Healing Heart: Sullivan Brimmer, RN, BSN

Nashville General Hospital ICU Nurse

From her early childhood, Sullivan Brimmer, RN, BSN, had an interest in medicine and wanted to go to either veterinarian school or medical school.

“In middle school, I had a friend who got sick,” says Sullivan. “I visited him in the hospital and saw how the nurses cared for him. They really got to know him. That’s when I decided I wanted to be a nurse.”

Sullivan, from Arizona, is a recent nursing school graduate. Because of her childhood experiences, she wanted to work at a place that made health care accessible to all. That’s why she chose to work at Nashville General Hospital.

When not at work, Sullivan enjoys being outside, hiking and appreciating Nashville’s green trees, something she did not see a lot of in Arizona.

What do you like about working at Nashville General Hospital?
I love that we’re small and different types of people work here. Because of Nashville General’s size, I get to know people from different departments and form friendships with them.

How has nursing changed during your career?

I started during COVID when there was a huge need for ICU nurses. Over time, we’ve seen different COVID strains, which impact patients differently and has changed how we care for them. We’re also working with a lot more travelers. I get to hear all of their experiences.

What inspires you?

The people I work with are phenomenal; they keep me going every day. I’m also inspired by our patients. I like caring for them and being able to impact their lives in small ways. I want to do more than just hand them their meds. When I go into a room I listen to them and want to talk with them about whatever they want to talk about.