by Vickie Jenkins – Writer/Photographer
One of the best places to work is Fountain Brook Assisted Living and Memory Support, according to Beka Cotney, RN and Director of Nursing. Cotney has been a nurse since 2010 and has worked here as Director of Nursing for 6 months. “I love the staff and residents here. My main focus is to make sure everyone is happy and that we are taking care of our residents to the best of our ability,” Cotney states.
When Cotney was a little girl, she knew that she wanted to do something to help others. Her first choice was to go into Radiology. Going to school to be a radiologist was her goal yet when she became pregnant, little did she know that her career would be changing. She was so touched by the love and care that she received in the hospital that she knew this is what she wanted to do. With a special feeling about her, she decided that she wanted to be a nurse. Without a doubt, she changed her major, setting out for nursing school.
Ready to work, she walked into Fountain Brook. When she walked through the doors, for some reason, this didn’t seem like the others places that she had interviewed for. As she sat in the lobby, she noticed how friendly everyone was. She could feel the happiness of the people and see the smiles on their faces. That is when she knew she wanted to work here. Even though there were no openings right away, she was persistent and kept asking. Soon, there was a position available and she was thrilled to accept the job. “It was the best decision I ever made,” she said.
Asking Cotney what her greatest strength as a nurse is, she replies, “I think it would have to be the way I get along with the residents and their families. I like to keep things positive and consistent. I work hard on myself, making sure I am aware of others’ feelings. The most important thing about my job is making sure that I am making a difference in the residents lives. I love getting to know all of them. They have so much love to give and so many stories to share. A listening ear, a kind word, a gentle hug is what we do and we love it,” she replies.
“What advice would you give to someone going into the medical field?” “I would say that the person needs to have a heart for taking care of others. The work is hard and the hours are long but it is all worth it. The main thing that I would tell them is to stay positive,” replies Cotney. “My residents and my staff inspire me. I can’t wait to come to work. This is a happy place and when I arrive in the morning, I am greeted by smiles and hugs.”
Describing herself, Cotney says, “I stay positive all the time. I think that is important. I am a very caring and compassionate person in any and everything I do. A lot of people come to me for advice and I will give them my honest opinion. Honesty and loyalty are a big deal for me.”
Cotney likes spending time with her family. Keeping up with her 15-year-old daughter (cheerleader) and 8-year-old daughter and their activities can keep her busy. “I also like to do anything outdoors, whether it is camping or going to the lake or just relaxing on the porch, as long as I’m outdoors, I am happy,” she says with a smile.
Cotney explains that her biggest blessing is love. “My biggest blessing here at Fountain Brook is the fact that I feel like I can give love and compassion to the residents. I fit the role and I know I was meant to be here, making a difference in other’s lives.”
Cotney’s words to live by are simple yet powerful. “Remain positive and everything will work out for the best.” So far, Beka Cotney is a living example of what being positive and putting it to work means to her. Everything is working out for the best and Beka is sure it is going to continue to get better.
