EndoNurse MVP 2013 Nominees

EndoNurse has a long tradition of honoring the best endoscopy professionals, and our team is proud to continue that tradition with the 2013 Most Valuable Professional (MVP) awards.
EndoNurse honors the nurses, techs, and assistants who make the suite run smoothly. Voting is from Wednesday, May 22, 12 p.m. EST, to Monday, July 22, 12 p.m. EST. You can vote as many times as you'd like. Good luck to all our nominees!

Jessica Abrego

In the five years Jessica Abrego, ADN, RN, ACLS, PALS, BLS, has worked at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, Texas, she has transitioned from an admitting nurse to recovery nurse and now works as a circulator. Laura Disque, MSN, CGRN, the director of endoscopy at Doctors Hospital, nominated Abrego because Abrego's work ethic has made her a vital part of the team. Disque said Abrego has a quiet yet attentive nature and has learned the various roles in the department and gained the physicians' trust.

Her work ethic has helped her become trained in procedures such as EGDs and EUS. She works well with patients of all ages, from pediatrics to adults, according to Disque. "Her ability to work in multiple capacities, and excel in those areas, has made Jessica extremely valuable to our unit," Disque said. Abrego plans to obtain her CGRN certification later this year.

Rosula Cruz-Laporte

Rosula Cruz-Laporte, RN, has 30 years of experience as a nurse, including 16 years at the Atlanta VA Medical Center (VAMC) Gastroenterology Department, where she currently works. Her strong clinical and organizational skills and many years of gastroenterology nursing help with the smooth and efficient management of the GI lab and multiple specialty clinics.

Cruz-Laporte functions in an outstanding manner in the hepatology, ADL (advance liver disease), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), GI new-patient clinics and the GI lab. As the lead RN for the GI clinics, and the senior RN in the GI lab, she has provided quality patient-centered nursing care to veterans.

She adheres to the GA RN Nurse Practice Act, Code of Ethics for Nurses, SGNA and VHA Nursing Qualification Standards. As a result, Ms. Cruz-Laporte has accomplished high-quality work and productivity even amidst the demands of a growing clinic.

"She provides knowledgeable and veteran-centered care, making all reasonable efforts to ensure that veteran safety and well-being is maintained during all interventions," said nominator, Cynthia Rucker, MSN, RN-BC, NE-BC. "She also maintains collegial relationships with all healthcare providers," she added. "They consistently ask for her assistance with complex patient care issues. She has contributed significantly to the development and stability of the GI lab and GI/hepatology clinics at the Atlanta VA Medical Center."

Gail DeCosta

Gail DeCosta, RN, CGRN, has been in endoscopy since 1976. Since then she has become a mentor and educator to GI nurses. She works as the nurse manager at VCU Health System in Richmond, Va., and is retiring at the end of this year after a long career of service.

As part of CBGNA she helped develop the standards through which nurses now become certified GI nurses. DeCosta also was involved as a GI nurse in the development of the initial guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and the later approval of colonoscopy as the standard for screening.

DeCosta has participated in SGNA at the local, state, national and international levels.

"As she approaches her retirement at the end of 2013, the GI community will miss her input and expertise that she has shared with us through her many years of GI nursing," said nominator Sharon Everette, MSN, RN, CGRN, a nurse clinician at VCU Health Systems.

Luis De La Garza

Not too many people are referred to as "exceptional," but that's exactly what Laura Disque calls her colleague, Luis De La Garza, RN, CGRN, a CGRN-circulator at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, in Edinburg, Texas.

De La Garza has been in endoscopy for six years and becomes more passionate about it every year, said Laura Disque, CGRN, MSN, director of endoscopy.

"During these past six years I have seen Luis grow personally and professionally from training and running a full marathon (to support the Leukemia Lymphoma Society) to becoming a certified gastroenterology registered nurse," Disque said. "Luis works as a circulator and on some days he is charge nurse for a department of 50 employees. He demonstrates great work ethic. He is always on time and is only off when planned in advance."

De La Garza rotates being on-call and physicians are extremely comfortable when he is caring for their patients, Disque said.

"He provides excellent customer service by demonstrating professionalism and compassion to all patients and their families and to his colleagues," she added.

He is also a supportive husband and father to two beautiful daughters. He serves as a role model by promoting health and wellness and I can always count on him to encourage healthy habits to all the staff including the physicians."

