This nomination is the result of Beth Blanchard's compassionate expert care and patience delivered to a man that came to us "overlooked" in another care setting. The patient is a chronic wound care patient with debilitating comorbidities that require head to toe attention. His extensive medical and surgical history and swollen weeping legs have left him unable to provide self-care and commonly in pain/discomfort. Beth spent 2 hours during one visit lovingly and patiently providing long overdue skin care, washing the patient, removing dead skin build up, moisturizing where needed, and providing evidence-based wound care. Beyond the physical care provided, Beth filled every minute of the patient's visit with reassurance, stories to distract from pain, advice to improve his comfort, and perhaps most valuable of all, humor to restore a smile to his face. Beth has become a passionate advocate for his needs, taking extra time to write out detailed instructions for his facility and making follow up calls to ensure understanding and completion. Her attention to detail and compassionate heart make Beth the frequent recipient of praise by patients and families. People commonly walk in the front door and ask, "Is Beth here today?" or hang around after their visit for a smile and a hug from their longtime caregiver and friend.
She remembers unique details of their lives to maintain a personal connection to each patient and keeps colleagues well-informed of their clinical needs. Beth is a mentor to colleagues, medical residents, students, and fellows. She welcomes the opportunity to educate and partner in care.
As case manager for our plastic surgeon, Beth is faced with the responsibility of advocating for the needs of some of our more vulnerable patients facing serious medical support needs. She rises to this responsibility and ensures that every patient feels treasured as an individual when they come to the Wound Healing Center. Her expertise and warm nature quickly puts patients at ease and develops trusting relationships that frequently result in patients and caregivers sharing information that better informs care decisions.
Beth is dedicated to continuous advancement in nursing and the specialty of wound care. She is an invaluable knowledge resource for the team and Atlantic Health. She committed herself to degree advancement, and successfully obtained and maintained certification in wound care, ostomy care and foot and nail care.