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At South County Health, we believe in our staff and support their aspirations. Here, we shine a spotlight on Tory Groves, RN, Administrative Director of Nursing Operations. Her story is one of determination, teamwork, and training.
Tory Groves, RN, Administrative Director of Nursing Operations
From a Student Nurse Associate in the Emergency Department to Administrative Director of Nursing Operations, discover how Tory's journey at South County Health has unfolded over the last 16 years.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
“I started at SCH as a Student Nurse Associate in the Emergency Department in 2008. When I graduated, we were unfortunately in the midst of a recession and I was unable to obtain a new grad nurse position at SCH. After gaining some experience, I returned to SCH in early 2011, first to the float pool, and quickly transitioning to Telemetry.
I worked with a great team over the ensuing eight years and while it was a difficult decision to move on from Telemetry, I knew I wanted to pursue a leadership role.
In 2019, I was promoted to the Clinical Leader role of the newly re-opened Borda unit. I enjoyed supporting the staff while maintaining a bedside nursing presence. During that time I was nominated for and won the Staff Engagement award.
When Anitra (Galmore, DNP, COO/CNO) came to SCH, she saw a need for a day shift supervisor to manage throughput [throughput is the efficient flow of patients through the hospital] for SCH; she asked me to step into the role. I remained there for the following two years. Over that time I learned a great deal about operations, throughput, and the importance of proactive planning.
In August 2022, I was promoted to Director of Medical Surgical, Borda, and Float Pool, and in March of 2023, promoted to Administrative Director of Nursing Operations.
I truly enjoy my current role; I get to work with phenomenal nurses across the board, both in bedside nursing and in leadership positions. My goal is to remove barriers from fulfilling our mission for our bedside staff and create an exceptional experience for both our patients and our staff.”
Mentorship as Stepping Stone to Success
“Firstly, all of the amazing nurses, support staff, and leaders who I worked with on Telemetry have made me the nurse who felt confident enough to successfully lead a new unit. Secondly, Anitra has been a phenomenal mentor in my leadership journey. She has taught me the importance of having a questioning attitude while maintaining a solutions-oriented focus. The leadership academy [not currently offered] was also a great experience and demonstrated SCH’s commitment to supporting new leaders on their career paths.”
Continued Growth: Setting Goals
“I graduated from URI with a BSN and gained vital on-the-job experience over the ensuing years. This year, I would like to earn a nursing certification.”
Are you curious about certification?
Lisa Lockhart, MGA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, describes it this way:
Certification is a formal, regulated process to validate a professional's skill level, knowledge base, and abilities within a designated role. This validation is based on standards set by other professionals in the same specialty. To become certified, you must meet the education requirements, have experience in your chosen area, and pass a qualifying exam. With 183 common nursing certifications and the myriad organizations that sponsor the exams and credentialing process, you may wonder where to begin. Start by choosing to become certified!
What Keeps Tory at SCH: People and Community
“The people! We have amazing people who work here and work together to support each other both on the good days and on the tough days too.”
A Grateful Heart
“I have been married to my husband, Derek, for 13 years. We have two awesome kids, Grace (10) and Mike (8), and one special rescue pup, Leah (12). I enjoy gardening, biking, and cheering my kids on at sporting events.
I am grateful to Derek and the rest of my family for being my support system. Through difficult shifts, conversations, and circumstances, they have always been my sounding board and my true north. Without their support, I would not be able to do what I do.”
For more information about career, growth, and advancement opportunities at South County Health, visit southcountyhealth.org/careers.