Tavia Vital exemplifies compassionate nursing. There are many instances that Tavia has assisted a patient in our clinic beyond the traditional scope of direct patient care and classic “nursing” duties. One of our patients, who has a phobia of phones, was started on a concentrated form of insulin and needed to be followed closely for the next few weeks to make sure her blood sugars stabilized. Although, we do not routinely communicate with patients via email, this was the only option. Tavia took it upon herself to be the main contact person for this patient. She worked diligently with the patient and the provider to communicate safe insulin dose changes to minimize high and low blood glucose levels. Without Tavia’s compassion, dedication and attention to detail, the patient could have been in serious trouble. This patient now has the best blood glucose control she has ever had, and Tavia should be recognized for playing an integral role in this endeavor.
Tavia has a unique ability to engage patients in self-managing a cumbersome and complex chronic disease – diabetes. One of the patients in our clinic is a young blind man with Type 1 diabetes. Prior to meeting with Tavia, he was depressed, frustrated with his life and blood glucose control, and basically had “given up.” With Tavia’s encouragement and concern, he has better blood glucose control, has become involved in more social activities, and is painting.
Tavia continuously seeks out ways to improve patient care through improvements in clinic processes and educational materials. She is a certified Spanish interpreter. She translated all of our education materials into Spanish. She has created several handouts that have changed the way we deliver care in our clinic. Tavia created an insulin pump infection protocol for our clinic so that we can appropriately treat these types of infections.
Tavia is the ultimate patient advocate!
Here are a few quotes from patients:
1) This was my first appointment with Tavia Vital. She is a very pleasant, personable and heart warming person. She answered the questions I had and said she would get back to me when she did not have an answer. I have no doubt that Tavia will get back to me. It was very nice to have a one on one training on my new pump to compare the exact differences of my old pump. I realize this training was paid for by Medtronics (and my insurance company of course) but I received great training and help. All the CDE's at University of Colorado Endocrinology and Diabetes are well trained and I would recommend their classes, appointments, etc., to all people with diabetes for up to the minute medical advice. Thank you to the University Endocrinology Clinic for hiring Tavia. She not only has personal experience of living with type 1 diabetes her entire life, she is also very good at her job.
2) Tavia is awesome! She's enthusiastic, energetic, up on the latest research – and an overall delight! Thanks!