures," she writes. "We take turns in the procedure room administering conscious sedation and monitoring patients during their procedures. The nurses also have other tasks that keep the endoscopy centers running, including: ordering drugs and supplies, scheduling patients for procedures and assisting with clinics. Nurses also call patients a few days after their procedures to see how they are doing."
Other all star team members include: Sharon Diddle, RN, nurse manager, Karen King, RN, nurse manager, John Hendrich, RN, Linda Hetle, RN, Jackie Ludwig, RN, Mary Ann Langley, LPN, Kelly Bradley, RN, Michelle Chandler, RN and Shannah McGee, RN.
"Nurses work in both centers and fill in where people are needed," Boram says. "The qualities that put these nurses above the rest are teamwork, knowledge and commitment --demonstrated day-in and day-out. We all have a lot of fun together. It is like working with family."
Congratulations Consultants in Gastroenterology All Stars!
Catawba Valley Medical Center Endoscopy Team Shines
Sherry S. Hardee, RN, MSN, CNOR, and surgical services director, says the medical center and the endo team provide the latest technology and the best patient care.
"The implemented the third capsule enteroscopy program in North Carolina and have increased utilization through improved turnover times and better patient coordination," she writes.
What goals are team members striving toward? Hardee says endoscopy coordinator Terry Thomas, RN, CGRN, is working on his BSN.
Other members of the team include: Lynn Carmack, RN, Gabriella Harrell, RN, Elaine Lutz, ST, Suzanne Dietrich, RN, BSN and Betty Morris, LPN.
Hardee says the following make the team Endo All Stars: "They consistently research the best technology for the department and hospital; patients and physicians continuously compliment the staff for their excellent patient care; they work tirelessly to meet the needs of their customers through efficiency, standardization and are constantly seeking areas for improvement."
Catawba Valley Medical Center is located in Hickory, N.C. The facility is the 32nd hospital nationally to receive magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
"The endoscopy team personifies our 'magnet philosophy' -- to always strive to give the best patient care possible."
Way to go Catawba Valley Medical Center Endoscopy Department!
| Want to nominate a coworker for an Endo All Star award? Visit www.endonurse.com or e-mail kdonley@vpico.com for details. |