St. John’s Episcopal Hospital RN Supports Far Rockaway Families On and Off the Clock

Far Rockaway, New York, November 4, 2024 — Beverley Childs, RN, is known for the compassionate and dedicated care she provides to patients at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. A mother of four, Childs has been with the hospital for seven years, first in Pediatrics, then working as a float nurse, before finding her calling in Labor and Delivery.

Now, as a passionate supporter of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation, Childs is giving back to the community she has tirelessly served. Inspired by Jacqueline Marecheau, MD, FACOG, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Episcopal Health Services (EHS), and Renee Hastick-Motes, President of St. John’s ICARE Foundation and Senior Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer of EHS, she donates her time and treasure to provide vital support to families on the Rockaway peninsula.

“Beverley is a true example of how one person can make a difference,” said Hastick-Motes. “Her dedication to the foundation and commitment to the community is truly inspiring.”

As part of the foundation’s Mother/Baby initiative, Childs assembles baby bags filled with essential items for new mothers, along with the foundation’s auxiliary members, to ensure every family feels cared for beyond their hospital stay. She also helps prepare Teen Self Care Bags, and provides financial support to the foundation.

“Beverley is a beautiful human being inside and out, and her support of the foundation has been heartwarming,” said Nancy Leghart, Executive Director of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation. “She shows up on her days off and volunteers her time for our teen and mother initiatives, she supports our events, and is always willing to lend a hand when needed. Her commitment to the foundation and the community is unmatched.”

Childs shared that she’s always believed in volunteering.

“It’s humbling to be part of something bigger than yourself,” she said. “What I love about the St. John’s ICARE Foundation is their commitment to the health and well-being of our community. Their focus on essential services aligns with my own values, and it’s inspiring to see their impact, from mothers down to children.”

As for working in Labor and Delivery, Childs admits she was initially nervous and unsure of what to expect. She wondered how she would handle emergencies and care for women who hadn’t seen a doctor throughout their pregnancy. Ultimately, she overcame her fear and said, “it’s become second nature.”

“We see a lot of women who haven’t had prenatal care, and I want them to know that we’re here to help. If something feels wrong, don’t be afraid to come in. There are resources available,” Childs said.

Childs’ own personal experience of becoming pregnant at age 19, shaped her approach to patient care.

“I was scared and felt like I was received in a way that wasn’t nice. I felt judged, and I carry that with me,” she said. “When people come into Labor and Delivery, I greet them and make sure they feel safe. I always tell them, ‘I’m glad you came in.’ Especially with teenagers, I show compassion and ask if they’re safe and getting prenatal care. They may be young, but they’re still having a baby. I want them to know that we are here to help.”

With the Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum unit under construction at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Childs believes the future of maternal health in Far Rockaway is brighter than ever.

“This new LDRP will be a game-changer for mothers and babies in our community. It’s a state-of-the-art facility that will not only improve health outcomes but also reduce the need for families to travel long distances for high-quality care,” Childs explained. “It’s a sign of how much EHS is investing in child health and how committed we are to meeting the needs of the community.”