Theresa (Terri) Oliver
February 2023
Theresa (Terri)
Oliver
,
BSN, RN, CPN
ENT Clinic
Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora
,
CO
United States
Terri’s work models excellent interpersonal skills in her work with the patients, families, primary care physicians, pharmacies, health departments, her numerous colleagues, and any other people or organizations involved with the cochlear implant.
When I look at the qualifications to be nominated for the DAISY Award, I automatically think of Terri.
Having a cochlear implant truly takes a village to make sure all the ts are crossed and the is are dotted. It takes everyone on the team to work together to make sure there are no holes in the process. Anything that is missed may result in a surgical delay at the very least. The worst-case scenario would be potential harm to the patient. Terri has done an incredible job partnering with her fellow ENT nurse, as well as the Cochlear Implant team members to improve the process of making sure all the needs are met prior to surgery. The Cochlear Implant Team is a complex multidisciplinary team.
Preparing for surgery is a very detailed and extensive process. This is where Terri and her peer’s work really shines. They spend countless hours making sure the kids who will be receiving a cochlear implant have the correct vaccines needed within the specified timeframe ahead of the surgery. This often means finding out where the vaccine can be obtained as not all primary care facilities carry the vaccine. There is a lot of phone tag and follow-up involved. This task is even more difficult as there are various combinations of vaccines that the nurses keep track of on a spreadsheet and communicate with each other regularly. They also attend the monthly Cochlear Implant meeting and bring Cochlear Implant information back to the ENT team as needed. Additionally, they provide information from the ENT visits, which helps efficiency and continuity of care.
Terri’s work supports the CHCO Mission and values of improving the health of children through the provision of high-quality, coordinated programs of patient care, research, education, and advocacy by improving patient care and advocating for the patients who will be receiving a cochlear implant. Her work is a perfect example of exceptional family care. Terri’s work models excellent interpersonal skills in her work with the patients, families, primary care physicians, pharmacies, health departments, her numerous colleagues, and any other people or organizations involved with the cochlear implant. Terri’s positive attitude shines every day and especially during what can be challenging and sometimes frustrating tasks and communications with multiple parties to achieve the necessary outcome needed for the child to proceed with their cochlear implant surgery.
One physician says, “They give us the confidence that their recommendations are always accurate”.
Another physician says, “They are so valuable because they have developed expertise in this area and understand the unique needs of our patients. They also develop longitudinal relationships with the patients and families which is incredibly helpful and also reassuring to the families. Also, it is important because our Cochlear Implant Audiologists and team members know whom to turn to in ENT to handle questions and patient issues.
Having a cochlear implant truly takes a village to make sure all the ts are crossed and the is are dotted. It takes everyone on the team to work together to make sure there are no holes in the process. Anything that is missed may result in a surgical delay at the very least. The worst-case scenario would be potential harm to the patient. Terri has done an incredible job partnering with her fellow ENT nurse, as well as the Cochlear Implant team members to improve the process of making sure all the needs are met prior to surgery. The Cochlear Implant Team is a complex multidisciplinary team.
Preparing for surgery is a very detailed and extensive process. This is where Terri and her peer’s work really shines. They spend countless hours making sure the kids who will be receiving a cochlear implant have the correct vaccines needed within the specified timeframe ahead of the surgery. This often means finding out where the vaccine can be obtained as not all primary care facilities carry the vaccine. There is a lot of phone tag and follow-up involved. This task is even more difficult as there are various combinations of vaccines that the nurses keep track of on a spreadsheet and communicate with each other regularly. They also attend the monthly Cochlear Implant meeting and bring Cochlear Implant information back to the ENT team as needed. Additionally, they provide information from the ENT visits, which helps efficiency and continuity of care.
Terri’s work supports the CHCO Mission and values of improving the health of children through the provision of high-quality, coordinated programs of patient care, research, education, and advocacy by improving patient care and advocating for the patients who will be receiving a cochlear implant. Her work is a perfect example of exceptional family care. Terri’s work models excellent interpersonal skills in her work with the patients, families, primary care physicians, pharmacies, health departments, her numerous colleagues, and any other people or organizations involved with the cochlear implant. Terri’s positive attitude shines every day and especially during what can be challenging and sometimes frustrating tasks and communications with multiple parties to achieve the necessary outcome needed for the child to proceed with their cochlear implant surgery.
One physician says, “They give us the confidence that their recommendations are always accurate”.
Another physician says, “They are so valuable because they have developed expertise in this area and understand the unique needs of our patients. They also develop longitudinal relationships with the patients and families which is incredibly helpful and also reassuring to the families. Also, it is important because our Cochlear Implant Audiologists and team members know whom to turn to in ENT to handle questions and patient issues.