Bev Minear
January 2015
Bev
Minear
,
RN
Emergency Services/Lifeguard
Unitypoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids
,
IA
United States

 

 

 

This patient's day had been a struggle between life and death. He was brought to the LTACH unit to treat endocarditis of the mitral valve and the day after his transfer from another facility, the patient's condition had drastically changed. His first decision was if he wanted to have surgery. The next decision was whether or not to go to a specialty medical center. Due to the complexity of the patient's condition, this medical center was his only hope. The patient and his wife wanted to take the chance and go to the specialty medical center.

Bev was called at 1500 for assistance to transfer the patient. Bev is best described as extremely calm and composed in difficult situations, and always strives to do the best thing for the patient. Bev took the time to visit with both the patient and his wife (at length) to make sure they absolutely wanted surgery and the transfer. Then she quickly connected with the medical centers' flight team. A storm system was moving through and it was decided that in order to get the patient there quickly and safely, that a fixed winged aircraft transfer would be best. Bev arranged this along with giving a thorough report of the patient's history and current status to the receiving team.

Bev assisted the LTACH team to intubate, prepare the patient for transfer, and secured a defined timeline for the patient's transport. The transport team arrived to the LTACH unit, received report, assumed care for the patient and took him by ambulance to the airport. The patient was taken to the medical center, he was evaluated by the surgical team and received a mitral valve replacement. Bev had no obligation to help with the patient's situation, but did so because that is who Bev is-always willing to help no matter what the circumstance.

Bev's expertise, insight, compassion, and contacts gave the patient the best opportunity for timely intervention. It was impressive the time she took to talk with the patient, his wife, and the LTACH team. A nurse that worked said, "Every unit needs a Bev Minear," meaning she performs at the highest quality and always pushes her team forward.

Bev makes everyone's life within these four walls better, whether they know it or not.