Nursing at Carilion

It is common for our nurses to be recognized—by patients, families, co-workers and leaders—for their commitment, compassion, courage, curiosity and sense of community.

They work together with purpose to achieve shared goals. They are unwavering in their quest for exceptional quality and service. They put heart into everything they do. They do what’s right for our patients without questions. They foster creativity and innovation. These values are at the heart of our Nursing team and are the core of everything we do at Carilion.

Professional Shared Governance

Our nursing practice model of professional shared governance is rooted in partnership, equity, accountability and ownership. Our nurses have the professional expertise and knowledge to contribute to only the best patient outcomes, and they are encouraged to contribute and work collaboratively; they are each decision makers with the responsibility and authority to be a part of important decisions.

The model is reflective of the relationship between nurses and their patients and the expectation that it supports safety, quality of care and a positive caregiving experience.

Our professional nursing shared governance council includes all our registered nurses and others with appropriate qualifications. There are six councils within the group, focusing on education, professional recognition, research, professional practice, quality, informatics and technology.

The Forum for Shared Governance (FSG) is the accrediting body for shared governance that assesses an organization's performance and grants accreditation. It is valid for four years. Our accreditation means we achieved a sufficient score on the FSG index based on our practices and processes, submitted our charter/bylaws for approval and participated in a validating conference call with FSG board members. 

SOAR Nurse Externship Program 

The SOAR (Seeking Opportunities, Aspirations and Results) Nurse Externship Program helps nursing students gain hands-on clinical experience while building confidence and preparing for professional practice. Through mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to work in a variety of care settings, students strengthen their skills and gain valuable experience before graduation. 

SOAR offers 2 pathways:

Flex Extern Pathway

Designed for LPN and RN students, this pathway provides flexible scheduling, clinical placements in a variety of care settings, and paid shadow experiences with licensed nurses while students continue their education. 

Summer Extern Pathway

Designed for RN students, this eight-week program pairs students with nurse mentors in two clinical areas and includes professional development sessions, skill-building opportunities, and support from nurse educators and the Transition to Practice team. 

Both pathways help students apply what they have learned in the classroom, develop nurse extern competencies, and build relationships with experienced nursing professionals. 

To learn more about the program, contact Brittany Ashwell, Transition to Practice Facilitator, at bntingler@carilionclinic.org.  

RISE Nurse Residency Program 

The first year of nursing practice is full of learning, growth, and new challenges. Our RISE Nurse Residency Program (Residency for Inspiring Success and Excellence) is designed to guide newly licensed nurses through this transition with mentorship, interactive learning, and a focus on professional growth and well-being. 

Explore the RISE program to see how we help nurses build confidence, strengthen skills, and thrive in their first year. 

Critical Care Launch Program 

Ready to begin your nursing career in critical care? Our Critical Care Launch Program helps new graduate nurses build the confidence, skills, and clinical foundation needed to thrive in high-acuity care environments. 

Through advanced training, structured education, simulation experiences, and ongoing support from experienced leaders and educators, participants strengthen their critical thinking skills while working in a progressive care environment with direct ICU collaboration. 

The program provides individualized development opportunities, peer support, and a clear pathway into ICU nursing, helping nurses grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

To learn more about the program, contact Emily Allen at efallen@carilionclinic.org. 

Healthcare is constantly evolving, and we encourage our nurses to grow with it. Through instructor-led courses, online learning, specialized programs, and sponsored conferences, nurses have access to ongoing opportunities to expand their knowledge and advance their careers. 

Certification Support 

We partner with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to help nurses pursue specialty certifications. Eligible nurses may take certification exams up to two times without paying the initial examination fee. 

Progressive Care RN Fellowship 

This unique fellowship combines comprehensive orientation and educational experiences that prepare nurses for future opportunities in clinical practice, leadership, and education. 

Leadership Development 

Carilion supports the growth of nursing leaders through the Institute for Leadership Effectiveness and the INVIGORATE: Nursing Leadership Empowerment Program. 

This 5-month program is designed for both clinical and administrative nursing leaders. Through facilitated learning sessions, group coaching, networking opportunities, and a capstone project. Participants build skills that help them lead effectively across the organization. 

Topics include: 

• Strategic leadership strategies 
• Emotional agility and well-being 
• Conflict management 
• Leading with a coaching mindset 
• Setting expectations and fostering accountability 

According to the foundation, The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses honors the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day. Several of Carilion's hospitals, Carilion Roanoke Memorial, Community, New River Valley Medical Center and Giles Community, participate in the program. This award celebrates the care and compassion of Carilion employees.

