Sunny Hampsey MBA, MSN, RN is the Vice President of Nursing at Springfield Clinic. She has been nominated for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Awards by Trina Fry for her passion for and dedication to nursing.
Sunny has been awarded the 2024 Illinois Nurses foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing.
A Career Marked by Innovation and Leadership
Sunny joined Springfield Clinic in 2012 as a Nurse Navigator for the Cancer Center. Her dedication and leadership led to her appointment as Director of Quality Management in 2017, followed by her promotion to Senior Director in 2020. During her tenure, Sunny played a pivotal role in guiding Springfield Clinic through the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with community partners to develop and implement best practices for employee and patient safety.
In her current role as Vice President of Nursing, Sunny oversees a wide range of critical areas, including Nursing Regulatory Compliance, Quality Incentive Programs, Rural Health, and Telenurse services. Her leadership style, known for fostering collaboration and forward-thinking solutions, has positively impacted nursing practice, compliance, and patient outcomes across the board.
Investing in Professional Development and Education
Sunny is committed to the ongoing education and professional growth of the nursing staff. Through her leadership, Springfield Clinic now offers free monthly continuing education sessions on clinical topics, allowing staff to fulfill licensure requirements and stay current with professional knowledge. Her dedication to nursing education is evident in the development of targeted programs such as the Nurse Residency and Preceptor Network.
The Nurse Residency program, designed for new nurse graduates, supports them through their first year, focusing on leadership, professional growth, and patient care excellence. Through regular check-ins and mentorship, Sunny ensures new nurses feel confident and supported as they navigate their roles. The Preceptor Network, a train-the-trainer initiative, further strengthens the team by fostering experienced staff as mentors who share best practices, support new staff, and champion departmental initiatives.
Strengthening Community Partnerships and Addressing the Nursing Shortage
Sunny’s innovative approach to addressing the nursing shortage has resulted in impactful partnerships with local educational institutions, including Lincoln Land Community College and Midwest Technical Institute. These partnerships provide students with tuition reimbursement opportunities, hands-on rotations, and entry pathways into clinical roles. By fostering these relationships, Sunny has helped create a steady pipeline of nursing and clinical support talent for Springfield Clinic.
In response to the nursing shortage, Sunny also introduced the Clinical Support Assistant (CSA) program, which offers a new career path in clinical support. CSAs are provided with all-inclusive training and a structured developmental roadmap, allowing them to gain experience in patient care while being fully supported and trained. Within a year, CSAs are eligible for certification as Certified Medical Assistants, creating a new pathway for those interested in pursuing clinical careers.
Sunny Hampsey: A Visionary Nursing Leader
Sunny’s impact on Springfield Clinic is far-reaching. Her dedication to patient care, education, and workforce development reflects her commitment to the growth and sustainability of the nursing profession. Through her focus on continuous improvement and innovative solutions, Sunny has positioned herself as a leader and advocate for nurses and healthcare professionals.
Congratulations to Sunny Hampsey and Springfield Clinic for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Sunny who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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