The past year has pushed nurses internationally to adapt and overcome. I believe that Elizabeth (Beth) Kovacs has not only adapted but has maintained the same level of exemplary nursing care despite the challenges we have faced as a profession. Beth's smile and positive outlook haven't wavered in the face of chaos and change, both with her patients and with her coworkers. Working alongside Beth, I have been able to see the compassionate care that she gives to each of her patients, but I continue to be impressed with her (seemingly unlimited) patience. She is always willing to carve out time for listening to patients' stories and to comfort and reassure a scared patient.
Beth goes above and beyond to make sure that her patients understand what is going on and what to expect, even if that means explaining it more than once, demonstrating in different ways, or bringing in someone else in to find a way to connect to the patient. She strives to ensure her patients are heard and supported. Her optimism never seems to waver, and she is known to sing her way to the med room in the midst of an overwhelming shift. Beth's enthusiasm and support extend to her colleagues. She is always ready to lend a hand with an unstable patient or answer that bed alarm (again). Beth is an amazing mentor and leader for our new staff; she is a resource of knowledge and helps all nurses feel like important members of the team. Beth unquestioningly puts her and her colleagues' patients first. She is an integral part of our team on McCann and we are very lucky to have her.