Along with his personal goals to keep healthy, Luis is always looking to grow as an endo nurse. He is self-motivated and obtained his CGRN independently, Disque said.

"He does not receive any additional compensation for his GI certification but continues to promote certification to all his colleagues," she added. "Luis currently sits in during our physician endoscopy committee meetings as our unit council representative, to represent the staff. I am very proud to have Luis on our team at DHR!"

Richard Kennedy

Richard Kennedy, an SGNA-certified endoscopy technician, has been working in the endoscopy field for more than 12 years. After training at local hospitals he now runs the endoscopy department at the Laser and Surgery Center, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and assists all of the physicians with their procedures including colonoscopies, banding and polypectomies.

Kennedy continues to educate himself on the GI tract and is knowledgeable about the operation and troubleshooting of all the facility's equipment. He is in charge of ordering and testing out new equipment prior to its use in the clinic.

"Richard is trustworthy, intelligent, caring, considerate and most of all dependable—he never misses a day of work and he is a single parent supporting his son," said nominator Lauren Weinstein, BSN, RN, CGRN, a nurse at the center, adding that he pushed himself to get his SGNA certification even though it was not a requirement for his job

John Kleinguenther

John Kleinguenther, CNA, is a patient-care tech and GI tech at Suburban Hospital, in Bethesda, Md., and has done a lot to impress his colleagues there.

Kleinguenther has been a patient care tech for 18 years and has spent eight of those years in endoscopy. He has diversified skills and delivers high-quality care, according to Karen Carlson, MSN, RN, CRN, nursing director of endoscopy and minor procedures at Suburban Hospital.

"John is well respected by the physicians and staff on the unit and possesses an invaluable amount of knowledge in the endoscopy field," Carlson said. "John does an excellent job in anticipating which supplies will be needed for the procedure and physician. John demonstrates an extensive knowledge of supplies and is responsible for our endoscopy cases. Staff often utilizes John’s expertise for additional training and direction with procedures and equipment needs."

Kleinguenther is "extremely resourceful" in seeking additional equipment that physicians may need to order for a specific case, Carlson said. He's always "receptive, approachable, friendly, and displays a clear and concise teaching ability, allowing time for questions and answers," she added.

Kleinguenther is also talented at reprocessing of scopes.

"John serves as the super-user for scope reprocessing and performs annual competencies for staff," Carlson said. "John assisted with training the Echo and OR techs to ensure there is a universal standard for reprocessing scopes within our organization. He is extremely conscientious with handling of expensive equipment utilized for procedures and uses all resources wisely.

"John has developed a strong camaraderie among the technical support team members such as clinical eng, maintenance, Pentax and other vendors support," she added. "John always displays a pleasant cheerful demeanor to all his customers. He receives both verbal and written compliments from patients’, colleagues and physicians about the great care he provides. Patients often ask for John by name when they are returning for procedures." On top of all that, Kleinguenther is viewed by his co-workers as a great team player, professional, friendly and educated. He's a go-to person and keeps a calm demeanor even when he's busy.

"John is well respected by the GI physicians," Carlson said. "John has a strong work ethic; he stays late and comes in early to meet the needs of the patient and department. I strongly endorse and recommend John Kleinguenther as the Most Valuable Professional for 2013."

Christine Lebo

"She is warm and welcoming, providing emotional support to our patients who enter agitated about an un-sedated GI procedure, calming them and facilitating an excellent, and smooth study. My patients said that working with Christine takes away their embarrassment and shame regarding their hidden defecation issues."

That's what Dr. Patricia Raymond said about Christine Lebo, BSN, RN, CGRN, an endoscopy staff nurse in manometry at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, in Virginia Beach, Va.

That's no small message. In addition to helping patients feel better emotionally, Lebo also has impressive credentials. Besides an alphabet of letters after her name, Lebo has been a GI nurse since 1998, and has been involved in manometry testing for the last 12 years. "Despite her long expertise in the world of mano, she continues to push to learn more," Raymond said. "In fact, we are both participating in a hands-on manometry workshop in Denver as I type this!"

Lebo is all about improvement.

"Despite her vast fund of knowledge, she continues to look for ways to improve her techniques, her study data and results, and her patients' experiences in her mano room," Raymond said.

