Helping Patients Thrive
For 30 years, Kevin Shrum has been providing lifesaving care at Erlanger. “I help ensure that any respiratory needs that a child may need in all areas of the hospital are available and provided in a timely manner,” he says. His passion for his profession is rooted in helping children thrive through difficult circumstances. “After serving in the military and seeing some of the world’s most impoverished children in a warzone somehow finding ways to survive, I knew I wanted to work with children in some way,” Shrum shares. “I am blessed to work with the best caregivers in the world, providing outstanding care to the region’s sickest children.”
I try to always have a positive attitude and always put the patient first. I love to see new employees succeed and learn a new skill.”
My Credentials
Associates of Applied Science in Nursing and Respiratory Care Degree:
Chattanooga State Community College – Chattanooga, TN
Certifications:
ECMO Certification, Innovative ECMO Concepts
Specialties:
ECMO
Pediatric/Neonatal Respiratory Therapy
1. What is your philosophy when it comes to the care of your patients?
Always treat them as they are a member of your family
and you can’t go wrong.
2. What do you love most about your profession?
Although it can definitely be challenging at times dealing with loss working at a children’s hospital, the determination and fight these children have absolutely amazes me. I love working with children and witnessing their amazing journey from neonate fighting for their life until discharge.
3. What is one of your happiest professional moments?
I got to witness a former patient who was born at 24 weeks graduate from high school. She returned to the hospital with her mother, who had the names of all her caregivers on the night she was born. That was special.
4. What’s the key to making a great first impression?
Always smile and introduce yourself. One of the first questions to ask should be, “How may I help you?” Always include the parents in the care of their child.
5. Do you believe in miracles?
I absolutely believe in miracles. One cannot work at a children’s hospital and not believe in miracles, because we see them every day.
- 423.778.KIDS
- 910 Blackford Street Chattanooga, TN 37403
- childrensaterlanger.org
