A few weeks ago, my coworker Mark Nelson shared the story of an eventful evening he experienced after leaving work. While driving home and making a stop, he heard someone nearby calling out for help and asking if anyone knew CPR. Without hesitation, Mark stepped in to assist. He found an individual who was not breathing and had no pulse. Mark immediately began performing CPR and continued providing lifesaving care until emergency responders arrived on the scene.

We are excited to welcome these talented and compassionate nurses as they begin their professional practice journey with our organization. 

Through the RISE Nurse Residency Program, they will engage in learning, mentorship, and professional development designed to support a successful transition into practice and foster lifelong growth as nursing professionals.

2 EP Lab nurses were the recipients of CVI All-Star awards this month: 

In healthcare, we must always put the patient first, for their safety is our greatest responsibility. (Unknown Author)

Lexie Basiliere, RN, EP Lab and Stephanie Trail, RN, EP Lab identified an unexpectedly reduced response to heparin in three separate patients and promptly reported the concern through SafeWatch.

Pharmacy and medication safety leadership were engaged, resulting in:

Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation's Grow Our Own Talent (GOOT) EMT Program welcomed its ninth class on July 6, 2026. Fourteen EMT Trainees are currently enrolled in the 10-week course, which meets every Monday and Wednesday at the Medical Office Building.

I would like to give a huge shout out to our wonderful director of Occupational Health, Sara Hatman. On Wednesday, July 8, our front desk staff were alerted that there was an unresponsive female in the back of a transport vehicle that had pulled over in front of Community Hospital asking for help. Sara recognized the signs of opioid overdose and administered narcan while the rest of the staff began CPR. This is not the first time that Sara has administered narcan and likely saved a life.

Meet Larissa Edwards, Carilion Giles' Lead Patient Care Technician!

Larissa is one of the most dedicated team members you'll ever meet. Every day, she goes above and beyond to ensure our patients receive exceptional care while empowering them to be active advocates for their own health.

A huge recognition goes out to the CVI PACU staff for their outstanding response during an unexpected fire incident this week.

When the situation arose, the team acted immediately, remaining calm under pressure and utilizing a fire extinguisher to quickly extinguish the fire and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Their swift actions and professionalism exemplified our commitment to safety and teamwork.

As healthcare workers, we realize that a few seconds can turn an ordinary day into a tragedy.  The following story reflects the importance of being prepared in an emergent situation and the difference it can make in someone’s life. 

CVI CRMH and CNRV presented posters at Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) @ Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM). Michelle Martin and Suzanne Beels presented a nationwide initiative to standardize VQI's definitions for short term follow-up appointments. Dr. Marisa Doran & team had a poster showcasing how distances to our care facilities influence outcomes for carotid surgeries. CVI CRMH and CNRV were each recognized with VQI's highest recognition of 3-stars for commitment to vascular quality improvement. 

Congratulations to Patchouli Emmons who was selected as CNRV’s 2026 Nurse Hero of the Night!! Patchouli had four nominations referencing her courage, compassion, and calming leadership. Here are a few of the comments from her peers:

“Patchouli is the best charge nurse to have when something goes south. She is always calm and collected and knows exactly what to do! She’s the one you want on your team when it’s busy or stressful.”