March 2023
Toywoner
Dyce
,
RN
Cardiology Clinic
Wright Patterson Medical Center
Fairborn
,
OH
United States
By Maj Dyce advocating for the patient, she not only ensured the patient's safety but also saved her life.
Maj Toywoner Dyce took care of a pacemaker patient who was not seen in the clinic for almost two years. According to the last note on the patient, the battery on the device had about one year left on it, and there were no connections to the device in over one year. Maj Dyce knew the detrimental outcome regarding the patient's life if the patient was not seen immediately. She attempted to contact the patient at all numbers listed in the patient's file and was unsuccessful after multiple attempts. Maj Dyce went above and beyond the normal call of duty by calling the nursing home where the patient was located and spoke with the nurse at the facility for them to reach out to the patient's sister who was the patient's power of attorney. After multiple attempts to have the facility contact the patient's sister, Maj Dyce left another urgent message at the facility and was able to get a call back from the sister immediately. Due to the patient not being seen in clinic for almost two years, Maj Dyce advocated for the patient and raised her concerns to have the patient be seen as soon as possible. Due to the family living far and having to arrange transportation for the patient's appointments, Maj Dyce coordinated the patient's PCM visit (by moving up the appt) and scheduling her in the device clinic to have her pacemaker checked urgently. Upon the device check, it was then identified that the patient's battery life on the pacemaker was depleted and is now running on back-up mode. This prompted an emergent surgery for a generator change out. By Maj Dyce advocating for the patient, she not only ensured the patient's safety but also saved her life. The patient and her family were very appreciative of Maj Dyce's devotion and compassion they received from her, which left a big impact on the excellent care we provide at WPMC. My experience working with Maj Dyce has shown me and the department that we are not only nurses/techs but also advocates for our patients to provide the best patient care. Maj Toywoner Dyce's dedication, teamwork and determination has proven that she is an Extraordinary Nurse to not only her patients but also to staff members.