Lebo is helping to develop the manometry portion of a new hospital's pelvic-floor disorders center. She also mentors and trains new nurses in manometry, and passes along her knowledge.

"This focus on continual improvement in her own practice and of others in the field is what makes Ms. Lebo my mano MVP," Raymond said.

Phyllis Maxie

Phyllis Maxie, CGN, a staff nurse at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Ind., works to not only provide patient care but education as well. She speaks with patients and families before procedures and discusses potential issues with physicians, trouble-shooting before procedures begin. For the past three years, Maxie also provided patient education during Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

She set up displays, information, hand-outs and treats to raise awareness about colon cancer. She also arranged for a physician to donate his services and give free colonoscopies last year, according to her nominator, Kathryn Davies, RN, supervisor of the endo lab at St. Joseph RMC.

Maxie's work isn't confined to the hospital. She also attends community health fairs to educate the public about colon cancer and colonoscopies. She even visited a colleague's mother who was hospitalized. "She is the one nurse in the unit that will remember everyone's birthday and arranges for carry-in lunch and small gifts," Davies said.

Sybil McKeegan

Sybil McKeegan, RN, adapts her talents to help her team however she is needed. McKeegan works as both a tech and a nurse in the GI lab at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, in Pittsburgh, Pa. She also assists on quality projects within the lab, including developing and improving skill sets for different procedures.

She helps her fellow nurses and even started an SGNA study group for nurses preparing for the certification exam. McKeegan goes above and beyond what is expected of her in the lab, making her a go-to nurse, said nominator Autumn Artz, BSN, RN, clinician at UPMC Passavant.

"Sybil is always positive and pleasant no matter the circumstance, and is always willing to learn new things and take on new challenges," Artz said, adding that McKeegan recently volunteered to be trained on new motility equipment so that she could be the motility leader in their unit.

Jean Neading

At the Endoscopy Center of Bainbridge in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Jean Neading, RN, manages a staff of 40 employees and seven university hospital physicians. In addition to managing that location, Neading is currently overseeing the renovation and re-opening of the South Euclid location.

"As busy as she is, I have never seen her get angry, show frustration or complain," said nominator Elizabeth Brauer, RN at the Endoscopy Center of Bainbridge. "Jean has a warm smile and kind word for everyone she encounters."

Neading maintains an open-door policy with her employees and they feel comfortable confiding in her, Brauer said. Neading has spent her own money to provide healthy lunches and to give gift cards to her entire staff. Brauer said she has never known Neading to miss a day of work, and she never lets her personal life affect her work.

"Jean is a true giver with a gentle spirit and a heart of gold," Brauer said.

Marilyn Parrish

For the past 13 years, Marilyn Parrish, CNA, an endoscopy technician at Desert Ridge Surgery Center, in Phoenix, has worked to provide quality care for patients undergoing endoscopy procedures. Her knowledge and expertise have made her a resource for RNs and physicians in the department.

Parrish strives to keep the equipment in good condition, understanding that the care of the equipment can directly affect the patient, said her nominator, Nancy Shore, RN, who worked with Parrish at Desert Ridge, but has since moved to Indiana University Health North Hospital in Carmel, Ind.

As a technician, Parrish keeps up with the latest news and trends in endoscopy technology. In procedures, she remains focused on the patients and helps them alleviate nerves and anxiety before the procedure. She also helps the physician look at the monitor for any polyps during the procedure.

"She is truly in the correct profession because she truly cares and wants to help everyone," Shore said.

Terrylynn Pierre Collier

Terrylynn Pierre Collier is a GI health tech at Atlanta VA Medical Center, in Decatur, GA. She is an exemplary staff member who is known for her extraordinary dedication and selfless work ethic. Terrylynn never rejects additional responsibilities and often goes above and beyond her usual call of duty when the need arises. She delivers outstanding care to our veterans.

To help meet the Colorectal Cancer Screening VHA Directive 2007-004, Terrylynn assisted with scheduling more than 500 patients over the last six months. This helped the Atlanta VAMC experience a significant increase in turnaround and through-put of patients receiving gastroenterology procedures.

Every two weeks Terrylynn makes more than 130 reminder calls to veterans scheduled for procedures. During her conversation with the veterans she answers numerous questions. She takes the time to provide individualized care to each person she encounters.

