Michele Schuberg, an adult-geriatric nurse practitioner who is certified in hospice and palliative care, recently joined Glencoe Regional Health Services (GRHS). Unlike the other nurse practitioners at GRHS, Schuberg does not accept appointments to see patients in the clinic. She provides care exclusively for two populations: residents of GRHS Long Term Care and patients in GRHS’ hospital transitional care unit. Schuberg divides her time based on the census in each setting and the care needs of her patients.
“The best part of my job is providing greater accessibility to care,” Schuberg says. “Being on site full time to deliver routine care for hospitalized patients and long-term care residents, I serve as an extension of the doctor. I love being able to meet people’s needs right in the moment when they arise.”
Schuberg will tend to long-term care residents when the charge nurse reports an immediate health concern such as acute pain or sudden changes in vital signs.
“I also invite residents and their families to talk to me any time about anything that bothers them, from indigestion to a stubbed toe,” Schuberg says. “Having worked in hospice and palliative care for 15 years, I can also help ease a person’s journey at the end of life.”
For more see the Oct. 14 print edition of The Chronicle.