May 2026 Honoree
Kathleen Peavy, MS, RN, CCRN
Kathy is in a class of her own as a nurse. She has served in many roles throughout her career and even retired several years ago. However, she saw a need at Grady and chose to return, calling it her “adventure job.” Today, Kathy serves as the Advanced Clinical Nurse Educator for Cardiovascular Services. She is the go-to resource for anything heart-related, but she is also a champion for professional growth and evidence-based practice.
As a new leader at Grady, navigating the system was challenging, but Kathy quickly took me under her wing, helping me build relationships and learn how to navigate the organization. Several months ago, while covering for a fellow director, there was a code on his unit. I responded and helped guide the staff through their first code and postmortem care. Kathy was right by my side the entire time. She was the calm in the storm, sitting with the team afterward to debrief and acknowledge how unexpected loss can affect us. She reassured the primary nurse and aide that their actions had not led to the patient’s death.
Later that evening, Kathy—known affectionately as “Mrs. Peavy”—remained on the unit helping staff with charting and postmortem care. She continued to check on the primary nurse for weeks and regularly rounded to support the team. Her clinical skills remain exceptional, but what truly sets Kathy apart is the human connection she builds with everyone she meets. She is a gift to Grady and to nursing.
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Kathleen Peavy exemplifies the impact a nurse educator can have on an entire service line. As a Cardiovascular Advanced Clinical Nurse Educator, she is more than an educator; she is a mentor, advocate, and steady guide who strengthens the practice of every nurse she works with. She is deeply committed to advancing the profession of nursing. She consistently encourages nurses to pursue advanced degrees, attend conferences, and obtain national certifications, believing that when nurses grow professionally, patient care grows stronger with them. Her work with new graduate nurses is especially remarkable. She has a unique ability to meet new nurses where they are, breaking down complex cardiac concepts in ways that build both understanding and confidence.
Through her guidance, nervous new graduates grow into confident clinicians who trust their judgment and deliver safe, thoughtful care. Her influence extends beyond the unit. She collaborates across disciplines, uses evidence-based practice to strengthen policies and processes, and helps connect daily practice with quality outcomes across the hospital. One new graduate, overwhelmed after managing a complex rhythm change, left a conversation with Kathy saying, “I feel ready for the next one.” That is the power of her mentorship. She doesn’t just teach skills; she builds confident nurses. Her dedication to education, mentorship, and advancing nursing practice makes her an outstanding nominee for Nurse Educator of the Year.
As a new leader at Grady, navigating the system was challenging, but Kathy quickly took me under her wing, helping me build relationships and learn how to navigate the organization. Several months ago, while covering for a fellow director, there was a code on his unit. I responded and helped guide the staff through their first code and postmortem care. Kathy was right by my side the entire time. She was the calm in the storm, sitting with the team afterward to debrief and acknowledge how unexpected loss can affect us. She reassured the primary nurse and aide that their actions had not led to the patient’s death.
Later that evening, Kathy—known affectionately as “Mrs. Peavy”—remained on the unit helping staff with charting and postmortem care. She continued to check on the primary nurse for weeks and regularly rounded to support the team. Her clinical skills remain exceptional, but what truly sets Kathy apart is the human connection she builds with everyone she meets. She is a gift to Grady and to nursing.
***
Kathleen Peavy exemplifies the impact a nurse educator can have on an entire service line. As a Cardiovascular Advanced Clinical Nurse Educator, she is more than an educator; she is a mentor, advocate, and steady guide who strengthens the practice of every nurse she works with. She is deeply committed to advancing the profession of nursing. She consistently encourages nurses to pursue advanced degrees, attend conferences, and obtain national certifications, believing that when nurses grow professionally, patient care grows stronger with them. Her work with new graduate nurses is especially remarkable. She has a unique ability to meet new nurses where they are, breaking down complex cardiac concepts in ways that build both understanding and confidence.
Through her guidance, nervous new graduates grow into confident clinicians who trust their judgment and deliver safe, thoughtful care. Her influence extends beyond the unit. She collaborates across disciplines, uses evidence-based practice to strengthen policies and processes, and helps connect daily practice with quality outcomes across the hospital. One new graduate, overwhelmed after managing a complex rhythm change, left a conversation with Kathy saying, “I feel ready for the next one.” That is the power of her mentorship. She doesn’t just teach skills; she builds confident nurses. Her dedication to education, mentorship, and advancing nursing practice makes her an outstanding nominee for Nurse Educator of the Year.
Thank you, Kathleen, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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