Terrylynn maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, seminars, accessing online-classes and establishing personal networks to expand her current knowledge to enhance personal development. For example, she completed the Olympus reprocessing specialist program. This class has helped sharpen her technical skills in the procedural rooms. She continues to play a critical role in the GI lab and her services toward our veterans and her peers is undisputed.

Saly Pius

Saly Pius, MSN, RN, CCRN, is a charge nurse in the Pulmonary Department of the Atlanta VA Medical Center. She is an extremely caring and dedicated nurse who is well respected by her peers. She is known for her dedication, leadership and expertise in the care of veterans.

Saly has provided staff training and leadership in various departments including reprocessing and operating bronchoscopes, providing in-services for GI, pulmonary and home telehealth nursing groups.

She researched evidenced-based practice information related to asthma and assisted her team in preparing the information for a hospital-wide presentation. She meticulously updated the standard operating procedures for all bronchoscopes used in the department. She also provided staff training and validated others in the proper reprocessing of equipment according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and relevant statues.

Saly also led the first pulmonary-nursing grand rounds presentation on asthma. She researched evidenced-based practice information related to asthma and assisted her team in preparing the information for a hospital-wide presentation. Their presentation was attended by more than 35 nurses and received high evaluation marks for clear course objectives and data relevant and meaningful to clinical practice.

As a member of the Nursing Shared Governance Informatics (NSG) Committee and a recent MSN Nursing Informatics graduate, she has assisted the nurse manager in reviewing all GI, pulmonary and home telehealth nursing projects.

She critically analyzed abstracts and poster presentations, helped to develop PowerPoint presentations, and assisted with the technical set-up of three nursing grand rounds educational events. Nominator, Cynthia Rucker, MSN, RN-BC, NE-BC, said Saly's nursing practices are consistent with the VA Medical Center’s mission, vision and values. "She continues to create standards of excellence, and demonstrates strong principles," Rucker said. "She is an asset to the Atlanta VA Medical Center nursing team!"

Evelyn Rodriguez

Efficiency in an endoscopy center is important and the staff members at Bethlehem Endoscopy Center in Bethlehem, Pa., know they can count on technician Evelyn Rodriquez to get the job done.

Rodriquez, who will graduate in May with her medical technician certificate, currently cleans scopes and other instruments at the center and meets with surveyors to go over the cleaning process whenever needed. Her personality helps keep the atmosphere at the center light and Rodriquez can often be found pulling friendly pranks with her co-workers, said nominator Karen Fioriglio, RN, the endoscopy center's nurse administrator.

Rodriquez has been at the center for eight-and-a-half years. She is bilingual, which helps when the practitioners need to communicate with the Spanish population, either in person or over the phone, said Fioriglio.

"She is respected by the physicians and her peers and has worked hard to increase her skill set," Fioriglio said.

Stephanie Rhodes

Stephanie Rhodes, an endo technician at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, Southwest Fort Worth, in Fort Worth, Texas, serves as the lead technician, training new technicians and helping implement new practices and policies.

In 2011 she became a certified advanced GI tech specialist (AGTS). Through her training and expertise Rhodes has helped implement cost-saving initiatives within the department.

She also serves on the performance improvement team and has worked on projects to correct a compliance issue with TEE probes in another department. She's also worked on an infection-prevention project when two anesthesia laryngoscopes were removed from service because there were issues with cleaning and storing the scopes.

Within 24 hours of the problem being identified, Rhodes developed a cleaning process that met the standards of SGNA and ASGE, according to her nominator, Mary Robinson, PhD, RN and chief nursing officer at Texas Health Harris Methodist Southwest Fort Worth.

Rhodes is recognized in her department for her dedication to colon-cancer awareness, having led the Colon Cancer Walk team and Rough Love basket giveaway. On top of all her work in the hospital, Rhodes is also pursuing a degree in nursing.

Phyllis Rhone

Phyllis Rhone, BSN, RN, is the kind of nurse who calms doctors and patients. She works at Advocate Trinity Hospital, in Chicago, and takes charge whenever necessary. "Phyllis has a way of calming a patient by her tone of voice and gentle touch," said nominator Cynthia Malone, RNFA, MSN, CNOR, clinical practice partner at Advocate Trinity Hospital.

Rhone served on the process improvement team for the GI lab, helped with the design of the new GI lab at the hospital and continues to work on finding efficient practices for the endoscopy department.

