Lindsay Beebe, an experienced nurse with a deep passion for geriatric care, reflects on her 18-year career, her dedication to mental health awareness, and her plans to run the Virginia 10-Miler course for the 50th time this year!
Over the course of her 18-year nursing career, Lindsay Beebe has always had a passion for caring for the geriatric population. Her career began on the Orthopedic Unit as a CNA and nurse extern, followed by many years as an RN. She also gained valuable experience running the Joint Replacement Program for OrthoVirginia.
She spent eight years at Guggenheimer, first as the Assistant Director of Nursing and later as the Director of Nursing. One of her units was a dementia and mental health unit housing 30 long-term care patients, regularly seen by Dr. Peter Betz. During this time, Lindsay developed a strong working relationship with Dr. Betz and eventually decided to leave her director role to return to bedside nursing, caring for his patients on the Geriatric Psychiatric Unit at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital (VBH).
Lindsay’s desire to enter the nursing field began in high school when her grandmother became ill. Spending time with her grandmother in the hospital, she was deeply impressed by the nurses' compassion and care. Even at a young age, she recognized their significant impact on patients' lives and knew she wanted to become a nurse who serves and helps others just as they did.
Lindsay is someone who takes great pride in caring for others, advocating for them, and supporting them in times of need. Her passion lies particularly in mental health, especially for the elderly, and she is dedicated to breaking down the stigmas that often surround mental health. Along with her coworkers, she works tirelessly to educate patients, families, and the community on the importance of mental health, emphasizing that it is just as crucial as physical health.
Understanding the importance of stress management in nursing, Lindsay has always sought a good outlet. During nursing school, she worked as a Floor Guard at FunQuest, where she was once on the speed team as a child and later played roller derby as an adult. Nowadays, her outlet is running. While she may not be the fastest, she has endurance, heart, and determination, knowing she can achieve any goal she sets her mind to.
Lindsay runs with a group called "Running with Coach K," led by Keith and Susan Coalson. The group is a supportive community where members encourage and push each other to be the best they can be. Keith and Susan have created a strong and supportive running community in Lynchburg and have involved the group in various community projects, from picking up trash and trimming overgrowth on sidewalks to volunteering with Meals on Wheels.
This year, Lindsay and a small group from the running team are celebrating the Lynchburg Running Community and the 50th anniversary of the Virginia 10 Miler in the best way they know—by running. They will run the iconic 10-mile course for the 50th time on race day, honoring the anniversary and its significance to the community.