Cheryl Betlach

Some people just know what they want to be when they grow up. That’s how it was with registered nurse Cheryl Betlach. In seventh grade, Cheryl made the decision to become a nurse. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at UW Eau Claire in 1978 and started in Medical Telemetry/Intermediate Care at Luther Midelfort. A year later, she switched to the Critical Care Unit, where she has been ever since. “It’s rewarding,” she said. “The small things you do — they seem so appreciative.” One person shared her appreciation by nominating Cheryl for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

“Cheryl really made an impression on me as my grandmother’s nurse during her last days on this earth,” wrote the nominator, who wished to be anonymous. “Losing my grandma is one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through, but Cheryl was so comforting and caring.  She took the time to explain what was happening. The care Cheryl provided to my grandma went way beyond her medical needs. Even though Grandma was not conscious, Cheryl made sure she was comfortable and showed a high level of caring and compassion — exactly how anyone would want their beloved grandmother treated. She made us (the family) feel as though grandma were her only concern.”

“When I think of what qualities a great nurse should have, I think of Cheryl.”

Cheryl said she was surprised and honored to receive the DAISY Award. “I always feel you take care of patients the same way you would want your husband or your father or mother taken care of,” Cheryl said.

Health care providers aren’t immune from family health care crises either. “My dad was in a similar situation,” Cheryl said. “You know what it’s like to be family member. You know what they’re going through.”

Cheryl appreciated the DAISY Award, but she’s not one to rest on her laurels. “It’s nice to know that somebody thought you did a good job, but it is care you should be doing all the time for every person,” she said. “That’s what I expect as the main level of care.”

And, Cheryl said, that’s what she sees in the nurses around her. “We have a lot of excellent people who provide excellent care. We have the technical piece but also the good bedside care.”