Laurette is a Registered Nurse and a graduate of Berry College in 1982 and of MississippiUniversity for Women in 1985 with a BSN. Following graduation, her hospital nursingexperience began at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, MS in med/surgery. Hernursing experience has also included Home Health Nursing in Mississippi and Florida,encompassing almost 10 years; an Endocrinology Medical Practice both in New Jersey andFlorida as a Diabetic Educator; and Hospice Nursing in Boca Raton, Florida for 7 years.
She married Robert Beekman in 1995. They have two children, a son, Colin, born in 1997and a daughter, Samantha, born in 2000. In 2001, they moved to Knoxville the weekbefore September 11, 2001. Laurette was a stay at home mom until Samantha started Kindergarten. She then entered the Parish Nursing Training Program through BaptistHospital in 2006.
Laurette feels very blessed to carry out a Parish Nurse Ministry here at Sequoyah Hills aswell as in the local community. There are many activities that she assists with, but noneas meaningful as visitation. With GOD’s continuing guidance and grace, she anticipatescontinuing to assist in meeting this congregation’s need for health promotion to includethe Body, Mind, and Spirit.
Parish Nursing is an Interdenominational Program, which reclaims the spiritual dimension of nursing care providing a holistic approach to patient care. Here at Sequoyah HillsPresbyterian Church, our parish nurse
- works with the Senior Adults;
- visits the sick, homebound, hospitalized, and those living in nursing home/assistedliving facilities;
- utilizes a large phone ministry;
- arranges health fairs;
- provides speakers for Stephen Ministers continuing education;
- coordinates the monthly Church and Community Luncheon;
- schedules Medic Blood Drives;
- organizes Flu Shot Campaigns;
- provides monthly Blood Pressure Screenings;
- provides CPR training;
- has esatablished Tai Chi classes for both beginning and continuing students to improvebalance, strength, and reduce stress for all ages.
- Began an interactive handwashing campaign for SHEEP students in grades 3-6created a medical equipment closet providing wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, shower chairs to those in need.
- Helped form and participates in the Health and Wholeness Committee, which infusesthe concept of healthy practices into all aspects of the church.