Bev Armstrong’s path to a nursing career began late in life, with the arrival of her granddaughter. Born in Keokuk, Iowa, with a hematoma, the baby was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit in Iowa City.

“The nurses were amazing. They were so kind, gentle and caring,” Bev recalled. “I said, ‘Maybe one of these days I’ll go back to school.’”

She did. When the job Bev had at the time was eliminated, she used the opportunity to apply to nursing school, was accepted and became a registered nurse at the age of 51 years old.

Bev joined the staff of Blessing Health Keokuk after graduation and remains there today. She has touched the lives of many patients over the past 18 years, working in behavioral medicine, medical-surgical, ambulatory OR, ambulatory infusion, wound clinic and critical care.

“The more I work in different areas, the more training I get,” Bev said. “My supervisor says I can never retire because I know too much.”

Bev gladly shares her knowledge with new coworkers, particularly “cheat sheets” she has created. They include simplified steps for admissions and discharges, and proper documentation.

“I managed a convenience store for more than 8 years. The profit line is very important,” Bev stated. “I try to encourage new nurses when they do their documentation to be specific so the patient is taken care of, and we and the hospital are taken care of.”

Another life-changing event

Four years ago, at the age of 64, Bev was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Medication slows its progression. However, someday Bev will be on oxygen and a lung transplant list.

But today, she gladly remains on the job. 

“I have a positive attitude,” Bev declared. “I continue to care for patients and I enjoy it.”

Except for the 10 days she was off work to recover from COVID-19, Bev worked through the pandemic.

“I am a tough old bird. Mind over matter. You have to want to go on,” she said.

Bev does have plans to retire and join her husband in seeing the country from their motorcycle.

“I can have the worst day possible, and I’ll call my husband and say, ‘Hey! Let’s ride,’” she exclaimed. “No more than 10 minutes into the ride, the ‘wind therapy’ eases my mind. It is awesome.”

Until then, Bev will be at the bedside at Blessing Health Keokuk.

“I feel I owe them a lot,” Bev said of the hospital that hired her as a rookie nurse at the age of 51. “People have to have loyalty.”

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