Escondido Surgery Center Endoscopy Team

Escondido, California

The Escondido Surgery Center is a multi-specialty outpatient surgery center with two endoscopy and four operating rooms. State licensed and Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations(JCAHO) certified, the center received the highest Joint Commission score in the US last survey, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated nursing staff and administration.

Three thousand six hundred endoscopic procedures are done annually, with a patient satisfaction rating of excellent or good in more than 95 percent of endoscopy patients, says Ronald Feldman, MD, medical director of endoscopy. “It goes without saying that performing 30 colonoscopies and/or gastroscopies daily in only two rooms with excellent outcomes, and a relaxed atmosphere for patients and families is a feat worth recognizing.”

Twelve nurses and two endo techs participate in procedures. Many have a military background and pride themselves in running an efficient, friendly, high-quality and on-time operation. Their dedication to serving their patients and team approach lead to superb patient care.

When the husband of nurse Corinne Oakland was sent to Iraq with the Marine Corps, the war touched home. A former Marine herself, Oakland kept in touch with her husband and kept the team informed about how the troops were doing. A few weeks later, the wife of one tech was sent with the Navy to participate in the war as a thoracic surgical scrub tech, and there was some anxiety around the center in regards to the wellbeing of our military people. This was further heightened by the ‘on-call’ status of nurse Maj. Debbie Westermeyer, who might be called to active duty any time.

One thing was very clear: the troops needed contact with friends and relatives at home, and their morale would be boosted by some better food. “The nurses and I decided to send brownies from Fairytale brownies,” says Feldman. “The soldiers loved the brownies and emailed back a picture from Baghdad with them enjoying the treat. I forwarded the photo of the marines to Fairytale Brownies, who sent more brownies at no cost to show their support for the troops.

“While sending brownies was a relatively small thing to do, it was heartwarming to all and indicative of the concern our staff have for their patients and others,” says Feldman.

Teamwork
Baptist St. Anthony’s Health System Endoscopy Lab Amarillo, TX

The Baptist St. Anthony’s Health System Endoscopy Lab is comprised of 27 members, including RNs, LVNs, an instrument tech and two unit secretaries.

“The teamwork is commendable,” says Freida Toler, BSN, nurse manager of the GI lab. “The team works together to admit, assist in procedures, recover and discharge patients. Each member of the unit is cross-trained within their scope of practice. Here, each area belongs to everyone.”

“The greatest gift of working in this lab with this group of individuals is not only how well they treat the patients and their families, but how well they treat each other,” continues Toler. “The heartfelt caring is amazing. Everyone in our unit, as well as the physicians who come here, pitch in to help each other in times of need and sorrow. Knowing that gives us strength.”

Baptist St. Anthony’s has been ranked two years in a row as one of America’s best hospitals.

“We are doing out best to do our part,” says Toler. “At BSA, we believe that work should be fun, and working in the GI lab certainly is fun.”

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