As part of Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals' Humans Who Heal campaign, we are proud to spotlight Lucretia Balkwill, RN, CCM, whose work in Care Management for the Swain Swing Bed program highlights the essential role care managers play in guiding patients through their healing journey — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Lucretia has been a registered nurse for twelve years, starting her career at Harris Regional Hospital on the 2 North unit. After two years in bedside nursing, she found her calling in Care Management, where she has served for the past seven years. Today, she helps patients and their families transition through extended care following illness, injury, or surgery — providing critical support for those in need of post-acute services in a rural setting.

What is your role at the hospital, and how long have you been here?
I’ve been a nurse for twelve years. I started working at Harris Regional Hospital nine years ago on the 2 North unit. For the past seven years, I’ve worked in Care Management and currently serve patients in the Swing Bed program at Swain Community Hospital. My work focuses on helping patients who need continued care or rehab after a hospital stay.

What inspired you to go into healthcare or your specific role?
I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. Caregiving has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. One day, a coworker approached me and said she believed I’d be a great fit for Care Management — and she was right. I love being in a role where I can guide patients and families through difficult transitions and provide clarity in uncertain moments.

What do you love most about your job?
I love helping families navigate the often overwhelming world of elderly care and rehabilitation. Whether it's recovering after surgery, arranging for medical equipment, or setting up services for continued care, I’m here to make sure no one feels lost in the process.

Can you share a moment or memory that has stuck with you during your time here?
There was a patient who arrived at Swain Community Hospital for care. It was obvious her family had done everything they could do. They were loving and attentive, but they were also exhausted. I was able to help them access the care and support they needed, and when the patient realized she would be able to return home with proper services in place, I saw a shift in her personality. She smiled more; she was lighter. That moment reminded me why this work matters.

What does healing mean to you, whether physically, emotionally, or in another way?
To me, healing is spiritual. It begins in your heart and your mindset. It's not just about recovering from illness — it's about choosing to move forward, believing that you can overcome medical challenges, and allowing yourself to feel peace in the process.

What is something people might not know about your role or department?
Many people come to us carrying a lot of emotional and personal baggage — and we see that. Our job is not only to coordinate care but to provide comfort, reassurance, and understanding. Everyone has something they’re dealing with, and sometimes just letting a patient or family know that we understand can make all the difference.

The Humans Who Heal campaign continues to spotlight compassionate and skilled team members from all departments at Harris Regional Hospital, Swain Community Hospital, and affiliated clinics. These are the people behind the scenes and at the bedside who help bring healing to life — one patient, one family, and one story at a time.