E-mail story
Comment
Printer-friendly version
Email the Editor


feature story
"It's What I Can Do"
Friday, Sept. 5, 12 08 p.m.

Two local artists give back to their community and its people by using art to fuel life.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


feature Story
The Imaginary World of Highlands
Friday, Sept. 5, 12 06 p.m.

Best-selling novelist Cassandra King lets us a peek into her next book, Bridal Falls.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


delectable delights
True Southern Spirit
Friday, Sept. 5, 12 05 p.m.

On the table or on the rocks, Firefly Vodka is HOT, HOT, HOT!
Read More
 2 comment(s) / read/add comments


from the editor
Sound Off
Friday, Sept. 5, 12 03 p.m.

We have enjoyed exploring, tasting, and celebrating with you and sincerely thank our loyal readers.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


A Lowcountry Life
A Different Kind of Animal
Friday, Sept. 5, 12 02 p.m.

Local vet Dr. Michael Forcier trades records and microphones for dogs and cats to live out a dream.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


Just dogs
Bonkers for Bassets
Friday, Sept. 5, 12 01 p.m.

These floppy-eared hounds are stealing hearts all over the Lowcountry.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


Essay
Discovering the Sounds of the Lowcountry
Friday, Sept. 5, 12 00 p.m.

Musician and professor Trevor Weston searches for "exotic" sounds and gets a lesson in Gershwin and Gullah culture.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


Feature Story
Sustainable Seafood: On The Bubble
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Efforts to make sustainable food more visible and available are increasing.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


get outta town
Kendall Lukas Visits Wilmington, N.C.
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Kendall Lukas has stars in her eyes and history under her feet as she explores the neighboring port city of Wilmington, N.C.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


A Lowcountry Life
From Ballet Shoes To Bikinis
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Poland native Maria Dobrzanska Reeves uses her dance discipline to achieve success in Charleston.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


essay
Splashing Through Childhood
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Author Ron Daise looks for joy and finds it in remembering his children in their youth.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


homestyle
Cooking in the Great Outdoors
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Customized patio kitchens are made for entertaining.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


delectable delights
Doin' The Charleston Bump
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Local chefs re-group with sustainable wreckfish.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


feature story: Online Extra
Swimming Rock Fish Farm
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

More on Megan Westmeyer and Jennifer Smith’s visit to Swimming Rock Fish Farm
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


from the editor
Water World
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

I love being in water. I love that clear, cool swishing feeling around my ears. In fact, on a warm, sunny day, I like to go outside and get as hot as possible and then dive into a cool pool. For me, it’s refreshment at its finest.
Read More
 1 comment(s) / read/add comments


distinctively charleston
Beach Music
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

The sounds, swells and shagging at Folly beach pier keep fans coming back for more.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


Feature story: Shrimp Story
A Shrimp Story
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

You can see the shrimp boats from your restaurant table, so that shrimp pasta on the menu has to be fresh and local. Right?
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


just dogs
Water Babies
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Water lovers dog paddle to the beach, parks and pools.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


feature story
Farm Fresh Fish
Tuesday, July 1, 12 00 a.m.

Swimming Rock Fish Farm raises native species and supports the environment.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


Our Favorite Things

Saturday, May 31, 02 56 p.m.

We celebrate what we treasure in the Lowcountry and beyond that gives us an interior smile.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


from the editor
Maxximum Style
Thursday, May 1, 03 49 p.m.

My 14-year-old niece visited Charleston with her parents in March. She’s from Moscow, Russia, and I had not seen her in more than 10 years. There’s a big difference between 4 and 14!
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


feature story
Holy City Style
Thursday, May 1, 03 49 p.m.

When Nancye Starnes decided to move out of Memphis, she drew up a list of “must haves” for her new hometown: it had to be a walkable city, located on the water, and sizeable enough to support a vibrant performing arts community.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


just dogs
Citadel Charmers
Thursday, May 1, 03 48 p.m.

