St. Bernard Parish Hospital Names New Assistant Vice President of Nursing

CHALMETTE – St. Bernard Parish Hospital (SBPH) has named Brian Swaim its Assistant Vice President of Nursing (AVP). Swaim brings 22 years of medical experience to SBPH, previously serving in leadership roles in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Most recently, Swaim was the nursing director for the Observation, Controlled Access and Infusion units at University Medical Center in New Orleans. During his time in Alabama at Infirmary West Hospital, Swaim initiated the development of the first online Emergency Department scheduling program in the city of Mobile. Additionally, Swaim was an instructor at Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Ala., teaching fundamentals of nursing, adult health, transition to nursing and pediatrics.

“We are excited to welcome Brian and utilize his nursing leadership and expertise at SBPH. His experience includes serving as manager and director of the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, Medical Surgical, and Oncology Units. As AVP of SBPH, Brian will oversee all facets of nursing, including the strategic vision of patient care,” said Kim Keene, chief executive officer, St. Bernard Parish Hospital.

Swaim is a United States Air Force veteran serving in the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm. Beginning his nursing career with an associate degree, Swaim went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Science degree in executive nurse leadership from Chamberlain University. Swaim also holds a Nurse Executive Advanced Board Certification.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside the medical staff, physicians and employees at St. Bernard Parish Hospital. I am excited to serve St. Bernard Parish and provide quality care to enhance the vitality of our community,” said Swaim.

St. Bernard Parish hospital is the proud recipient of numerous awards, including an ‘A’ Fall 2021 Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group, 2020-2021 Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Company (LAMMICO) Patient Safety Award and Grant and the CareChex award for top 10 percent in the state for Medical Excellence in General Surgery and Orthopedic Care.

For more information about St. Bernard Parish Hospital, visit www.ochsner.org/sbph.

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About Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating 80 years in 2022, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and heart transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including over 700 clinical studies. It has more than 34,000 employees and over 4,500 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 40 hospitals and more than 300 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.