As a preceptor nurse, she helps train students in the GI lab. On top of her full-time work as a nurse, she is working on her MSN and is encouraging others to do the same.

"I have nominated Phyllis not for just what she has done, but for what I feel she still has to accomplish," Malone said.

Daniele Romano

Daniele Romano, RN, possesses leadership skills that benefit the endoscopy team at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, in Philadelphia. Romano serves as one of five charge nurses and developed an assignment logarithm that improved staffing and overall satisfaction in the department.

Her inquisitive nature leads her to research many topics related to improving patient care, said her nominator, Julie Thomas, MSN, RN, CPAN, a clinical educator at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. She added that Romano often shares the research she finds with other physicians and nurses in the department. Romano serves on the evidence-based practices committee at the hospital, creating and editing policies.

She is working on an infection-control policy to better protect the patients and staff. When she found that a patient in the emergency department had been treated with a lavaculator instead of a Minnesota tube for a variceal bleed because the staff wasn't experienced with Minnesota tubes, Romano stepped up and educated physicians and nurses and created a new hospital policy.

Thomas said, "She is the gold standard of an endoscopy nurse, and our staff is lucky she is part of our team."

Donna Schoettker

Donna Schoettker, RN, SGNA, AORN, manages the Urbana GI Endoscopy Center in Ijamsville, Md., working with a staff of 12 employees and three physicians.

"She is outgoing and uses her sunny disposition to sway even our most irritable patients," said nominator Ruth Fisher, an administrator at Urbana.

Schoettker continues to serve as a pre-op nurse in addition to her responsibilities as manager. She makes nervous patients feel comfortable when they're preparing for their procedure. She offers to give them a tour of the facility in advance and explains in detail what they can expect. Patient satisfaction surveys show a consistently high standard for clinical care, and Schoettker is praised by name in surveys because she makes her patients feel good about their procedure, Fisher said.

Schoettker also works as the infection-control specialist for the endoscopy center and as lead trainer for all clinical positions. She participates in patient education programs and reaches out to patients about general health and GI health topics.

Schoettker is currently pursuing her master's degree in nursing.

Candace Schrader

Candace Schrader, RN, a charge nurse at North Orange County Surgery Center, in Anaheim, Calif., inspires her colleagues. Her nominator, Karen LaBonte, RN, nurse manager at North Orange Surgery Center, recalled meeting Schrader in the early 1990s. LaBonte was a student at the time and remembers being impressed with the level of care Schrader demonstrated for each patient as well as her rapport with the doctors at the facility.

"For years I have looked back on my experience with her that day and remember how it has influenced me in my nursing career," LaBonte said. Now LaBonte and Schrader work together as nurses alongside a team that described Schrader as "knowledgeable, caring, and willing to do anything." In addition to mentoring fellow nurses, one staff member commented that she also makes the "best brownies ever!"

Alma Scott

Alma Scott, a PCA at Baton Rouge General Medical Center, in Baton Rouge, La., understands what it means to be a team player. "She considers no job to be the responsibility of one sole person—she jumps in and does whatever is needed anywhere in the department," said Ericka Belle, another PCA at Baton Rouge General, who nominated Scott.

When patients come in, Scott strikes up a conversation, helping put the patients at ease, so that by the time the doctor arrives for the procedure patients are relaxed and have all of their questions answered.

After eight years working in endoscopy, Scott continues to educate herself on the field in her spare time and takes pride in teaching others about her findings, according to Belle. She encourages others to educate themselves on colon cancer and screening and often promotes participation in colon cancer awareness walks and fundraisers.

When she's not reading about endoscopy, Scott often entertains the staff's sweet tooth, baking pies and cakes for the department.

Abbey Silva

Abbey Silva is more than an RN with the Baton Rouge General Endoscopy Department, in Baton Rouge, La. More specifically she's a "wonderful and excellent nurse," according to her nominator, Ericka Bell, an endo tech at the same facility.

"Abbey carries a spirit of uniqueness with her that touches everyone she meets," Bell said. "Our patients love her as well as her co-workers. When she walks in a room her unique spirit and smile catches everyone's attention." Silva shows that her patients are her No. 1 priority in all that she does, and she has a way of making the patients feel at home rather than in a hospital/clinic setting, according to Bell.

