Fresh out of nursing school, Deborah Matthews, RN, joined a small Tennessee hospital. 

Most evenings, she was the only registered nurse in the hospital.

“You had to rely on your training because you never knew what was on the other side of the door when the emergency room bell rang,” said Matthews. “Breech delivery, overdose, heart attack or trauma — there was no physician in house and the on-call physician had to be found. The nurse had to take charge until the physician arrived, and you were supervising the licensed practical nurse and nurse assistants caring for 48 other patients of all ages, including obstetrics and nursery.”

For 47 years, Matthews has exemplified what you’d want in a nurse: patient, calm, thoughtful and focused on process and improvement.

In March, Matthews wrapped up her 38-year career with Tanner Health System — a career that culminated in thousands of lives touched, hundreds of nurses taught and, finally, the distinction of receiving the Georgia Hospital Association’s 2023 James Shepherd Lifetime Achievement Award.

Matthews, who was one of only five individuals statewide to receive a Hospital Hero award and the only individual to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, was recognized for her longtime dedication to the nursing field as well as Tanner and its community.

“Deborah Matthews is a truly dedicated individual whose enthusiasm for patient care has resulted in positive impacts for her hospitals, the patients they serve and the community,” said GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle. “She is an outstanding role model for the Tanner staff and is a well-deserving recipient of this award.”

Matthews came to Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton as a charge nurse in 1985. Later, she became nurse manager of pediatrics and led special projects for administration. She recalls working the pediatrics unit with one other nurse — one did vitals, one did medications, and they rounded constantly.

In 1996, Matthews became director of nursing at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica, where she oversaw her team’s transition from a wood-frame, 1950s-era hospital facility to the new 40-bed acute care hospital Tanner built next door. She went on to serve as administrator of Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica, then as administrator for the health system’s flagship hospital, Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton.

As a member of the leadership team, Matthews developed staffing methods that mobilized Tanner’s nursing staff to ensure coverage throughout the health system. She also implemented strategies and best practices that helped the organization achieve outstanding yearly clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction scores.

In 2014, Matthews was promoted to senior vice president and chief nursing officer before advancing to her role as executive vice president.

“Deborah’s impact on Tanner is indelible,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System. “Her leadership led her up through the ranks to the pinnacle of her profession, and so many of us — and especially the nurses who’ve served with her — are better for what she achieved. We’re so grateful for the part of her life that she’s given us and proud that she’s received this enormous honor. We appreciate GHA’s recognition of what Deborah’s done with her long and storied career.”

In recognition of Matthews’ service, GHA produced a video with other Tanner leaders sharing the impact she’s made on the organization. A link to the video is available by clicking on this article under Tanner News on tanner.org.

Founded in 1929, GHA serves nearly 150 hospitals in Georgia and promotes the health and welfare of the public through the development of better hospital care for all Georgia’s citizens. GHA’s mission is to advance the health of individuals and communities by serving as the leading advocate for all Georgia hospitals and healthcare systems. GHA represents its members before the General Assembly and Congress — as well as state and federal regulatory agencies — and is an allied member of the American Hospital Association. For more — including information on other Hospital Hero honorees — visit gha.org.