Beverly Smith’s commitment to safe, satisfied patient care is a small part of her work as a nurse. Beverly is an integral part of the 3 Crews Outpatient Clinic. Her official title is “Patient Care Coordinator” however she does whatever is necessary to ensure safe, efficient care. She guides and directs the workflow of an extremely busy area. She coaches and mentors the associates on 3 Crews and orientees who float through the area learning chemotherapy administration. After new associates rotate through the outpatient clinic, I frequently hear “I learned so much from Beverly” or “Beverly was so helpful.” She understands the need for safe nursing care and does her part to make a positive impact on the nursing profession.

Patients and families love Beverly. Spend time on 3 Crews and watch the interaction between Beverly and the patients. The patients are “frequent flyers” and the associates get to know them and their families. Beverly will provide physical care, teach, and ask about the patient’s extended family all in one visit. If the patients do not see her, they ask about her. Beverly incorporates the patient’s family by teaching how to provide care at home and signs and symptoms to report. Beverly demonstrates MLH’s Values: service, quality, integrity, and teamwork on a daily basis.

For example, I received a page last week to administer a monoclonal antibody on a unit outside the cancer center. The patient has breast cancer and frequently goes to 3 Crews every three weeks for therapy. She was in the hospital related to an infected wound and was due for the Herceptin infusion. The patient was hooked up to a wound vacuum, IV pump, her blood sugar was elevated, and she was having moderate pain. She was not having the best day, and I could tell that by her expression and our conversation. I told her who I was, why I was there etc and she asked what the title “Clinical Educator” meant on my badge. I gave a brief overview of what my job entails..I teach nurses how to care for patients. She then smiled stating “well…you must be doing a good job because Beverly is great.” She continued to talk about what great care she receives while in the clinic and how much she enjoys Beverly and the other 3 Crews associates. Smiling, she asked me to tell Beverly she said “hi” and she would be back to see her for her next dose of Herceptin.

Beverly’s vast knowledge of oncology care, apheresis, and focus on safe, satisfied patient care makes her a perfect option for an award developed after a patient suffered from an auto-immune disease.