Karen Schieman

Dr. Karen Bergman, assistant professor at Western Michigan University, holds the first Bronson School of Nursing/Bronson Health Systems academic-practice partnership dual appointment. This partnership is intended to improve communication and strengthen relationships between WMU faculty and Bronson Health Systems nurses, improve the ability of faculty to teach in their area of expertise and open up opportunities for faculty to perform clinically relevant research at Bronson. Its aims include sharing nursing resources and improving collaborative efforts that ultimately improve patient care, nursing practice and nursing education in a synergistic manner. Bergman shares her knowledge and research expertise and brings staff/clinical nurses on board with research performed in the hospital setting. Bergman also mentors Bronson nurses who are interested in evidence-based practice research or returning to school to advance their education. As neuroscience coordinator with Bronson Hospital from 2007 to 2012, Bergman oversaw programs and initiatives in all neuroscience areas, including brain trauma, stroke, spine and endovascular procedures. She also conducted independent research on brain injury/concussion and served as a neuroscience resource and educator for staff throughout the hospital.