NORWAY — Stephens Memorial Hospital’s Outpatient Department Manager, Lissa Merrill, PT, is pleased to announce that Karen Swan, RN, has accepted the role of Diabetes Nurse Educator at Stephens.

Karen is a registered nurse of fifteen years, with six years of experience as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). To become certified Karen had to have 1,000 hours educating and supporting people with diabetes and pass a written examination.

Karen has a passion for helping people with diabetes. “Learning how to control your diabetes is important to good health, but I understand this can be overwhelming to many. I am grateful for the opportunity to help patients learn how to better manage their diabetes.” She recognizes how difficult it can be to manage diabetes and she feels rewarded when she can help patients feel better and empowered through lifestyle changes.

The Diabetes Education Program at Stephens Memorial Hospital is recognized by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Our mission is to improve the health care outcomes and quality of life for members of our community living with diabetes. Our Diabetes Education Program offers classes, medical counseling, and behavioral health support to people diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes. For more information about the Diabetes Program at Stephens Memorial Hospital please call 207-744-6057 or visit wmhcc.org/services/diabetes-care.

Karen is a native of Maine. She has a son serving in the Air Force and she enjoys her granddaughters locally. When not hiking with her husband, Karen enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and biking.

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