3. Ismeal Rivas
Ismeal is an endoscopy technician at North Orange County Surgery Center, in Anaheim, Calif., and has many talents, according to his colleagues.
"'Ish' as we call him, is one of the hardest-and-most-dependable workers you will ever meet," said his nominator, Karen LaBonte, nurse manager. "From GI tech-ing to building maintenance, Ish does it all."
Ismeal's strong work ethic has brought him to the center during the middle of the night because an alarm has gone off, on nights and weekends to do extra cleaning, and after hours to assist others who need access to the center.
One of his many strengths is that he works well with patients, physicians and staff.
"He has a kind reassurance about him that makes our patients comfortable. Ish's energy and leadership skills motivate others around him," LaBonte said.
Physicians like working with him and are confident in his knowledge and skills as a GI technician, his colleagues reported.
"Most importantly, he sets a high standard for others on how patient care is given," LaBonte added. "He also sets a standard on how to maintain our equipment and center. He takes care of our center like it is his own, being mindful of cost-saving measures without compromising quality patient care."
Ismeal is always willing to do anything his job requires and is motivated to learn other areas of the facility, including most recently, the operating room.
"As a manager, Ish is an employee that not only makes my job easier, but gives me the confidence that our patients are receiving the highest quality care they can receive, along with outstanding patient satisfaction," LaBonte concluded.
Ismeal said he gets "great satisfaction" in helping patients with their health concerns.
"I also enjoy helping my patients ease their worries by making them feel comfortable," he said. "I reassure them they are in great hands, and the end result of their surgery/procedures will be a positive one for their well-being."
Ismeal is a fan of endoscopy because endoscopy allows medical professionals to see diseases, cancers, and other illnesses that otherwise could have gone untreated.
"It also allows us to save lives immediately," he said. "For example, for patients who have GI bleeds, we can effectively do banding and ligation procedures. We have also helped diagnose conditions, such as colon cancer, that require early diagnosis in order for treatments to be successful in saving patients' lives. Endoscopy is invaluable in having healthier patients."
Ismeal's advice for endoscopy professionals is to learn the procedures well and learn the doctor's techniques so that said person can anticipate the doctor's needs.
"I would also advise the nurses to be more aware of the patients' concerns during the pre-op and post-op stages," he said. "By being a good listener and making them feel comfortable, you will help create a supportive environment for the doctors and the patients."
