I have worked with Betty McDuffie for many years. When I started working in ICU, Betty was one of the nurses who worked night shift. I came to ICU as a tech while going to nursing school. She not only helped to teach me nursing skills, but she also taught me life skills. Betty, like myself, had a family with a husband and children while pursuing her nursing career. With her as one of my role models, I was able to complete my 2-year degree in 5 years with a husband, 3 children, and a full-time job. Betty did it with a husband, 5 children, and a job.
I received my RN in 1996 and Betty was my preceptor. My first patient was very critical, but Betty was at my side the whole way. We had called in 2 MDs to assist that night, but with all our efforts, the patient did not make it. I had to make that call to the family. Another time that she not only taught me nursing skills, but she taught me life skills.
Betty continued her nursing education to earn another degree and used her skills in the classroom to teach nursing students. She also worked some time as a Hospice Nurse. All the time she continued working at NCMH full-time. Her passion for caring made an impact on me as her co-worker and her friend. I have witnessed Betty's compassionate care along with her medical knowledge not only for her patients but also for her fellow staff. She has filled in in many areas over the years here at NCMH whenever asked to. There is not one specific situation or story that demonstrates how this nurse made a meaningful difference in caring for me as a new nurse or through the years working at her side as her peer and fellow RN. I just know that I have been blessed in many ways to have her there with me taking care of the people in our community.
Betty McDuffie cares so much about and making a difference in so many lives.