A swing bed program is a type of care that allows a patient to transition from acute care (such as after surgery or an illness requiring intensive treatment) to a less intensive level of care, like rehabilitation or recovery, without having to move to a different facility. The term “swing bed” refers to a hospital’s ability to “swing” or change the use of its beds from acute care to skilled nursing care, depending on the needs of the patient. On this podcast, Brooke Schwery, Care Transitions & Utilization Review Nurse, discusses how swing bed programs can enhance patient outcomes, provide continuity of care, and offer a vital resource for rural communities. For more information, call 712-265-2693.