"It means a lot when the surgeon actually says ‘thank you’ and at the end of a work day you feel genuinely appreciated,” says Caleb Fowler, RN, an OR charge nurse. “I feel that the surgeons and the management promote the safety of their patients first. Staff safety is also a great priority — to know that your employer gives greater priority to safety than profit increases the employee’s sense of self worth.”
Physicians at NESC certainly notice the efforts of the staff.
“The staff works as a cohesive group and every patient is treated with care and respect,” says Michael Natale, MD, one of the center’s anesthesiologists. “As a physician, it is one of the best places I have worked.”
NESC opened in 2000 and provides care in a number of specialties including orthopedics, ophthalmology, pain management, general surgery, plastic surgery and otolaryngology. The physician-owned surgery center has four physician owners and six additional users who perform more than 1,800 procedures annually.
The ASC stays very busy with its single operating room but staff members make time to participate in community and social events. Members become involved with charitable events and activities such as Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots, blood drives, and various walks and runs, with participation in these activities initiated by the physician owners of the ASC through their practices. There are social activities planned for the staff including softball and flag-football teams, summer outings and a winter holiday event.
These events and a commitment to quality care have helped create a family-like working environment.
“Staff members genuinely care about their co-workers,” says Kathy Blomberg, a PACU nurse. “Teamwork is emphasized.”
While the management of NESC places an emphasis on remaining conscious of costs, this does not detract from the level of care.
“The first thing I noticed when coming here was quality,” says Carla Marvin, a PACU nurse. “The equipment, staff and working conditions were all mindful of quality rather than the bottom line.”
The low turnover at the center is also likely attributable to management’s consideration of staff and patient needs. Staff members have flexibility with their schedule to accommodate personal needs. Management participates in staff and patient safety activities, encourages staff input on operations issues and regularly invests in new surgical and anesthesia technology.
Learn more about Northeast Surgical Care.
