The Albert E. Dyckes Healthcare Worker of the Year Award is given each year to one Ohio caregiver who personifies a leader who gives back to the community and routinely goes beyond the call of duty. All nominees will be honored at the June OHA Recognition Banquet in Columbus.
Annette Meyer, RN, Wilson Health Hospice and Home Care, is the 2018 Wilson Health nominee for the Ohio Hospital Association’s (OHA) Albert E. Dykes Healthcare Worker of the Year Award.
Annette Meyer, RN, serves as a registered nurse for Wilson Health hospice and home care services. She started her health care career in 1979 as a STNA at a nursing home and later became one of the first aide’s hired with Wilson Health’s hospice program. Today, Annette serves as an integral part of the care team for Wilson Health home care and hospice. Her journey hasn’t been easy. In 2011, Annette lost her beloved husband to cancer. As a trained home care and hospice nurse, Annette provided the necessary end of life care for her husband during his final days and wouldn’t have had it any other way. “He needed me,” she said. “Just like my patients and families need me.” This year (June 3, 2018) marks the 40th wedding anniversary of Wayne and Annette Meyer.
Great Leader
Annette is a motivated and driven individual. She sets priorities yet always putting her patients first. Annette refers to her patients as “very lovely people” and truly feels that it is a privilege to care for each and every one of them. As a nurse, Annette is cross-trained in both home care and hospice caregiving. It is not uncommon for patients and families to request Annette for their care. Growing up in the small town of Minster, Ohio, Annette was adopted at a young age. Often times, you would find her working at her family’s funeral home answering the phones. “I learned at a very young age that death was part of life,” says Meyer. “I attribute my career path to my upbringing.” Annette leads and guides her patients and families through some of life’s most difficult times. Yet, she does so with compassion, grace and love. “Family means everything to me,” she says. “When I’m caring for patients, they become part of my family. It’s just my natural instinct.”
Goes Beyond the Call of Duty
Not only will Annette go above and beyond for her patients, she will do the same for her co-workers’ patients. So much that when she heard about a Wilson Health hospice patient, and former veteran, who refused to go to the VA hospital because he could not leave his dog, Rusty, Annette swiftly took action. Rusty was a Jack Russell Terrier with a few bad habits. Annette came forward and said she would take Rusty into her own home. She had experience in raising shelties and knew she could take good care of the dog until his owner returned home. Unfortunately, the hospice patient passed away and Rusty became a permanent family member and still today has a great home with Annette after many years. Annette strives for all of her patients to get great care and have the best quality of life. It is not uncommon to find Annette spending her off days at home making special homemade soup for her patients that are losing their appetite. She cared for a young hospice patient concerned that she might not make it to her birthday. Going above and beyond, Annette set out to have a special day just for her young patient and organized a “Fairy Princess Day.” She sent the patient flowers, gifts, cupcakes, a magic wand and flowers for her hair. The patient was so excited and had a great day!
Most notable achievements reflect the mission and values of organization
Annette not only reflects the mission and values of Wilson Health, she lives them. To improve the health of our community so people can spend more time doing what they love with those they love. This is the mission of Wilson Health. Throughout Annette’s 26 year tenure at Wilson Health, her focus has never changed. She cares for her patients as if they are her own family members. “My patients’ stories don’t always have the happiest of endings,” says Meyer. “But I can say no matter the circumstances, they will be cared for to the very best of my ability and know that they are loved.”
Gives Back to the Community
Born and raised in Minster, Ohio, Annette has been actively involved in her community over the years. A mother to four children, she served as both a Brownie and Cub Scout leader when her children were younger. Annette also served as an EMT with the Minster Area Life Squad. Over the years, she has been actively involved in her church in teaching religion classes and serving as a lector in the Church. Annette is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the world’s largest patriotic women’s service organization.