The comments below are a continuation of the appreciation and praise Beth Van Den Langenberg’s colleagues offered during the interviews and background research for the article, “Beth Van Den Langenberg will retire from pediatric diabetes clinics after more 30 years in nursing.”
Ellen Connor, MD, professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes
“[Beth] worked for a bit in the pediatric ICU, and then became our first NP with the diabetes clinics. It just completely changed a lot of the ways that we did things. She was doing inpatient teaching. She was the first person in our clinic to have an evening clinic so that some older kids could get in after school. And she really was a big part of the expansion of starting to understand the value of having NPs in the program — specifically in the diabetes program, but then in the whole department.
“She was very attuned to what the kids and the families needed, and she was able to do some things that we hadn’t done before that really made the program become great.
“I think she’s a person who works great as part of a team, but at the same time, can really be the leader regarding some aspects of what our division does. We would get kind of worried about the fact that we couldn’t do everything for everybody. There were psychosocial things that we couldn’t fix for the kids. She brought in her ‘magic wand’ that lit up was all glittery and … she would wave the magic wand during times that got really stressful.
“She also reached out to the schools and created a liaison between the school nurses and our clinic that didn’t exist before. She started that education, and it has broadened and expanded into many directions. We saw school nurses as a way to improve care for some kids.”
Tracy Bekx, MD, associate professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, and director of the pediatric diabetes program
“I would say even as Beth is stepping down from her clinical practice, her colleagues and patients are her top priority. She had continued to share advice on how to onboard new providers, and her letter to patients and families was filled with grace and kindness.”
Elizabeth Bender Roe, NP, pediatric nurse practitioner, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes
“I worked with Beth since about 2009. I was a staff nurse and in the diabetes resource nurse group. Beth and Sue Cornwall were leading this group, trying to get inpatient nurses more comfortable with diabetes care. Beth was a huge influence in my life because she got me interested in diabetes to the point that I went back to school to become a nurse practitioner. She was my preceptor and my mentor. For me, Beth has been part of my career from the very beginning. I’ve gotten to work with her in many different ways, as a staff nurse, as a nurse, as her student, and then as her colleague.
“One thing I learned from her is being able to sometimes do things a little differently — that some patients may need a somewhat different plan. We could ‘be a cowboy’ — that’s what she would say. She could really be creative because she understood insulin and the technology so well, she used her knowledge and all those tools to make it work for the patient.”
Whitney Beaton, clinical nurse specialist for pediatric diabetes (UW Health Kids)
“I remember Beth always being a champion for nursing, both advanced practice and for our nurses and clinic. I thought of her, a nurse practitioner, as an expert nurse. She really embodied that and brought that idea to our team. I think that as a nurse we are trained to see the whole person and work with families, meeting people where they’re at, thinking about their whole life, not just their diagnosis. She was creative and she was able to connect with people.
“One of the most important things she taught me, and certainly as it concerns diabetes technology and her extensive knowledge of that — was how to think about things. Creating a plan for a patient isn’t about it being perfect. Our goal isn’t always for someone to do all the things we want them to do, which in diabetes is so difficult. Some are really not able and end up not doing much. But if we can get them to do one more thing, if we can set reasonable goals that kids and families can achieve, then we can make some progress, even if it’s not getting them to our initial goal. If we can make their lives better, then that’s our goal. Sometimes we need to adjust our thinking so that we can meet people where they’re at. Then we can start to make progress. She really helped me learn that when I was in clinic with her. I think that her ability to be an expert nurse and understand what nurses can do was very important for me and the team. It really helped to shape the vision for the nursing positions on our team.”
Leanne Marso, RN director, American Family Children’s Hospital Ambulatory Operations
“I first met Beth when I started at UW Children’s Hospital (as it was known then) 20 years ago. She was the only diabetes APP within children’s. I got to know Beth as I expanded my CNS role for the inpatient pediatric nurses. She was (and is to this day) so kind, friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Little did I know that a couple years after my move to Madison, Beth would end up being my neighbor.
“Her passion for care of pediatric patients is inspirational. She is dedicated to their care and what it takes to meet the patient care needs. I have always appreciated her approachability and willingness to be of assistance. It’s always a pleasure to run into Beth in the hallways. We will definitely miss seeing her smiling face around the clinics! “
Elizabeth Mann, MD, assistant professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes
Beth, when I met you during my fellowship years, I knew you were someone I’d be able to call a lifelong mentor. Your open-minded, non-judgmental approach to me as a learner was recognized immediately. I felt comfortable bringing any and every question to you. Why does this pump work this way? What does a patient mean when they say they’re using ghost carbs? How do I know when to adjust that basal? And the list goes on. I appreciated that during my training you treated me with respect and as an equal (though to this day, I still see you as my mentor and guide). You were always open to me shadowing and joining you in clinic, and always shared your knowledge with such humility.
