Dear Mike, while I am reasonably certain that you would never be able to do an episode about Colonoscopy Technicians (because of the whole patient privacy, details, details), it can be a very dirty job. I had this job for about 3 years, and while most of the time I worked in recovery, changing bed linens, and cleaning stretchers, I was occasionally needed in the procedure rooms, and that is where the really dirty work can be found. While it only happens on rare occasions, sometimes things can go wrong very wrong. If the prep is bad, and the button on the scope is just a little loose, the entire room can get covered in (to borrow a word from you) poo. Lot's and lot's of poo. Poo in places that you couldn't imagine, and it all has to be cleaned up very fast. That's where the Tech comes in. While I was there I got poo in my hair and puke on my shoes but it was the best job I have had yet. Albeit I haven't had many jobs, as I am only 20, almost 21 years old. The people there were kind, and I was happy at the end of the day to come home with various fluids on my scrubs, secure in the knowledge that I had helped someone that day. Since then I have moved on to work in high-end retail, where I can only dream of covering some of the people I work with in poo. Dirty people are some of the most honest, and hard working individuals you will ever come across, Dirty Jobs has brought a breath of, ironically, fresh air to our society. Embracing the stinky, strange, and "undesirable" jobs, that were once taboo. Thank you Mike, and all those who make Dirty Jobs possible.
No doubt. That sounds like a Dirty Job episode waiting to happen.
I imagine HIPAA concerns could be addressed by finding people who were actually willing to have a crew present during their colonoscopy. (BARSKY? ) Tricky, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
I have cleaned up a lot body fluids, accidents, and probably never touched the amount of poo you did. what impressed me is that you're so young and have the great attitude about this job. As a nurse I would laugh myself silly at this episode with Barsky and Mike as patient and technician.
Colonoscopy procedures are very up close and personal and I doubt that very many people would want that on nation television, even if they are huge fans of Mike and company.
Katie Couric did have a colonoscopy on national television because she lost her husband to colon cancer at a young age. Even with all the exposure the Katie has given to colon cancer there are still millions out there that haven't had a colonoscopy and who really need one. You should get one when you turn fifty if you don't have a family history of colon cancer or polyps. If you do have a family history you need a colonoscopy when you turn forty. If you have any pain or bleeding in the area don't ignore it, no matter how benin you might believe it to be. One of the saddest things that I ever had to go through was when we found a large tumor in a 35 year old woman. She had ignored pain and bleeding for almost a year and at that point it was too late, she passed away 4 months later. And really it's not a bad procedure, 90% of the people when being brought into recovery ask when the procedure is going to start. So if you haven't had a colonoscopy and you are over fifty call you doctor today. I'll get of my soap box now.
cherryrn- My Mom is an RN as well, and I must say that RNs are some of the hardest working people I know. My Mom was a nurse at the clinic that I worked at, and people would almost always ask me if I was going to follow in her footsteps. The was, and still is, a resounding NO! Not that I don't admire anyone who can work with Doctors and maintain their sanity it's just I cannot do the things that you do. Between dealing with abusive patients, grumpy doctors and hectic schedules it is all too much for me. Nurses have my greatest respect and admiration but there is no way i could do what you guys do.
) Tricky, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