Our nurses are innovative and exemplary, and we build our Nursing team structures to make sure that each person can thrive. Working at a Magnet-recognized facility gives our nurses confidence in knowing that their contributions are valued and that they will have access to education and development throughout their career. They will be encouraged to be the very best they can be.

Magnet designations are awarded by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) and are valid for four years; we have received designation five times, beginning in 2003, making our Roanoke Campus the longest-standing Magnet designee in the state of Virginia.

It is the highest credential for nursing facilities around the world—the gold standard for nursing practice and innovation. It indicates an organization’s dedication to an environment where nurses are empowered to reach their highest potential and take the lead in delivering excellent patient care.

We are one of only 591 institutions nationwide who are designated as Magnet; only around 9% of hospitals in the United States have received the honor. Of the 28 in Virginia, we are the only one with five.

Well-being isn’t just about physical wellness. We want each and every one of our nurses to develop and succeed in their physical, mental, financial, occupational, environmental, social and cultural health.

We prioritize well-being as an important way that we care for our patients and our community. We encourage our staff to care for themselves and care for each other so we can all collectively care for our patients and their families.

Our nurses have numerous resources to make sure every employee is healthy, mind and body, including:

• Wellness center facilities and on-site fit studios through Carilion Wellness.
• On-demand wellness services on-unit
• The Virgin Pulse program, which rewards employees for healthy habits
• Virtual and in-person employee support groups
• An employee assistance program offering counseling services
• Health education webinars and in-person events
• Chaplaincy services for spiritual support
• Schwartz Rounds focusing on the emotional impact of providing patient care

All of our nurses deserve to have the best available knowledge to guide them in their patient care. Part of our role in the growth of their careers is to provide the connections, resources and information they need—we do this through education, research and evidence-based practice (EBP).

Our Office of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice and our Nursing Research Council work together with our nurses to develop, cultivate, implement and disseminate their scholarly ideas. Other opportunities for nurses include:

• Introductory and advanced classes covering various nursing research and presentation development topics
• An annual nursing research conference open to all our nurses who want to plan and implement nursing studies and present outcomes that reflect an impact to patient care
• A 12-month nursing research fellowship for nurses to develop and implement a study that addresses their chosen research question
• Financial assistance through the Nightingale Award to nurses who have been accepted to present at regional, national and international conferences
• Help developing and printing professional posters and podium presentations for acceptance at local, regional, national and international conferences
• Within REACH, a peer-reviewed publication that features articles by our nursing staff about current evidence and projects that might improve patient care and outcomes View a recent issue

We are a non-profit health care organization based in Roanoke, Va. Through our network of hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices and other complementary services, we provide quality care close to home for nearly one million Virginians.

Our nurses work in a variety of locations and settings. Some work in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, the region’s only designated Level I Trauma Center for adult and pediatric patients, or in one of our six community hospitals. All of our hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission, the internationally recognized symbol of health care quality.

Others work in one of our 40 Family Medicine locations, seven VelocityCare urgent care locations, Carilion Children’s Tanglewood Center, the Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences or other specialty care locations. There are also opportunities outside of clinical settings, like in Home Health and Hospice. To see all of our locations, browse through the Locations pages.

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has been honored with many designations, including:

• Primary PCI accredited Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology
• Four-time Magnet designee for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (includesd Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital)
• Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission
• “Gold Seal of Approval” certification for total hip and knee replacement surgery by The Joint Commission
• ACE accreditation for cardiac catheterization
• Center of Excellence for Cardiac Surgical Unit Advanced Life Support by CSU-ALS North America
• Shared Governance Accreditation by the Forum for Shared Governance
• Age-Friendly Health System Participant by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement

Many of our community hospitals have also received designations, including:

• Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nursing Credentialing Center (Carilion New River Valley Medical Center)
• We Honor Veterans Hospice Partner Level 5 Regional Mentor by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (Hospice NRV and Franklin)
• Ventricular Assist Device accreditation from DNV GL–Healthcare and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Our Region

Our communities in western Virginia have consistently been rated among the “best places to live” in the nation. The area has exceptional schools, a low cost of living, inexpensive real estate and abundant outdoor activities in settings that include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, Smith Mountain Lake and many, many others. Learn more about our beautiful region!

• Virginia Tourism Corporation
• Virginia’s Blue Ridge Region
• The New River Valley of Virginia
• Blue Ridge Parkway