During National Nurses Week, we’re proud to recognize the nurses who make a lasting impact on the families we serve. For many of our patients delivering at Piedmont Newton Hospital, that includes the familiar and compassionate care of Susann Whittle, BSN, RN, Clinical Manager of Women’s Services.
With more than 31 years of experience as a labor and delivery nurse in Covington, GA, Susann has helped guide thousands of families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, often becoming a memorable part of their story for years to come.
A Lifelong Calling Rooted in Community
Susann’s journey into nursing began right here in Newton County. As a high school student enrolled in a health occupations program, she discovered her passion for patient care while volunteering at Newton General Hospital.
“I enjoyed helping people through stressful times,” she says. “Seeing healthcare in action made me realize this was the path for me.”
That path has come full circle in more ways than one. Susann now works alongside providers she’s known since childhood, including Dr. Farrow.
“Our families go way back,” Susann shares. “Our parents grew up in the same neighborhood.”
That deep-rooted connection to the community continues to shape the way she cares for patients today.
Finding Her Passion in Labor and Delivery
Although she originally planned to work in medical-surgical nursing, Susann found her calling in labor and delivery nursing almost by accident.
After working in the ER and as a CNA, she joined the float pool at Piedmont Newton and was consistently assigned to Women’s Services. Over time, she realized she had found the right place. More than three decades later, her passion hasn’t faded.
Creating Meaningful Birth Experiences for Families
As an experienced labor and delivery nurse, Susann knows that no two births are the same. Her focus is always on helping mothers feel supported, safe, and empowered, no matter how their experience unfolds.
“Helping women have the best experience possible, even during a difficult time, fills my cup,” she says.
Her work spans both the joyful and the heartbreaking. From celebrating healthy deliveries to supporting families through loss, she approaches each moment with empathy and honesty.
She’s coached moms through hours of labor, helped partners stay involved, and even delivered babies in unexpected moments, sometimes before there was time to fully prepare.
Through it all, she’s known for meeting patients where they are, whether that means offering encouragement, hands-on support, or simply saying, “I know this is hard.”
A Familiar Face for Generations of Families
As a Covington native, Susann takes pride in providing high-quality maternity care close to home.
“I want women to know they don’t have to drive to Atlanta for excellent care and that it’s right here in Newton County,” she says.
Over the years, she’s built lasting relationships with patients and families and often runs into them around town, at the grocery store, or even while camping. Those connections are a testament to the trust she’s built within the community.
Leading a Strong, Compassionate Team
Today, Susann serves as Clinical Manager of Women’s Services, where she leads and mentors a team of nurses trained across the full spectrum of care from labor and delivery to postpartum and newborn support.
“I’m most proud of the team we’ve built,” she says. “They’re compassionate, eager to learn, and truly committed to giving our patients a wonderful experience.”
She’s also passionate about continuing education and improving maternal health outcomes, helping ensure patients in Covington have access to the highest standard of care.
The Reality—and Joy—of Nursing
Susann is candid about the demands of labor and delivery nursing. The role requires not only clinical skill, but emotional resilience and adaptability.
“We’re caring for the mom, the baby, and the entire support system,” she explains. “It’s more than people expect.”
In the middle of especially busy or overwhelming shifts, she’s even developed her own way of staying grounded.
“I’ll grab a Diet Coke and sing ‘Jesus Loves the Little Children’ while the unit feels like it’s on fire,” she laughs.
It’s a small ritual, but one that reflects her ability to find calm and perspective, even in high-pressure moments.
Life Outside the Hospital
When she’s not at the hospital, Susann enjoys giving back to the community and spending time with her family. Over the years, she’s been involved in activities like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and archery with her children.
Today, she volunteers at her church’s food pantry and loves to go camping whenever she can and she’ll likely run into former patients there, too. And when she has the chance, she heads to the beach to recharge.
Advice for Future Nurses
For those considering a career in nursing, Susann offers straightforward advice:
“You have to love what you do,” she says. “It’s not just about the pay. It’s about the passion behind the care.”
She encourages future nurses to be prepared for both the emotional highs and lows and to make time to recharge so they can continue showing up for their patients.
What Nursing Means to Her
After more than 30 years, Susann’s definition of nursing remains rooted in compassion and advocacy.
“It’s about caring for your patients, supporting them, educating them, and helping them feel less afraid,” she says. “It’s about empowering them to believe and let them know that they’ve got this.”
To Susann, and to every nurse who shows up with heart, strength, and unwavering dedication, thank you. You help guide families through moments they will never forget, and we are honored to celebrate you this National Nurses Week.
