Bethlee A. Slaughter, LPN, CWCN, a Licensed Practical Nurse & Certified Wound Care Nurse with Summersville Regional Medical Center

Get to know Licensed Practical Nurse & Certified Wound Care Nurse, Bethlee A. Slaughter, who serves patients in Summersville, West Virginia.

Specializing in geriatrics, Bethlee is a licensed practical nurse & certified wound care nurse who works at Summersville Regional Medical Center in Summersville, West Virginia. Her current duties include administering medications and IV, providing wound care, and assisting her residents in activities of daily living.

Since 1967, Summersville Regional Medical Center has served patients from all over southern West Virginia. Centrally located in Nicholas County, the hospital works to deliver individualized patient care and improve the lives of those in its community.

Prior to her current endeavours, Bethlee worked William R. Sharpe Hospital for a period of six months. However, it wasn’t what she was looking for, which is why she took a job at Summersville Regional Medical Center. 

Among her nursing background, she has worked in three nursing homes – a place which she finds to be most rewarding. She loves seeing the residents’ faces light up. Her motivation is to make a difference. While a patient may not remember her name, they can remember what she did for them, how she made a difference in their life or the lives of a loved one that she has taken care of.

When she was younger, Bethlee’s grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctor told her the diagnosis and left the room. Her nurse sat with her as her world changed. She told her about chemo and radiation treatments available. She showed so much compassion and helped her face cancer with a positive outlook. That nurse changed Bethlee’s life as well and showed her the path that she wanted to be on. 

Years later, in 2013, Bethlee earned her nursing degree from New River Community and Technical College in Beckley, West Virginia. She attributes her success to those who have supported her throughout the years, including her fiancé who continues to stand by her side. He understands that she can never talk about what is going on at her job but will hold her when she cries over losing a patient. 

Bethlee is also grateful to her grandfather, who encouraged her to follow her heart and her dreams. To those who have supported her through the ups and downs, many hours of studying, and the long nights, she is forever grateful.

In order to stay up to date in her field, she remains a member of HOSA – Future Health Professionals. She also holds certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Intravenous therapy (IV).

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides routine care for the sick or injured. They work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses, performing duties such as taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medication, ensuring patient comfort, and reporting the status of their patients to the nurses. 

LPNs are generally hired in smaller settings, such as nursing homes, home health environments, and rehabilitation centers. They must be skilled in balancing care for patients and completing practical daily administrative tasks.

A certified wound care nurse (CWCN) specializes in the proper management of wound care by treating and monitoring wounds that are the result of disease, injury, or medical treatments. The majority of the positions for this type of nurse are in nursing homes or hospitals. Some nurses work in positions that require them to travel to the homes of patients to care for their wounds.

When asked how she strives to make a difference in the lives of her patients, Bethlee stated that she never lets them see her have a bad day. She always puts a smile on her face and shows them her best. She treats them how she would want her loved one to be treated, with dignity and respect. Above all, she offers each one an ear to confide in. She tries to do things to make each resident feel special, even if it is just for a short while.

In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting and spending time with friends and family.

Learn More about Bethlee A. Slaughter:

Through her online profile, https://todaysnurse.org/network/index.php?do=/4145070/info/