Year of the Nurse: She Offers Support, Encouragement

Munson Healthcare Home Care nurse Catherine Swanson, BSN, RN, enjoys helping patients in any way possible.

As a pandemic continues in this WHO Year of the Nurse, she encourages optimism and tries to be as compassionate as possible as she travels the region caring for people in their homes.

“I try to offer them support and encouragement, and remind my patients that ‘this too shall pass’,” she said. “I also encourage them to unplug from the media as that can make people stressful and lead to sickness.”

Many Fortunate "Moments"

The graduate of Oakland University’s nursing school chose her profession because she enjoys working with people. She looks back on her past nine years at Munson Home Care as a series of reminders about her professional calling.

“I wouldn’t say there was a defining moment as there are way too many moments that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of,” she said. “I am in a profession where you get to know a patient intimately, in ways you would never have imagined. When you have any kind of an impact, no matter how small it may be, it is beyond measurable and continues to occur daily.” 

Swanson said she and her colleagues at Munson Home Care strive to provide “excellent” care for their patients. In addition to nursing services, Munson Home Care offers home health aide services, home infusion, medication management, and remote monitoring through telehealth technology.

Time in the Outdoors

As a northern Michigan resident, Catherine enjoys her time outside of her nursing role in the out-of-doors.

“I love kayaking and being on and by the water, snow shoeing, and learning about nature,” she said.