Move aside – bulldog coming through. In January, the American Kennel Club announced that the Bulldog, one of the most recognizable and iconic purebred dogs, has muscled its way into the 10th spot on the organization’s annual list of the most popular breeds in America.
Read More
 2 comment(s) / read/add comments


delectable delights
Beyond Cookie Cutter
Thursday, May 1, 03 48 p.m.

Prime ingredients, Nostalgic tastes and creative bakers transform Lowcountry cookies into high-style confections.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


A Lowcountry Life
Working for Peanuts
Thursday, May 1, 03 48 p.m.

Anthony Wright, the man known throughout the Lowcountry and across the nation as Tony the Peanut Man, never intended to make his living selling boiled goobers.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


get outta town
Kendall Lukas Visits Charlotte, NC
Thursday, May 1, 03 48 p.m.

I had never been to Charlotte … not really. Well, I’ve gotten my kicks at Carowinds because that was part of being a kid in the Carolinas, and I’ve been to concerts at the open-air Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre because it’s a large complex for big-time acts. I’ve visited my sister at UNC Charlotte and have flown through the city’s major transit airport many times. But as for the metropolis of Charlotte, I’d only ever viewed its high-rises from afar. This time I took an up-close look at the interior and found a lot of reasons to relish in North Carolina’s top travel destination.
Read More
 1 comment(s) / read/add comments


distinctively charleston
Turning Heads
Thursday, May 1, 03 48 p.m.

Bessie is almost 50 and looks as good today as she did in her youth – maybe even better. After all, back then she was hanging from a pole. Now she runs circles around the rest of us, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


homestyle
Café Comfort
Thursday, May 1, 03 46 p.m.

Banquettes are big. Heidi Walker, Allied ASID, of Walker Design Group, is currently working on three different kitchens that have banquettes. For this kitchen in a young couple’s home on Sullivan’s Island, Walker created a café atmosphere by building on the existing element of the laminated floor. “This promotes a casual impromptu gathering space,” she says.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


ESSAY
Lowcountry Style
Thursday, May 1, 12 00 a.m.

If you want to experience real Lowcountry style, you need to come to the Hebron Saint Francis Senior Center. Its members are long time Johns Island residents, a hardscrabble group of African-American women who meet every Wednesday for devotion and quilt making.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments


homestyle
Jewel Box
Saturday, March 1, 12 00 a.m.

Although one of the smallest rooms in a house, a powder room is nonetheless important since most of your guests will pay it a visit. Jennifer Rhodes, ASID, principal designer of J. Rhodes Design, took the popular concept of making this room a “jewel box” and ran with it, creating a luxurious surprise in this 3-foot by 7-foot Daniel Island room.
Read More
 0 comment(s) / read/add comments

Recipe box
On the table or on the rocks, Firefly Vodka is HOT, HOT, HOT!

Videos
Check out the smart car, a match from last year's Family Circle Cup, and a classroom project from an exceptional educator.
Photo Galleries
More is better when it comes to photos. Check out these bonus images from our photo shoots.
Watermarks
What’s happening in the Lowcountry and seasonal spotlight tidbits about local traditions, trends and events.
products
We make some recommedations to add to your music collection.

FAVORITES
What are your favorite things? Click here to share.

Comment: Click here to share one of your favorite cookie recipes
 
 
a lowcountry life

Handle with Care

Written by Mary Clark Coy

Saturday, March 1, 2008


Beth Maier

Photo by Karyn Iserman

Beth Maier

Labor and delivery nurse Beth Maier puts her patients first.

“Even after eight years, I get so excited at the moment of delivery. It is such a miracle.” Childbirth is an important, life-altering experience. This is a fact not lost on Lowcountry native Beth Maier, a labor and delivery nurse at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and a mother herself. A short visit with her yields an extraordinary passion for “being part of someone’s miracle.”

Q: How did you find your way to the nursing profession?

