Bernadette Schwan

Bernadette Schwan, RN, Medical Specialty Unit, MeritCare, is very deserving of this award, as stated in her nomination:

“Bernadette has gone above and beyond to ensure that patients are well informed and care is carried throughout the continuum.” In one of the situations described, a patient left against medical advice for financial reasons. The day following discharge the patient experienced chest pain, was seen in the EC and treated for bronchitis. When Bernadette followed up with the patient on a discharge phone call, the patient was found to have chest pain and she convinced the patient to return to the EC. Bernadette discussed the need to be treated to avoid adverse outcomes and made arrangements for him to visit with a financial counselor.