Beulah is the definition of “above and beyond.” Beulah is passionate, dedicated, and well-respected. She is an integral part of the CCU team and her presence is critical to our patients and staff. As one of the nurses said, "you know you're important if you take one day off work and everybody misses you!" Beulah exemplifies humankindness and always leads with empathy. She forms bonds with patients and their families alike, often acting as a sounding board and patient advocate. There are countless examples I could give of Beulah's excellence, but I will share one.

During one of COVID's many surges, the ICU was full with very sick COVID patients. We had a husband and wife both hospitalized in critical care in rooms right next to each other. Unfortunately, the husband did not improve and ultimately passed. During this time, the wife started to show small improvements. She was able to understand and communicate by mouthing words, nodding her head, etc. She was aware of her husband's passing and was, understandably, despondent. During this time, Beulah spent time with the patient and her family to determine the most appropriate next steps for the patient.

Weeks later, after the patient had improved more, the family decided they wanted to take her home. Though this is what the family desperately wanted, it presented a significant challenge in discharge planning. The patient still required around the clock care, including oxygen support, possible ventilator support, tracheostomy care, and full assistance with ADLs. The patient’s daughters did not want to send their mother to a long-term care facility far from town, as she was still processing the trauma of losing her husband of many years. They had concerns that isolation would only worsen her depression and grief. Beulah worked hard, and I mean hard–multiple calls with insurance companies, reviewing denials, researching home care options, communicating with the nursing team about family education needed for a safe discharge– and was eventually able to coordinate this patient discharging home with her family.

A few days after discharge, the patient's daughters called Beulah to let her know their mother had passed. They expressed gratitude for Beulah's ability to coordinate this discharge and will forever be grateful their mother was able to pass away in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by those she loved. Though this family experienced unimaginable loss, Beulah's persistence, compassion, dedication, and empathy allowed this wife and mother to die peacefully with dignity next to her loved ones. I am sure the family will never forget Beulah’s kindness.

On top of this, Beulah is also an excellent clinician and has assisted in helping Dr. S with solidifying a complicated diagnosis. Dr. S shared this story: an adult patient was admitted post-COVID. This patient was very sick, but they could not pinpoint exactly what was causing the illnesses. Beulah told Dr. S about a patient she had recently helped transfer to CHLA with a similar presentation who had MIS-C. Though this current patient was not a pediatric patient, the presentation still fit. Thanks to Beulah’s sharp eye and critical thinking skills, Dr. S was able to collaborate with a children’s hospital and determine the patient did, in fact, have MIS. On behalf of the entire CCU, Beulah greatly deserves this recognition!