Sumter hospital administrator Gaymon wins Gold Award for nursing excellence

Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital

To her peers, her leaders and those who call her "boss," Susan Gaymon is a superhero.

When asked to share this nurse's attributes for a recent award nomination, every single person described her compassion, her leadership, her enthusiasm and willingness "to always put the needs of the team before her own." One leader called her commitment to health care "unparalleled" and said, "Susan shines brightly in the big moments, but equally as bright in the small, tender moments with team members and patients."

Her motto, they all agree, is: "Whatever it takes."

Gaymon is a nurse leader at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital and is one of 12 Prisma Health nurses who won the Gold Award for excellence in nursing and commitment to the profession last week.

Gaymon has served patients and coworkers at the Sumter hospital for more than 30 years. She was last year's recipient of the Prisma Health James E. Lathren Lead by Example Award. Nurse Executive Terrie Carlton, who nominated Gaymon, said team members call her "a valued leader," "a compassionate nurse," "always enthusiastic," "a treasure!" She "invests in others" and "is respected and admired by all."

Gaymon leads five departments at Tuomey and is responsible for 175 team members. "She doesn't miss an opportunity to invest positively in others," Carlton said. "She sets high standards for herself and others and tackles each day with enthusiasm."

During a recent team member engagement survey, one person called her department "a sisterhood" and said that she "cherishes Susan's leadership style."

Gaymon is always just a phone call away for the nursing supervisors - even when she's not on call. "The trust that our nurses have in Susan is unparalleled, and because she is respectful and honest in all situations, the AODs often reach out to her for guidance," Carlton said. "One of them commented: 'I am amazed at how available and willing she is to help me out whenever I have a need, literally no matter the time of day or night. Her commitment and dedication to problem-solving is remarkable and the support I feel from her, incredible.'"

Gaymon was honored with the Gold Award for "daily demonstrating a breadth of knowledge and incredible proficiency in caring for both patients and fellow team members." Her passion extends to community programs, other organizations and internal projects. She drove the successful Baby Friendly initiative for the hospital. She serves as a link between the hospital and Central Carolina Technical College, providing insight and feedback on the development of student nurses. She holds classes for new nursing students to teach them about the importance of prioritization and delegation. One evaluator commented: "I love how she takes complex situations and breaks them down in a manner that makes perfect sense. I feel more much comfortable handling challenging situations because of her guidance and real world experience."

As a cancer survivor, Gaymon is an annual fundraiser and steadfast supporter of the Relay for Life. She lovingly shares her personal story of survivorship and perseverance during every orientation for new Tuomey team members.

She is an active member of the Shared Governance Leadership Committee, an active participant in the redesign and planning of Tuomey's Emergency Department expansion project, was instrumental in the acquisition of the hospital's TelePsych program, and is an engaged member of the Improving Organizational Performance Committee. She also participates in the Department of Pediatrics and Department of OB/GYN meetings and is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support instructor.

"Her breadth of knowledge and incredible sense of caring for the parents and children provide a great sense of peace, connectivity and comfort," Carlton said.

This nurse is also a tremendous advocate for the Sumter community. Every year, she spearheads Camp SCAMP, designed to teach kids how to cope with living with asthma. She participates in such events as Feed My Starving Children, March of Dimes Cooking for Babies and Sumter's Art in the Park.

She is a member of South Carolina Organization of Nurse Leaders, Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and an active member of Central Carolina's Nursing Advisory Board.

Gaymon received a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of South Carolina and a Master's degree in Nursing from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. She and her husband, Hugh, have three children and two grandchildren. Gaymon is a huge Gamecocks fan.

The Palmetto Gold award is part of the Palmetto Gold Nurse Recognition and Scholarship Program. Nurses receiving the award must meet the following criteria:

- Promotes and advances the profession of nursing in a positive way in the practice setting or in the community.

- Contributes to overall outcomes in the practice area/setting.

- Displays caring and commitment to patients, families and colleagues.

- Demonstrates leadership and assists others in growth and development.

Other winners in Prisma Health - Midlands are:

- Andrew J. Lane, BSN, RN, nurse manager, Medical and Surgical Oncology, Prisma Health Richland Hospital

- Melissa Joy Loftis Berzins, BSN, RN, CCRN, nurse manager, Cardiovascular ICU, Prisma Health Heart Hospital

- Christina L. McCaw, RN, BSN, nurse staff educator, Prisma Health Richland Hospital

- Alfreda C. Oree, BSN, RN, CMS-RN, nurse manager, Acute Care for the Elderly, Prisma Health Richland Hospital

- Brittany Sorgen, ADN, RN, CMSRN, Medical/Surgical Acute Care, Prisma Health Parkridge Hospital

For more information about the Palmetto Gold Nurse Recognition and Scholarship Program, visit SCPalmettoGold.org. To learn more about Prisma Health, visit PrismaHealth.org.