“…and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care." – Nightingale Pledge, 1893
That line of the Nightingale Pledge is what Registered Nurse Sue Campbell, Manager of Cancer Care and Palliative Care services at SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group, says drives her in her work every day. She began her journey as a nurse 37 years ago and says she can’t imagine her life any other way.
“Nursing is what I was called to do,” she said. “It’s a gift I’ve been given. To know I’m where I am meant to be.”
Sue credits her mom for pushing her to go to nursing school, and although her mom passed away 18 years ago, Sue can still feel her presence and continues to learn from her influence. The team who cared for her mom in her final days treated her like she was family, and that is what Sue also brings with her in caring for her own patients in Oncology and Palliative Care.
"I know what has been good in the care of my own family and what that meant to me,” Sue said. “I want to give that to others through kindness and empathy. God teaches me to walk in the worthy manner of what I’ve been called to do.”
That kindness and empathy is important in Sue’s role in Oncology and Palliative Care where the approach is to care for the whole person, not just treat their physical symptoms. Sue connects with patients to help them live their best quality of life despite their diagnosis.
Sue was nominated for the My Purpose, Our Mission series by Chelsea Hardacre, Vice President of Patient Care Services at SSM Health Monroe Clinic, who wrote about Sue’s kind approach and assuring words that immediately help her gain the trust of both patients and her nursing team.
“I had the pleasure this spring of meeting Sue's family, and it was evident through the stories they shared that she has always wanted to be a nurse and lives this lifestyle both in and out of her workplace,” Chelsea said. “She exudes compassion at all times. Sue is the truest embodiment of servanthood that I have seen. She makes goodness and compassion attractive, and others want to follow.”
As a nursing leader, Sue said she strives to be a good role model and genuinely loves to see her team be successful and grow.
“I love to teach, and I encourage my team to learn and develop,” Sue said. “I had great mentors, and I want to keep their spirit alive by mentoring others. Being a nurse has given me many blessings in life. The nurses I’ve worked with and the patients I’ve met…it’s a beautiful story.”
Sue has also been presented with a DAISY Award and a Lifetime DAISY Award for her exceptional patient care.
Connect your purpose to the SSM Health Mission. Explore current job opportunities, become a member of our talent community and learn more about our My Purpose Our Mission honorees at our Careers Site.
