Nursing Professional to Join Bacon at State of the Union

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) will be joined by Shelly Schwedhelm, MSN, RN, NEA-BC at the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. on February 7, 2023. Schwedhelm has more than 40 years of experience and was one of the original staff of the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. Currently, she serves as one of the leaders of the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, in addition to numerous other leadership roles in emergency management and biopreparedness

Schwedhelm was active in training health care professionals in treating patients with Ebola in 2014, and during the COVID pandemic, she worked tirelessly in helping to train healthcare facilities across Nebraska and the nation, in how to address the viruses and ensure staff and patients alike were safe.

“Shelly is a star in the health care system and has given much of her time to visit schools, meatpacking plants and other businesses to help them operate safely as essential services,” said Bacon. “Our nation’s nurses serve on the front lines for our health safety, and I am pleased to have her join me as my guest at the State of the Union.”

“As a nurse, it is an honor and a privilege to be invited to attend the State of the Union Address with Congressman Bacon.  The nursing profession and healthcare workers have been significantly impacted by the pandemic the past three years and count on our public officials to advocate support for our frontlines as well as other essential workers. There is no greater profession than nursing.  The opportunities are endless to impact lives and make a difference every day not only in hospitals and clinics, but in long term care facilities, community and public health agencies, churches, government, and the list goes on. Nurses ranked as the most trusted profession in America for the past two decades.  We never stop learning.  We are leaders.  We drive change and play a pivotal role in the healthcare system.  I can’t imagine having any other career.  Thank you (Rep. Bacon) for the opportunity as a nurse to attend with you this prestigious event.” - Shelly Schwedhelm

“No one is a better representative of the nursing profession than Ms. Shelly Schwedhelm. We’re so appreciative that Congressman Bacon chose Shelly to represent the nursing profession and the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine at the State of the Union address. Shelly exemplifies not only the unwavering commitment to the highest quality of patient care, but also a dedication to lifelong learning and a true servant’s heart, for the betterment of humankind.  Her work to serve Nebraska, our Nation and beyond during the pandemic has supported countless health care organizations nationwide and as a result, has saved countless lives.” - Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, Chancellor, UNMC

Schwedhelm and her husband farm in Washington County, raise cattle, and are very active in Omaha Rodeo activities.

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