Elizabeth “ Betty” Kesler, RN, CCTC (BKF)

Family, friends, and co-workers would describe Betty without- a- doubt as a “Wonder Woman”.   She was a daughter, sister, mother, wife and nurse dedicated to her family and career.  Betty was always available to help friends, family and most of all patients.

As the mother of three energetic teenagers she was their cheerleader, worrier, disciplinarian, and role model.  Strong but loving and supportive of their differences and unique qualities.  She was very involved in their school life and after-school activities.  All the while trying to instill good morals and values through a devoted faith and dedication to her church.

Betty was dedicated to her work as a Liver Transplant Coordinator at Ochsner Clinic Foundation for many years.  Transplant became of interest to Betty while working with hospitalized patients with end-organ failure as both an IV nurse and an ICU nurse.  To her patients she was caring but firm.  She always knew exactly where to draw the line between nurturing and promoting independence.  Her soft spot was with the pediatric transplant patients.  When one would come to clinic she was like the proud aunt showing off her patient.  But she could also be firm when the task demanded.  One of her patients called her “the little general”.  When it was important she did not budge.  To her co-workers she was a stalwart friend, always there to help out, to switch call, to fill in, to lend a hand.  She was a mentor to new employees/coordinators, helping them through those first difficult months learning this new unique nursing role.  The physicians trusted and admired her expertise.  She could start an IV in an infant as easily as she could comfort a distressed parent.

Betty was also active in advancing the promotion and specialization of the role of nurse as a Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator.  She was an active member of several nursing organizations including ITNS, ABTC and NATCO.    She authored questions that would become part of the nursing transplant certification exam and critiqued abstracts for transplant conferences. Betty was one of the founding members of the LA Chapter of ITNS and a board member at the time of her unexpected death, February 17, 2000.

Betty was a great asset to her profession. This fund will remain a lasting tribute to her dedication and commitment to nursing in the field of transplantation.

Click here to view and download the
Betty Kesler Memorial Education Fund Grant Application Form