It’s safe to say that Joy Solomon has seen it all in her 23 years of working at Beaufort Memorial. Since she joined the team in 2000, she’s served in multiple roles, beginning in a clinical role as a staff nurse then as a charge nurse and clinical coordinator before transitioning into education in 2004.
These days, she guides others into their ideal roles. In her position as director of the Education Department and the PATH program, she helps Beaufort Memorial employees step into their dream jobs and meet their goals.
That involves facilitating training for clinicians and other employees within the hospital, including new hires. She also has a hands-on role in teaching — training employees to help them maintain the certifications needed to meet regulatory requirements.
“If I could identify the thing I love the most about my job, it’s teaching,” Joy says. “I love helping others grow professionally. I love watching a lightbulb go on, helping others understand things and inspiring a desire for excellence.”
Continuing a Legacy
Joy comes by that desire naturally. The youngest of 10 children who grew up on St. Helena Island, she credits her parents for instilling a strong work ethic and commitment to doing her best. Though both of her parents passed away many years ago, their legacy lives on in her everyday work.
“Any time I would leave home to go to school, my mom and dad would tell me to remember who I was and who they taught me to be,” Joy says. “They taught me to represent them well. I always wanted to make sure I did that. They taught me that everything isn’t going to be perfect, but you can’t sulk in it. Move on and make the best of what you have.”
Read More: Forging a New Path at Beaufort Memorial: Jamie Harmon
Helping Others Find the Right PATH
In addition to providing educational opportunities and training for Beaufort Memorial employees, Joy has also played a key role in getting the PATH program up and running. The program, which helps employees advance into new positions, graduated its first class in fall 2022 and is currently hosting its third class.
The aspirations, growth and achievements of participants during their time in the program and beyond make Joy proud.
“Some of the first people enrolled in the program had lots of fears about going to school,” Joy says. “Watching them grow as we worked with them was so fulfilling. I love hearing from other employees who are working with them now in their new roles. It’s one thing if I can say they’re successful, but if others are able to see their hard work, that’s especially rewarding.”
For that reason and others, Joy knows she’s in the right place, both here in the Lowcountry and at Beaufort Memorial.
“I believe in what I do,” Joy says. “It’s a tough time in health care wherever you go, but I believe my grass is green because I’m going to water it. I believe this is a great place to be.”
Joy has grown to love Beaufort even more over the years, providing her and her husband, Tron, with the perfect place to raise their twin daughters, Brooke and Taylor.
“I came back home after I graduated from nursing school and thought I’d move somewhere else in a few years,” Joy says. “But one day, driving home from work, I decided to take the scenic route and remembered how beautiful it is here. I realized that this is home.”
Looking for your next career opportunity? A position with Beaufort Memorial might be your perfect fit. View our current openings.