Bolivar Medical Center is proud to announce Shelby Swafford, RN, as the hospital’s nominee for the 2025 Monarch Caring and Community Award. Swafford, a registered nurse and charge nurse in the Outpatient Services Center (OSC), is a shining example of compassion, leadership, and dedication in healthcare.

“Shelby consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of her role,” said Jimmy Young, CEO of Bolivar Medical Center. “She’s deeply invested in every patient’s journey.”

Swafford’s unwavering advocacy ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care. She is known for speaking up on behalf of her patients, often going the extra mile to meet their needs. Her impact is lasting—many patients stay in touch with her long after their treatment ends, a testament to the trust and comfort she provides.

Her excellence is also reflected in formal patient feedback. She is frequently recognized in Press Ganey surveys, with comments such as, “Nurse Shelby Swafford is fantastic. She explained everything.” Patients consistently recommend her by name, praising her clear communication, empathy, and professionalism.

Among her colleagues, Swafford is a source of strength and inspiration. She treats her team like family, leads with integrity, and actively participates in team-building activities beyond the hospital walls. She is known for stepping up to assist with departmental projects and encouraging her peers through both words and actions.

Swafford’s commitment to service extends into the community. She is an active member of the Cleveland Lion’s Club and volunteers at Delta State University, her alma mater, where she helps train future healthcare professionals through simulation labs and mentorship.

Swafford was recognized at a company-wide celebration in Louisville, Kentucky, where ScionHealth honored caregivers from across the country. The event celebrated compassion in action and looked ahead to the future of exceptional care.

The Monarch Caring and Community Award is ScionHealth’s highest annual honor, recognizing exceptional, highly skilled caregivers from its Specialty and Community hospital divisions. Monarch Award recipients are individuals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver excellent patient care, elevate the patient experience, and support their colleagues and communities. In everything they do, they exemplify ScionHealth’s core values: Valuing Every Voice, Showing Courage and Leaning into New Ideas.

In every aspect of her work and life, Shelby Swafford demonstrates what it means to be an exceptional caregiver. Her compassion, leadership, and dedication make her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Monarch Caring and Community Award nomination.