Maier: I majored in biology at USC and earned a master’s degree in public health. Later, when I was working at DHEC, I decided to go to nursing school at MUSC. I kept going back to school until I found something I really loved!

Q: What is it about your position that keeps you there  – that motivates you?

Maier: Definitely the patients. I like to talk to them and find out their background. And I love to teach patients how to take care of themselves and the baby. I also love the people I work with. The majority of them have been there since they started nursing 15 to 20 years ago. St. Francis Hospital operates as a family, and they genuinely care. I honestly cannot imagine working anywhere else. Even if I won the lottery, I’d still do it.

Q: What is the most memorable experience you’ve had on the job  – either positive or negative?

Maier: I think any labor nurse will tell you this. Even after eight years, I get so excited at the moment of delivery. It is such a miracle. It’s so amazing to be sharing in the most important part of someone’s life.

Q: How does this job impact your life?

Maier: I get so much personal enjoyment out of this. It’s almost a selfish thing because I get so much from it. It makes me feel good to help someone. I feel like I’m contributing.

Q: You are a “patient advocate.” Is that a title? What does that mean?

Maier: It’s not a title. It just means I work to make sure my patients are getting the best care they can get. Whether it’s finding a sandwich for a mother who has been in labor all day or seeing if a husband can give the baby a bath so they can have the experience they want. It’s important to be a patient advocate because that’s the whole point of being a nurse. In school I thought it would be a skill  – putting in an IV, giving a shot. Now it’s helping.

Beth Maier

Photo by Karyn Iserman

Beth Maier

Q: What advice would you give someone hoping to enter your profession?

Maier: When I was in nursing school, I was old enough to recognize the reality of life and death. I wouldn’t have realized that when I was in college. This is not like having to pass history because it’s required. How can you fully grasp the importance of what you’ll be doing when you’re only 19? I just don’t know if they have that maturity yet. I’d want them to understand that you are taking care of someone’s life and it’s really important! It’s more than just a job. If somebody doesn’t deliver the mail, it’ll get delivered next day. But if you give the wrong medicine or don’t recognize that someone isn’t breathing right, that affects someone’s life.

Q: How do you think growing up here has impacted you as an adult?

Maier: Just in the sense that I had all my family here, on both sides. Several generations. I loved that. It made me feel secure. I want that for my kids.

Q: What is the most memorable experience you had that exemplifies growing up in the Lowcountry?

Maier: There was marsh behind my neighborhood, and we’d go crabbing and fishing and come home covered in pluff mud. I also remember my dad teaching me to drive a stick shift. He’d force me to drive up the one little hill in Old Mount Pleasant and rock the car to practice for ultimately driving over the Old Cooper River Bridge. I thought it was funny when people would move here and be terrified of the old bridge.

Q: What do you do for fun and relaxation?

Maier: A lot of reading. I can’t give any of my books away – I might have to read them again. I also like being outside – some hunting and fishing. And I’m a rabid, crazy Bon Jovi fan! I’ve been to New Jersey twice to see him and am going to Atlanta to see him. I also love classical music and played the flute growing up. Almost 20 years after high school, I still occasionally have dreams about marching band. I loved it.

Q: When you are 90 years old, what will you tell your grandchildren about what you learned by serving in the nursing profession?

Maier: I think you just learn to value people for who they are. Taking care of someone and seeing we’re all the same regardless of skin color, cultural background, or religion – we have the same basic needs to be met. All the things you want for your family, they want for theirs too. Each patient is a person who needs to be taken care of and to be loved.



Comments

Post a comment

(Requires free registration.)

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:
SUBSCRIBE | in This issue | From the Editor | Staff Directory | Contributors | Media Kit | Advertisers | Contact Us

Lowcountry Living is a bi-monthly magazine of The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C. 29403-4800. Copyright 2007 by The Post and Courier.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from The Post and Courier. Printed by R.L. Bryan, Columbia, S.C.
Click here to email the editor