Beth helped my mom and our family navigate a very stressful and scary experience. One evening, my mom suffered what turned out to be two strokes and was brought in by ambulance. Beth was one of the staff that met the ambulance and continued care back in the treatment room. I should mention that my mom is a retired ICU nurse who worked at the original Silver Cross on Walnut Street. To say she is not the easiest patient is an understatement. And sometimes stressed-out family members who got their medical degrees from the internet just add to the drama and complexity of the situation.

Beth kept us informed of what was going on with the tests Mom needed, the treatment she was being provided, and what was coming. She treated Mom with the utmost respect as a fellow nurse. Once she knew Mom's background, Beth treated her almost like a peer. Never talking down to her. Speaking "nurse" to her. We could watch Mom's fear slowly start to dissipate. She knew that Beth "got it." Beth never once lost her "edge" or professionalism. Her focus was on keeping mom (and us) updated as the situation unfolded. From a civilian perspective, it was amazing to watch these two generations of nurses communicate with each other.

From a daughter's perspective, I found comfort knowing that my mom was staying calm because she knew she was in great hands, and probably more importantly, was being respected for her knowledge. I can think of no worse patient than a retired nurse, as they know too much. Although everyone who helped mom that evening - and continuing care on the 5th floor - Beth is a shining beacon of what being a nurse means.