Beth Meadows, MSN, FNP-C, has joined the team of clinical specialists at the Family Medicine practice of Northern Hospital of Surry County. As a certified Nurse Practitioner, Meadows is responsible for diagnosing and treating adult and pediatric patients for a wide variety of ailments – from the common cold to the flu to congestive heart failure.
“I am excited about working collaboratively with my patients and colleagues to design and develop treatment programs that effectively meet the healthcare needs of patients,” said Meadows. “I look forward to providing a focused and holistic approach to the care of my patients – one that addresses their physical and emotional needs, as well as any additional needs they or their families may have for value-added resources.”
The 34-year-old healthcare professional is more than ready for her new challenge – having served previously in a variety of critical-care nursing and paramedic positions that honed her clinical and leadership skills. “I’ve been interested in nursing since my senior year in high school,” said Meadows. Ironically, though, her nursing career was launched through her education/training and subsequent employment as a Critical Care Paramedic with Surry County Emergency Services.
During her 15 years as a certified Critical Care Paramedic, she also shared with others her expertise in pre-hospital care by serving as an EMS Instructor at both Surry Community College and Forsyth Technical Community College. In addition, Meadows helped organize and direct a number of educational and community-outreach programs that addressed such emergency-related issues as CPR, 911 education, and emergency preparedness.
Meanwhile, the energetic caregiver continued to pursue her longer-term goal of providing nursing care to patients in either a hospital or outpatient setting. After earning her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Winston-Salem State University in 2012, the newly graduated RN accepted a position in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital – where she coordinated and provided direct patient-care for critically ill patients and their families. Six years later, Meadows completed an intensive Master’s of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program at Western Carolina University, in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
Meadow’s comprehensive approach to care includes listening to patients and providing healthcare education, as necessary. “It’s important to listen carefully to patients and understand their treatment goals – because different patients, who come from a variety of backgrounds, have different goals,” she said. “It’s also important to counsel and share relevant information with patients that can inform them about changes in practice standards or alert them to inaccurate or misleading information – especially information that appears online.”
Beth Meadows is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society of Nursing.
When not treating patients, Meadows can be found enjoying outdoor activities with her five-year-old daughter Emma – including carefully guiding her daughter through the beginner hiking trails of nearby Pilot Mountain. She also believes in volunteering her time and talents to enhance the community – whether local or international. About 10 years ago, she participated in a goodwill trip to Central America to help build a school and offer recommendations to improve the Belize EMS Service.
To schedule an appointment with Meadows, call Northern Hospital’s Family Medicine / Mount Airy office at (336) 786-4133 or visit the practice at 280 North Pointe Boulevard, Mount Airy, NC, 27030.