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Betsy “The hostess with the mostest” Phipps is a retiring nurse who is appreciated by a countless number of people all around her. From her own daughter following in her footsteps as a nurse to everyone else around her looking up to her caring and compassionate nature, Betsy has a lot to be proud of.
Of course, when it comes to the nursing profession in particular, this rings especially true. The legacy Nurse Betsy is leaving behind is one that will truly not be forgotten anytime soon.
“My mom has dedicated herself to Boston Children’s for almost her entire career,” her daughter Annie said. “She has taken care of tens of thousands of sick babies over the years who otherwise wouldn’t have had a chance. She is so incredibly knowledgeable and such a great resource for younger and newer nurses on her unit.”
For Betsy, it is all about the people around her. Her patients have always been the number one priority every time she walked through those doors in her scrubs, and even more so, the countless medical field professionals who have come into contact with her over the years are better off in their careers because of Betsy’s devotion to uplifting others and wanting to see other nurses succeed.
“Betsy’s passion in her career was to become the most expert bedside nurse,” said Anita Phipps. “As a profession, nursing is known for offering multiple career paths, but Betsy was dedicated to the proposition that excellent patient care depended on expert bedside nurses.”
Amongst her excelling in her nursing career, Betsy has many accomplishments to look back on (although she will be the first to tell you nursing is not about getting praise):
She participated in the SCOOP program (Student Career Opportunity Outreach Program) and helped high schoolers consider nursing careers.
She achieved Level 3 staff RN status at Boston Children’s Hospital.
She has participated on the Board for the past 10 years.
She edits nurses’ portfolios and teaches nursing classes.
She started the Young Professional group (called the Yo Pro group).
She has top-notch, enviable IV skills.
She is an expert Charge Nurse.
She volunteered for 10 summers in the ‘90s at Paul Newman’s Double H Ranch, a camp for seriously ill children in upstate New York.
She traveled in 2010 to Haiti, following the earthquake, with a BCH Medical team of clinicians to deliver disaster relief.
Oh yeah, and as Betsy is departing her nursing career, she is making a video for the HR department on nursing career longevity. That’s how devoted and dedicated she has been to this sacrificial career that she has been in for over four decades.
“My lesson from her is dedication; that to make your stay in life to try and make the world a better place. She has succeeded,” Betsy’s husband Brad said.
There was something about seeing his wife in action every single day that stuck with Brad. He could tell that his wife loved her job – and of course he knows she loves people – and he is proud of her for everything she has done and accomplished.
“Per a close colleague, ‘Of course, her bright and glitzy jewelry, bags and lipstick were always noticed and appreciated. I respect her very much and will miss her immensely. Her intensive energy and work ethic on the unit is difficult to duplicate.’”
Betsy’s character goes far and beyond her career too. Betsy has been the most amazing family woman and friend around. She has always been appreciated and she has always been an inspiration and a role model.
“My mom is the most caring person I know,” Annie said. “She loves nothing more than having all her friends over and feeding them a delicious meal on the back patio. My mom would give you the (glittery!) shirt off her back.”
There is no doubt in any single person’s mind where Betsy’s heart is. Her heart is always with the people she cares most about, and she cares most about everyone all around her. From her patients to her colleagues to her family to her friends, Betsy has always had a way of treating them all the right way.
She holds a special place in her heart for everyone, and she has always lived life the right way. In every facet of her life, Betsy gives it her all, and every single person in her life has nothing but truly wonderful things to say about this woman.
“In terms of her as a mother and wife, I knew (always knew) that she would be exceptional as both,” Brad said. “She has given 100 percent every single day to the Children’s Hospital, to her patients, family and friends. That’s what makes her such an exceptional and generational nurse and person.”
Generational. That is a great term when describing Betsy, and that is because there is no one quite like her. Plus, she is going to be very, very tough to replace in her position.
“Everyone is so proud of your accomplishments and is grateful for the legacy you will leave behind.” – Anita