“When I joined the team as faculty, I felt your enthusiasm from the beginning (and not just to help share the burden of those tricky patients) but because I genuinely felt like you wanted me on the team. I have absolutely loved working alongside you at Deming this past year. I really treasure those mornings we spent together. And I feel totally honored that I could work as your colleague (again, still don’t feel equal in knowledge or reputation) and share ideas together. You have always taught me things, in your subtle ‘for what it’s worth way,’ even down to your retirement letter to patients.
“Sitting with your patients now, face to face, sharing all the things we love about you, I am flooded with gratitude and humility. I’m sure you know how much they love you, but I wish you could be a fly on the wall to see how you’ve touched these families. You have shaped my style as a diabetes provider to advocate fiercely for patients while holding them accountable, to strive for progress in self-management while supporting people through the ups and downs, and to stand with patients in wherever their diabetes journey takes them. I am more discerning and open-minded about diabetes technology because of you. And with every major diabetes technology breakthrough that comes in our lifetimes, I’ll think of you and message you about how exciting it truly is. I and our entire diabetes program are indebted to you, and you leave us with big shoes to fill. One day there will be a cure, and in the meantime, every day I get to help people live with diabetes, I am grateful for you.”
Juliana Price, RN diabetes nurse educator
“I have had the pleasure of working with Beth for over 10 years. I consider her my mentor, and the reason I have never left my position, that I also plan to retire from. It was a rare week that we didn’t reach out to one another to just run something by one another. As the years went on, she flattered me by asking for MY input on diabetes care plans and technology. She knew the most on the team but was so humble in her approach to share that knowledge. Beth is the teammate everyone needs. She is the comedian in the corner and your soft place to fall. She is your cheerleader and coach, and your greatest confidant. There will be a hole in our clinic that cannot be filled. Her patients know this and so do her colleagues that treasured her wealth of knowledge and sarcastic humor.
“Beth’s final impact on her patients came from a personal letter she wrote them. I read it and cried. I can only hope to someday have the impact on patients and colleagues that she has had in her career. May we all use her as an example of a nursing career dedicated to improving patient outcomes and the lived experience of those with diabetes.”
Rachel Fenske, registered dietitian for pediatric diabetes
“I had the absolute pleasure of getting to work with Beth in the pediatric diabetes clinic since I started in the clinic in the fall of 2020. As a fellow passionate advocate for patients living with type 1 diabetes, I found that every day that Beth and I worked together was full of enthusiastic problem solving and lots of laughs. As she always says, ‘getting to play together’ is the biggest gift! Her energy, sarcasm, and listening ear created a space to learn and grow together. I am a better clinician (who knows way more about insulin pumps) today because of our time working together.”
Laura Ahola, retired RN
“Beth, we met way back in 1989/1990 in the PICU. I was still relatively new as a critical care nurse. You were instrumental in my development as a nurse leader. Your encouragement way back in the day to take on an orientee and get involved in the unit instilled confidence in my practice.
“Fast forward — your work with our pediatric patients with a diagnosis of type 1, the work you and your team accomplished, helped our patients successfully journey through this new diagnosis. As a P 5, then a Universal Care Unit nurse, I saw these families who felt unsure and scared with this new diagnosis. After working with you and your team, they were confident in this new normal — that’s huge!
“Thank you for sharing your passion and dedication for the care of children. You’ve made a difference for patients, families and the nurses you’ve worked with ❤️.”
Kalsang Youdon, medical assistant
[edited for clarity]
“Beth has been my mentor and always trusted in me. She’s a down-to-earth woman with no pretensions. She feels and shows empathy and understanding for people who are suffering. She understands suffering of others and takes them on herself. At this time of her suffering, I wish I could take all her suffering in me and allow her to enjoy the rest of the life.
“My prayers are always with you, and please have faith in your god. Always think positive when you are down and glad that we are not in a war zone. You have touched so many people’s lives and their blessing and prayers will shower on you. You have led a good life serving others with compassion. Those good deeds will reward to you in the long run. Hope you will recover soon and will stay positive. Love you always.”
Stephanie Reichling, BSN, RN, CPN, pediatric diabetes clinic RN
“I only got to work with Beth for a few months once I came to the diabetes clinic, but it only took that short time for Beth to inspire me. The way she cares for her patients is remarkable, and her knowledge and expertise is admirable to say the least. Beth is a truly amazing provider, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with her in the clinic.”