ENDO ALL STARS

“Show Me” Some All-Stars: Phelps County Regional Medical Center Endoscopy Team

Janet A. Rankin, RN, is a “lifer” — with 26 years’ nursing experience, she is more than qualified in her role as clinical coordinator of endoscopy at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Mo.

Rankin’s attitude, enthusiasm and humor have been an inspiration to her All-Star staff; after she joined the department in August 1999, Rankin spearheaded the patient and community education efforts of the department, a visible extension of her life goal: “To contribute as much as possible to public education regarding the lifesaving value of colon cancer screening and the role of endoscopy.”

“In 2002 and 2003, the endoscopy staff hosted an annual Colon Cancer Awareness Day,” recalls Carla J. Simmons, RN, Performance Improvement Coordinator of Surgical Services at the hospital. “This event has featured a variety of educational offerings, speakers, refreshments and prizes for people from the community.” The staff thoroughly enjoys preparing for this event, and even enlists family members to help. Rankin’s son Ben played the role of “Polyp Man” from the American Cancer Society. Approximately 300 people from the Rolla area attended.

The endoscopy staff also provides education at community health fairs and clubs. Rankin and an endoscopy physician host radio programs on gastrointestinal health, especially on colon cancer screening. The staff is currently working on fundraising to bring the Colossal Colon exhibit to the 2003 community health fair.

Other members of the Endo team include Toni Strait, RN; Tanna Barnes, RN; Josie Black, RN; Kim McFarland, LPN; Heather Miller, RN; Gail Elieson, RN; Lisa Thompson, LPN; Daniel Olson, RN; and John Bailey, RN. Support staff includes Virginia Atteberry, secretary, with Cheryl Lamb and Charlotte White working as scope processing techs. The department performs standard endoscopy procedures and ERCPs. The area also serves as a special procedure lab for the hospital. The service is dynamic and growing. They are projected to perform 3,500 procedures for 2003.

“This group of people has come together to form an extraordinary team that is supportive of one another in both professional and personal ways,” extols Simmons. “They enjoy an excellent working relationship with the physicians. This all comes together to create a highly competent, friendly and comfortable environment for patients having endoscopy procedure at PCRMC.”

Congratulations, PCRMC Endoscopy All-Stars!

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