Once a Surgical ICU Nurse herself, we have come to know Beth Meder very well. Beth would advocate for her patients in every way possible on a daily basis.
A few years ago, she transferred to the Liver Transplant department here at the organization and we don't get to see her quite as much. Although we don't physically see her, evidence of Beth's dedication to patients still makes it back to us somehow.
In SICU, we had a patient who was very sick. He went on to receive 2 different liver transplants. Eventually he transferred out of our unit, to another and then was ready for discharge home. The problem was - the patient was trying to find a place to live. He had one sick close relative, and few other family members. He had hardly any belongings.
Beth has always been caring, kind and compassionate. One day after work, Beth went to check out an apartment that this patient found to move into. Its condition was so much worse than she expected to find. She said "absolutely not okay" for him to live there and proceeded to help him find a decent place to live.
With her own money, Beth purchased him clothing and shoes. After her shift she took time from her own family to spend assisting her patient who was in need. She collected furniture, lamps, clothes, and more to help him get back on his feet.
The patient is extremely grateful. And Beth doesn't look for acknowledgment. All Beth wants and needs is to know this man will be safe and taken care of after going through such a hard time in his life.
This is just one example of who Beth Meder is, how she cares, and the significant impact she has on her patients' lives.