Carilion Proud: Get to Know Patricia Gaither

Meet Patricia Gaither, RN, 10 South Oncology at CRMH

Tell us a little about yourself—your role, department, and how long you’ve been with Carilion.
I am an AD RN in Oncology on 10 South, where I have worked for 38 years.

What inspired you to join Carilion Clinic, and what keeps you here?
After graduating from CHRV College of Health Sciences in 1986, I started my nursing career at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville on a Med-Surg unit. After 2 years, I missed Roanoke and my friends here, so I decided to move back. I applied for a position at CRMH, which was RMH at the time, and during my interview, Mrs. Nancy Murray suggested I visit the Rehab third floor, which was Oncology. She felt it would be a good fit for me.

I accepted the position, letting her know I planned to stay about 5 years before moving on. I am still here today and still in Oncology. From the beginning, I have had supportive and encouraging supervisors, managers, and directors. The patient population is also unlike any other, and they are a big part of what has kept me here.

Which of Carilion’s values resonates most with you in your daily work, and why?
Commitment and compassion resonate most with me. I am committed to my job, my patients, and their families, and I strive to give the best care I can. I also value collaboration with other departments, staff, physicians, and the interdisciplinary team to make sure patients receive the care they need.

What does the theme “Care that Connects Us” mean to you personally?
To me, it means no one goes through the fight alone.

Can you share a moment when you felt especially connected to a patient, teammate, or the community through your work?
More than 30 years ago, I was part of a group that helped organize the first Relay for Life event in Roanoke. It was held at Victory Stadium and brought together Carilion staff, Blue Ridge Cancer Center, community businesses, patients, and families.

Everyone worked together from Friday evening through Sunday morning to make the event a success. We connected with past and current patients and their families, as well as coworkers and community members. We worked hard, stayed up for long hours, and raised money for a meaningful cause. I still look back on those memories and photos with appreciation.

How do you build or maintain meaningful connections with patients, coworkers, or others you interact with each day?
I focus on being myself and treating others with kindness, compassion, honesty, and respect. Over the years, I have also learned the importance of taking care of myself, including my mental health, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

In what ways does your role contribute to creating a more connected and supportive environment at Carilion?
I serve as a preceptor for new staff and work to teach not only policies and procedures, but also how to care for patients the way they would want their own family and friends to be treated. I emphasize the importance of communication, asking questions, and truly listening. I also share advice that was passed on to me. If you stay ready, you do not have to get ready. And while you are not here to make friends, it is a bonus when you do. The main focus should always be patient care.

What would you say to someone new about how Carilion employees live out “Care that Connects Us”?
Carilion serves communities across Southwest Virginia and touches people’s lives in many ways. As you care for your patients, remember that others are caring for your family and friends at different Carilion locations. That is what connects us, and it is important that we maintain the same high standards of care everywhere. Healthcare is always changing, and we should continue to raise the bar and provide the best care possible. As I often remind new staff, this is real life and real people.