“Abbey goes above and beyond whenever she’s needed in the department, staying late ... and coming in early before her shift just to lend a helping hand,” Bell said. "She has proved to be a go-getter; she's always willing to learn any and everything new."

The first time that Silva did an ERCP she was nervous, but it wasn't evident at all.

Abbey jumped in that case and learned the ins and outs of an ERCP and the doctor doing the case praised her for her effort and willingness to learn, and now Abbey is teaching others the things she learned,” Bell said.

"I've personally noticed that before our patients are discharged they ask for Abbey by name or they'll say 'the nurse that made me feel welcome and at home.' They want to tell her bye and thank her for making them feel the way she did," Bell added. “Abbey is a true team player and our department is overjoyed that she picked our team to be part of.”

Spencer Smith

Spencer Smith is an endoscopy tech at Advanced Surgical Institute (ASI), in Sewell, N.J. Spencer goes about his day quietly doing his job and always with a smile on his face. The physicians who work with him have only great things to say about him and frequently express how much they value him as an employee.

ASI is the middle of cross training surgical techs to function in the endoscopy suite and Spencer is providing the orientation to each of the employees in the program. Spencer not only takes care of the endo department―he routinely volunteers to assist in the operating room areas of the surgical center as well.

Nominator, Marla Noseworthy, clinical director at ASI, has worked with Spencer since July of 2012. "I can honestly say that I wish I had 30 more employees just like him," Noseworthy said. "His diligence and attention to detail give me, as clinical director, the peace of mind of knowing that the training that he is providing is consistent, detail oriented and technically correct."

Spencer also sings in his church choir. He also works a part-time job that he has had for almost 30 years. Spencer's attitude, depth of knowledge and willingness to help in any way possible has gained the respect of ASI physicians and the rest of the staff.

Annie Templet

Annie Templet, BA, RN, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center, in Baton Rouge, La., is a relative newcomer to endoscopy, but she's already making quite an impression on her department.

Templet joined the department in Baton Rouge about two years ago and since then has worked as a charge nurse, preceptor and staff nurse as well as serving on hospital committees for procedural readiness, paragon charting and Lean Six Sigma.

She was named Top Talent at Baton Rouge General and last year was awarded nurse of the year at the facility.

Templet remains on top of all her cases, making sure the necessary equipment, paperwork and medications are available, said her nominator, Lisa Bardwell, RN, from Baton Rouge General Medical Center. In addition to her scheduled shifts, Templet takes night and weekend calls and will stay late or come in on the weekend to assist newer nurses if needed, explained Bardwell. She added that Templet "has a work ethic and values seldom seen in a young nurse these days."

Sandra Tes

Sandra Tes is a GI tech at Advanced Endoscopy Center, in Vancouver, Wash. Sandra has a great work ethic and makes decisions that have the greatest impact on patient flow at a busy ASC.

Using impressive trouble-shooting skills, Sandra is the person who everyone calls when things are not going the way they should. She is an expert with the various platforms at her center, including three different EMR systems and the automated scope reprocessor.

Nominator, Gerry Poitras, nurse manager at the center, has worked with Sandra for almost seven years in two different centers. He described Sandra as tireless, energetic, competent and decisive.

"Sandra is the type of employee you wish you could clone. Every ASC could use a Sandra," Poitras said. "I can count on Sandra to be in the right place at the right time and provide the safest highest quality care possible. I am thankful on a daily (even minute-by-minute sometimes) basis for Sandra."

Work is busy and Sandra has just as busy a home life raising her energetic 2-year old son, Kingston.

Arleen Williams

Arleen Williams, a technician at Baton Rouge General Medical Center, in Baton Rouge, La., has worked in the department for four-and-a-half years, and trains new technicians. Williams is proficient in common endoscopy procedures including EGDs and colonoscopies. She has also mastered endoscopy ultrasounds and endobronchial ultrasounds, becoming the department's "go-to" person for these two procedures, according to Williams' nominator, Lisa Bardwell, RN, who also works at Baton Rouge General Medical Center.

Williams has worked on the Lean Six Sigma project at the hospital and helps purchase new equipment for the hospital's two facilities. She goes beyond the call of duty and will take night and weekend calls in addition to her regularly scheduled shifts in case the department needs assistance with emergency procedures.

"Doctors and nurses alike enjoy working with Arleen because of her professionalism and her ability to anticipate what they may need next," Bardwell said.