Object Type: Folder
In Folder: Oral History Collection
Schwedhelm begins her interview by summarizing her background, education, and early nursing career in the ER and as a flight nurse. She provides a career overview and discusses the skills and mentors she acquired during that time. She details her start with the biocontainment unit, the unit’s establishment, intent, and training, and the community’s interactions with the unit. She describes the unit’s initial activation by the State Department and internal preparations for Ebola patients. She discusses patient care and adjustments the team made to procedures, the differences between patients, emotional support for staff, and the public’s reaction. Schwedhelm describes the partnerships, training, and collaboration that resulted after the unit was deactivated, the responsibility of being a member of the staff, and lessons learned from the first activation. She details Ebola quarantine efforts, adjustments made during the process, and funding avenues for the unit. She describes post-Ebola pride and awards received, a selection of photos from the unit, and virtual training efforts including through Apple iTunes. She details COVID-19 pandemic quarantine efforts, early research into the virus, and training national organizations at UNMC. Schwedhelm discusses PPE and supply chain issues and adjustments made to processes during the pandemic. She describes Lawler’s efforts with the Regional Disaster Health Response Group. She discusses COVID-19 in long-term care facilities, the personal impact of working with that population, and COVID-19 in meatpacking plants. She discusses the usefulness of the incident command team during the unit’s activations. Schwedhelm concludes her interview by reflecting on outreach needed for future preparations, lessons learned from working with the unit, and her future in retirement.
2022-03-18
