Endo Staff Shows Team Spirit

Janice Braswell, RN, BSN, has waited a long time for the perfect channel to express appreciation for her team. Now she gets the chance to cheer on the ASC staff at Rockford Gastroenterology Associates in Rockford, Ill., which, she says, exemplifies dedication, commitment, honesty and compassion.

No one there sees it as a run-of-the-mill job, Braswell adds. “That attitude doesn’t exist here. On the contrary, the staff views Rockford Gastroenterology as their second family. They don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. The caring spirit demonstrated toward one another carries over to the patient. No one leaves here feeling like he or she was just another procedure,” she says.

What is the secret to success? Fifteen nurses, four aides and three scope techs with almost 500 combined years of nursing experience and assistance.

“Rockford Gastroenterology and Associates is the only physician-owned office and endoscopy center in Rockford, Ill., performing 40 to 45 procedures daily for a yearly average of over 11,000 EGDs and colonoscopies,” Braswell observes. “This would be impossible without the support and guidance of our physicians. The expertise and mentoring they lend encourage personal and professional growth. In-house and after-work continuing education courses are offered to staff, and the SGNA conference is attended every year on a rotating basis for the nurses. Trainers are brought in for ACLS/CPR training and re-certification with no out-of-pocket expense for the staff member.”

After two years of employment, nurses must take the CGRN certification test and renew every five years. But it’s not all work and no play. The team of 15 physician-owners frequently shows its gratitude, with annual catered picnics in July and two employee Christmas parties.

“I would like to say that I am honored to work alongside staff who exemplify team spirit and camaraderie. Negativity doesn’t stand a chance inside our doors,” Braswell concludes.

Byrne Medical Inc., salutes the ASC staff of Rockford Gastroenterology Associates for their hard work and commitment to exemplary patient care. The team will receive a commemorative plaque in celebration of their EndoNurse All-Star recognition.

Honorary All-Star: Dave Barry

Humor columnist Dave Barry is known for his quirky outlook on everyday experiences, which now include a screening colonoscopy. Barry, like many others, had postponed his 50-year screening. He even crawled through the Colossal Colon and signed a pledge to get screened, but never did. He put it off for 10 years — until his youngest brother was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Finally, at age 60, Dave Barry got a colonoscopy. He was terrified because, he writes, “You don’t want a doctor to stick a tube 17,000 feet up your butt. The idea of having another human, even a medical human, becoming deeply involved in what is technically known as your ‘behindular zone’ gives you the creeping willies.”

After his brother’s diagnosis, Barry called a friend who is a gastroenterologist. He underwent the procedure and passed with flying colors — cancer-free. He then had an epiphany: “In addition to being a pathetic medical weenie, I was a complete moron. For more than a decade I avoided getting a procedure that was, essentially, nothing. There was no pain and, except for the MoviPrep, no discomfort. I was risking my life for nothing,” Barry concludes.

He points out that if his brother had been so foolish as to wait 10 years, his cancer could have been much more advanced. Thus, he encourages everyone over the age of 50 to act like a grown-up and get screened.

To read the entire column about Barry’s colonoscopy experience, visit www.miamiherald.com/dave_barry/story/427603.html.

EndoNurse and Byrne Medical would like to congratulate Barry on his own successful colonoscopy, and designate him an “Honorary All-Star” for raising awareness of this important procedure.