Sandra Lynn Greeno

Sandra Lynn Greeno, lovingly known as “Sandy,” passed away on the evening of March 4th in Akron, Ohio, at the age of 70. Born the second of three daughters to Wesley Diener and Juanita Biggs in the charming town of Valparaiso, Indiana, Sandy's life was one of purpose, passion, and profound impact.

From a young age, Sandy dreamed of becoming a nurse, a calling she embraced wholeheartedly. She earned her Associate of Arts in Nursing from Indiana University in 1975 and began her career at Porter Memorial Hospital, where she served as a staff nurse in the Medical Unit. In 1980, her family relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where she quickly ascended the ranks to charge nurse and then Assistant Nurse Manager in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at the Medical Center of Bowling Green.

Sandy’s journey continued in Nashville, Tennessee, where her tenure at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) began. Starting as the Nurse Manager of the SICU and Hyperbaric Oxygen Unit, she pursued further education, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of the State of New York and later her Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University. Her dedication and leadership flourished as she transitioned into roles such as evening Hospital Administrator and Assistant Hospital Director at VUMC. Her vision and leadership as the Administrative Director of LifeFlight, Trauma, and Burn Patient Care Center at VUMC were instrumental in the establishment of a second LifeFlight helicopter program and the opening of a newly dedicated 31-bed Trauma Intensive Care Unit.

In addition to her roles in direct patient care, Sandy shared her wisdom as an Adjunct Faculty member at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, nurturing the next generation of nurses for seven years.

In 1999, Sandy moved to Melbourne, Florida, as the Director of Emergency, Trauma, and Air Transport Services at Holmes Regional Medical Center. However, her passion for teaching brought her back to academia in 2000 as a full-time instructor at the University of Central Florida’s School of Nursing. Sandy returned to Nashville in 2001 to be closer to her children, continuing her impactful career at VUMC while maintaining ties to UCF.

Sandy's dedication to nursing was unwavering, as evidenced by her numerous roles over the years, culminating in her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University in 2013. She most recently led nursing programs in Portland, Oregon, before concluding her esteemed career at Herzing University in Kent, Ohio.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sandy cherished the simple joys of life. She loved the beach, relishing the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the water, and treasured the moments spent with family and friends. Her infectious laughter and generous spirit drew people to her, creating bonds that felt like family.

If I were to describe my mother in just five words, they would be mother, friend, nurse, leader, and inspiration. She instilled in me the value of hard work and integrity, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered in the nursing community and beyond. Sandy was not just a nurse; she was a beacon of hope and strength.

Sandy is preceded in death by her beloved parents and is survived by her son Andrew of Portland, Oregon, and me, her daughter Amber of Nashville, Tennessee. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and all who were fortunate enough to call her a friend. Sandy, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to inspire us every day.