In celebration of GI Nurses & Associates Week, Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) is featuring Tanja, the charge nurse of the Endoscopy unit, who shares insights into her critical role and the collaborative environment at JBH.
As the charge nurse in Endoscopy, Tanja balances both administrative and clinical responsibilities. Her day involves overseeing daily unit operations, managing staff scheduling, coordinating the colorectal DAP (Diagnostic Assessment Program), facilitating communication between physicians and healthcare providers, ensuring equipment and supplies availability, managing patient flow from admission through recovery, and making real-time adjustments based on patient acuity and resource availability.
"As the charge nurse of Endoscopy, my role involves overseeing the daily operations of the unit, ensuring that both the clinical and administrative tasks run smoothly," Tanja explains. "Sometimes I will need to facilitate 'in the moment' changes as they arise due to patient acuity and/or access to resources."
What makes Tanja's role particularly demanding is that she handles these responsibilities while also taking clinical assignments alongside her team, rotating through admission/recovery and various procedure rooms.
The Endoscopy unit at JBH serves diverse patient needs. "We care for a wide range of patients, from those undergoing routine screening procedures to those needing more complex diagnostic or therapeutic interventions," says Tanja. This includes routine colorectal cancer screenings, diagnostic procedures for gastrointestinal diseases like acid reflux or IBD, and treatment for patients with GI bleeding and other complications.
"Procedures at JBH include gastroscopies, colonoscopies, flexible sigmoidoscopies, bronchoscopies and ERCPs," she adds.
Tanja describes her department as "small but mighty," emphasizing their cohesive approach to patient care. "Collaboration is key in Endoscopy. We work as a cohesive team, with each member playing an essential role in patient care."
According to Tanja, the exceptional team is what truly distinguishes the Endoscopy unit. "I am extremely fortunate to work with the most talented, supportive, and wonderful people. They make my job easy, and ensure that patients receive the best possible care."
She emphasizes the positive work culture: "We have a strong culture of teamwork, where everyone's input is valued, which ultimately enhances our ability to provide top-notch care. Working in a supportive and cohesive space as we do, promotes a healthy working environment."
This positive atmosphere extends to the patient experience. "Patients frequently mention how they can tell that we genuinely enjoy our work and collaborating with one another," Tanja notes.
The dedication of professionals like Tanja exemplifies Joseph Brant Hospital's commitment to excellence in gastrointestinal care and patient-centered service.