Trident Medical Center Establishes Nursing Scholarship for Retiring CNO Lynn Singleton

(middle) Lynn Singleton, RN, Trident Medical Center's Retiring CNO, surrounded by Charleston Southern University's VP of Development David Baggs and Dean of Nursing Andreea Meier

Charleston Southern University Nursing Students to Benefit

North Charleston, SC (November 28, 2018) – Summerville native Lynn Singleton, RN is described by physicians and colleagues as a “nurses’ nurse.” In recognition of her nearly 30-year career with Trident Health a nursing scholarship has been established in her honor at Charleston Southern University, where she will continue serving on the university’s Board of Visitors.

“Among her many attributes, Lynn is a motivator,” explained Trident Health President and CEO Todd Gallati. “In everything she does it shows, whether in the hospital, in the community or in her church. She has a passion for excellence and helping others achieve their goals. It’s only fitting for us to continue her legacy by naming a nursing scholarship in her honor.”

Thomas Litton, MD, a surgeon with Tri-County Surgical Associates, appreciates Lynn as a strong advocate for the nurses who provide care for her patients. “I always admired her unremitting commitment to patient care, and to the welfare of her nurses. She certainly deserves the respect that she has earned by her dedicated service to our staff, and the patients who we serve.”

Singleton’s faith runs deep and has carried her during life’s valleys and mountaintop experiences. “My husband died unexpectedly when our two children were babies. I was already a director then at Trident Medical Center,” recalled Singleton. “I strongly believe God will not give us a burden we cannot overcome when we put our faith in Him.”

She found strength during her transition to being a single mother in her church and family. “I was blessed to have very strong support groups that I could trust and depend on. I try to use my experiences to encourage others during challenging times. I can only imagine the difficulty people face who lack such support systems.”

As one of the nation’s few African-American female nurse executives, Singleton had a unique opportunity to be a role model for young nurses. Trident Medical Center nurse Audrey Williams, RN said, “Lynn was one of the reasons that I came to Trident. I’m glad my alma mater, Charleston Southern University, recognized her and her accomplishments.”

Singleton’s path to becoming a nurse executive illustrates HCA Healthcare’s leadership development opportunities. “Prior to becoming a director I started my career in the MUSC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and later worked in Trident’s Orthopedic and Neurology Departments and as a Patient Care Coordinator.” Along the way, hospital executives recognized her ability to connect her knowledge of nursing and her focus on her patients with her passion for developing future leaders.

“As I look back now I can agree with what I’ve heard so many people say over the years – that my brothers and sisters and I are driven to lead and to serve. Early on I focused on taking care of my children.” After completing HCA Healthcare’s Executive Development program, Singleton was named Chief Nursing Officer at Summerville Medical Center, where she served for 9 years prior to her promotion as Chief Nursing Officer at Trident Medical Center.

“As I end this phase of my career I can say my time at Trident and Summerville Medical Centers was extremely rewarding. I’ve made friends for a lifetime and truly feel that I made a difference along the way. I hope every nurse in our hospitals experiences this level of internal reward. There is no higher honor than to serve others, especially during their time of need. Above all else, I am, and will always be, committed to the care and improvement of human life.”


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