Piedmont Rockdale highlights nurse journey from patient care to health technology

Conyers, Ga. (May 11, 2026) – In honor of National Nurses Week (May 6–12), Piedmont Rockdale is spotlighting nurse Morgan Studdard. Studdard’s career has come full circle, as she now supports the same hospital that first inspired her career nearly 20 years ago by using data science and information technology (IT) to improve healthcare delivery.

Studdard’s interest in healthcare began in 2009 when her mother underwent surgery for a bowel obstruction at Piedmont Rockdale. Initially, the IV lines, pumps, tubes and other equipment felt intimidating, but soon became a source of curiosity. At home, Studdard helped her father with dressing changes on her mother’s incision. “I channeled my fear into helping her out,” she said.

By high school, Studdard knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, even if she wasn’t yet certain nursing was the path. “Having the nurses’ calming presence really helped with my mom’s recovery and put me at ease,” she said. “I wanted to do that for other people.” She became a certified nursing assistant (CNA), gaining hands-on experience that solidified her desire to become a nurse.

After earning her nursing degree from Gordon State College in 2020, Studdard interviewed at hospitals close to home. During a shadowing shift on Med Surg 2A at Piedmont Rockdale, the same floor where her mother had recovered from surgery, she knew she had found the right fit. “Everyone was very supportive, and I knew it would be a good unit to start on,” Studdard said.

After several years at the bedside, Studdard transitioned into a unit-based educator role, where she spent more time reviewing patient charts and supporting clinical practice. That shift sparked a deeper interest in using IT and data—particularly within the electronic health record—to improve processes and enhance patient care. This growing field is known as clinical informatics.

In 2023, she began a master’s program in nursing informatics and earned her degree last year. Today, she serves as the Clinical Informatics Specialist for both Piedmont Rockdale and Piedmont Newton.

“I partner with frontline clinicians to optimize the electronic health record and translate clinical needs into practical, technology-based solutions,” Studdard explained. “My role bridges clinical workflows with technology to improve safety, efficiency and outcomes.”

Her work reflects how nursing roles continue to expand beyond the bedside and how those roles can directly support patient outcomes.

“Morgan’s journey reflects the diversity of nursing careers,” said Leigha Fallis, RN, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer at Piedmont Rockdale. “This National Nurses Week, we celebrate Morgan and all our nurses who share a common mission to provide safe, effective and compassionate care for our patients.”

To explore nursing positions and other opportunities at Piedmont, visit piedmontcareers.org.