Beth Smith is the nurse we should all aspire to be.
In real life, it is easy for nurses to be nice to patients who are kind. Beth has a unique ability to seek out the patients who are NOT so kind. Beth will take the time to engage, ask the difficult questions to break down the walls, and begin building trust. Patients love and respect her because she is genuinely caring and respectful. Beth doesn't shy away from strong emotions like patient frustration and anger. Many of our patients struggle with a lack of coping skills and overwhelming feelings of grief and loss.
Beth can adapt freely and bravely to any situation. She is a calming presence in any chaotic or critical situation. She guides new staff on how to be brave in difficult situations. Staff and patient safety are her top priorities while remembering to be present and supportive for patients in crisis. We are a busy ICU with lots of things happening. As a charge nurse, Beth always takes the time to recognize these kinds of patients who are struggling emotionally, and she will often volunteer for these difficult assignments.
As a charge nurse, Beth is a strong leader. I look to her for strength when I am out of strength. Beth is truly a light for our patients and families when they are enduring extremely difficult, stressful, and life-threatening situations. It's true, she will take any patient that really needs support and understanding. She doesn't speak to them as if they are just another patient on her shift or from a position of higher authority, but as a true friend.
She has a sense of humor that lightens the mood of her patients and families, as well as her peers! She develops an amicable relationship with them to help build their trust in all of us here at UWMC. I am grateful to have Beth as part of our 6SA team. As a caring and compassionate caregiver, she is a role model for all of us. I am proud to have her be the recipient of this year's 6SA DAISY Award.