Beth Montana Never Stops Learning
October 26, 2023
Seven years ago, Beth Montana needed a fresh start. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in sustainable agriculture with a concentration in animal science, Beth enjoyed working at a research facility in her hometown. However, the job did not pay well, and after a big life change, Beth started rethinking her life and career. Eventually, the New Iberia, Louisiana, native moved to Beaufort to live with her grandfather.
“He gave me a landing pad and place to heal while I dealt with a divorce and looked for a new career,” Beth says. “I realized I could make a more profound impact in my community, whichever community that would be, by switching over to the nursing field.”
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Finding Her Family
With her grandfather’s support, Beth attended the Technical College of the Lowcountry online and in person. She graduated in May 2022 with an associate degree in nursing.
“I am so grateful I got to spend six awesome years with my grandfather before he passed away, which was during my last semester in nursing school,” Beth says.
One week after graduating, Beth started at Beaufort Memorial as a nurse intern. Reinvigorated by her new career path, Beth was hired for a full-time job in June after passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).
“If you’re wanting to go to school, Beaufort Memorial is an awesome employer,” says Beth. “They’ll help you and work with your schedule.”
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Living the Dream
Beth now works in the PACU [perianesthesia care unit], taking care of patients before and after surgery. Working in the PACU is her dream job, and she feels she makes a difference in patients' lives every day. She recalls a cancer survivor who was very nervous about having a needle put in for the IV because chemotherapy had caused a lot of damage to her veins. Nurses had struggled in the past, but Beth started the patient’s IV on the first try.
“It was just after when she was coming into recovery, and she’s still waking up from anesthesia,” Beth says. “She sees me, and she’s just calling out my name and saying, ‘I’m so happy you’re here,’ and I’m like, ‘I’m so happy I’m here, too.’”
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A Class Act
Beth is not looking to transfer from the PACU. However, she enjoys gaining clinical experience across Beaufort Memorial through the nurse residency program, which offers classes once a month for newly graduated nurses to help them succeed in their careers. A recent class on mock codes, which alert staff when a patient does not have a heartbeat, allowed her to practice the skills she learned in nursing school in a realistic but safe environment.
“I am happy to say we brought our patient back each round and have the confidence we’ll do so again when it happens for real,” Beth says. “I would encourage new nurses to participate in all the nurse residency classes their schedule allows.”
Beth is back in school working on another degree: her Bachelor of Science in nursing. In addition to learning on the job and progressing her education, Beth was awarded a scholarship through the People Achieving Their Highest [PATH] Program.
“I learn things, new things every day, and I don't ever want to stop learning,” says Beth.
Ready to take the next step toward a fulfilling future in health care? Find your path at Beaufort Memorial.