A new patient to Oncology started their first chemotherapy treatment on short notice. Patient had not had chemo teaching done yet. Patient and his spouse were very anxious. Patty sat down with them and explained the chemotherapy process and possible side effects in great detail. She was very calming to both the patient and his family. In preparing to care for this patient, Patty reviewed his chart. Patty researched the oral chemo drug that he would be starting on and found that it is metabolized in liver. Patty asked Dr. if she wanted to redraw Oncology profile, because his last CMP was 3-4 weeks prior to starting chemo. Dr agreed. His liver enzymes came back very elevated. He was to start on oral chemotherapy along with IV chemo. In advocating for the patient, Patty asked Dr if reducing chemotherapy doses would be appropriate. Dr. agreed with Patty and that the best practice would be to start with lower doses and gradually increase the doses pending his response to treatment. New orders were written and liver function labs monitored closely.

Patty takes time to get to know the patients on a personal level and enjoys getting to know the stories of their families and their past. Patty is mindful of the spiritual needs of her patients and takes time to listen from her heart. In advocating for the patients she will involve pastoral care and Palliative Care when she feels the need is appropriate.

We recently had a patient that we treated several years ago for breast cancer return to us with a recurrence and ended up being admitted into Hospice. The day we referred her to hospice Patty took time to go and say goodbye to the patient and hug her and her family. Patty let her know she would be keeping her in her prayers and prayed for peace for her. She offered to the family to let us know if there was anything we could do to help them.

Patty exemplifies excellent clinical skills and decision-making capabilities as she has been certified in Oncology nursing for several years. Patty is looked to as a reference/resource by all of the nurses and MD's in Oncology because her knowledge and critical thinking skills are so proficient.

We had a nurse orientate in Oncology and the RN came to me and said that everyone has been very helpful and good teachers since she started orientating. But she wanted to recognize Patty for being exceptional. "Patty has a lot of patience, she is very motherly to me and she is so "Smart". Patty is an excellent role model of Service Excellence!

Patty shines by going above and beyond to make each patient feel like they are the most important by making sure they are comfortable and ensures privacy to the best of her ability. She tells her patients and families what to expect from treatment and makes sure they are well informed and educated on their diagnosis and treatment plan. Patty acts as if she is on stage at all times by demonstrating professionalism and being a role model to her co-workers, students and other departments. She serves her patients, internal and external customers with great respect and dignity.

Patty works well with all members of the healthcare team as evidenced by a couple of shared stories from other staff members:

"Patty is one of the most compassionate nurses I have known. I started in Oncology 2 years ago and it was a hard adjustment for me as it is extremely emotional. Watching Patty over these last couple years has taught me that it is ok to cry, it is ok to leave work at work. These patients become our daily social life and their families depend on us to make their family members better. We do our best to do all the above, but Patty knows how to balance each and every thing on a daily basis. She is a wonderful teacher and a positive nurse! My transition to Oncology would not have been what it was with all of the nurses in Oncology, but now I see where they learn it from...Patty!"

"I enjoy working with Patty Syse, as the latest addition to the Oncology staff I have been able to witness her passion and dedication to nursing. Patty has a wonderful sense of humor that can make the most hectic day manageable. She is very knowledgeable and welcomes questions and is very patient. She is constantly looking for opportunities to learn more, not only Oncology but nursing in general. She always has a smile on her face and is a very enthusiastic and kindhearted individual. If I had to point out her greatest asset I would have to say it would be her ability to make patients and staff feel at ease."

Patty's clinical skills, professionalism and her compassionate, empathetic care most definitely exemplify the kind of nurse that our patients, their families, and our staff recognize as an outstanding nurse.