CNRV Inpatient Nurse Rookie of the Year
Congratulations to Caitlin Oakes who was selected as CNRV’s 2026 Nurse Rookie of the Year!! Caitlin, who had multiple nominations, started as a phlebotomist at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, later transitioned to a CNA role at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, and obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing license this past year. Caitlin is currently in RN school while working full time night shift on the Surgical Care Unit at CNRV. Here are just a few of the comments from her twelve nominations:
"Caitlin has been an excellent and amazing nurse to work with. She has gone above and beyond for her patients and colleagues. She is a wonderful person to work with!”
“Super great with her patients and has learned a lot this past year. She is continuing her education even farther. Started in phlebotomy and then as a nurse aide followed by LPN and is currently working on her RN. Caitlin puts all her heart into her work caring for her patients!”
“I have watched Caitlin work her way up from Clinical Associate to now our newest nurse on night shift and I couldn’t be more proud of her. From watching her going through nursing school pregnant while working full time, returning to nursing school 3 days after giving birth, and completely flourishing as a new nurse she has overcome so much and proved how strong she is. You would never know Caitlin’s only been a nurse for 6 months because she is doing so well and always willing to help anywhere she is needed. Caitlin could not be more deserving of the Rookie of the Year award!”
“Caitlin has done an amazing job in her role as a nurse during her first year here on surgical care! I’ve seen her grow from an exceptional CNA who trained me when I first started here to an outstanding LPN in her first year. Through the entire time I’ve known her, she’s been committed to excellent patient care and safety. Through it all she’s committed to furthering her knowledge more, from starting LPN school while working full time to now being an LPN and returning back to school to get her RN. I’ve seen tremendous growth in her clinical judgement, confidence, and overall continued strength in teamwork.”
“She has been an LPN for six months now and has already begun the bridge program for her RN. She has hit the floor running and hasn’t stopped yet.”
“She is so smart and loves every one of her patients. She balances work on top of being a student and a new mom. I’m so proud of her and she deserves this.”
