I want to recognize the exceptional work and response of three rheumatology nurses during a code red on Tuesday 8/13/2024. Naomi R. Stone, Destini R. Williams, and Kristen L. Wood worked together to respond quickly and efficiently to a health related emergency of a coworker. Their team work resulted in the safe transport of this coworker to the emergency room. Their professionalism in handling this encounter reassured the coworker and supporting staff resulting in calm and safe environment.

When Dr. Kelsey Savery, Anesthesia, and Emily Mardakis CRNA were notified of a patient having an anaphylactic reaction in preop, they went immediately into action.  Thanks to their quick response, the patient recovered fully in short order. We are very happy they are on our team!

When a patient received surgical services from multiple specialty providers at the same time this week, the question was posed "Where do they go for post-op care?" Jessica Shrewsbury, 4S PACU, Ashley Graham, 4S PACU and Sara Worley, 6S PACU answered this question with collaboration, communication, and a patient-focused attitude. The decision to recover the patient on 4S PACU was made carefully following much discussion between the bedside leaders. Becca St. Clair willingly accepted a complex patient into her bay on 4S PACU seeking an opportunity to learn.

Thank you to the respiratory team on for coming to IR on 07/31 to help us with a stat ABG that turned into an emergent intubation! You all showed great teamwork and made the situation seem like an everyday thing (which it is.. for you!) and everyone worked very well under pressure. You all looked like superheroes and we're grateful to have an amazing respiratory team. 

Susie Bell, HAA at CFMH was instrumental in assisting case management with discharging a patient home. The patient reported to the case manager late afternoon that she had no power at home. The MD had placed a discharge order for the patient to go home; however, the patient wears oxygen. The case manager contacted the electric company to obtain a medical certification form. The electric company was to send the form but had a deadline for reconnecting service, so if the form was not returned by the deadline, the patient couldn't be discharged home.

Mary K. Callis (Kathy) is professional, explains the why's so new employees can understand certain things better, and allows you to work at your pace. The way she trains is effective. She never makes you feel like you are bothering her when you need help or just have a question about something. The Pre-Reg team is lucky to have her!

Thanks to all who served, cleaned, cooked, and came out to help celebrate our Employees during our Annual CNRV Employee Cookout.  

Here are a few photos taken by Doug Blankenship.

Community Health Workers (CHW's) are trusted members of the community who can help people meet health goals.  CHW clients are helped to access resources to achieve goals because CHW's know change is hard, but clients don't have to do it alone.  Carilion Clinic has 5 full time and one part time Roanoke based CHW's.  Our community hospitals: Tazewell, Franklin, Rockbridge and NRV/ Giles each have a CHW on site.

On June 18th, 2024, the Infection Prevention and Control Department at Carilion Clinic hosted an educational conference at the Hotel Roanoke and Convention Center.  The conference is part the Virginia Long-Term Care Infrastructure Pilot Project (VLIPP) grant awarded to Carilion by Virginia Department of Health (VDH) , itself a recipient of CDC STRIKE funding. The goal of Carilion’s pilot project is to support and strengthen infection prevention and control programs in long-term care facilities and nursing homes across Southwest Virginia. 

Alex Hennis and Phillip Mitchell with lifeguard stopped by to pay a visit to their lovely spouses, Dr. Lauren Hennis and Rebekah Mitchell, who were holding down the fort on L&D this day. The photo op was just too good to pass up! 

Big congrats to the Hennis family who has since welcomed their new baby into the world!