Departmental Objective

Well qualified and competent RNs, LPNs, and CNAs provide excellent and holistic nursing care for patients at Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute. The Nursing Process is used to implement age-specific interventions for adult and geriatric populations with acute or long-term needs. Nursing staff members continually gain knowledge and improve processes that promote a safe, healing, and hopeful environment; provide safe administration and assessment of medications and treatments; create and role model therapeutic relationships; integrate care between other professional disciplines; and assist the patient and family from the pre-admissions process through discharge to achieve optimal recovery.

Nursing Staff will consistently demonstrate the following:

  • Respectful, open, and responsive to feelings, attitudes, and motivations of others in the work place including co-workers of all departments, team members, and others whom we serve in accordance with the principles of a High Performance Organization;
  • Helpful and positive behavior and statements, fosters a productive work environment that is free from controversy and hostile interpersonal relationships;
  • Constructive and collaborative relationships with co-workers, fostering teamwork through areas such as staffing and scheduling needs, voluntary overtime, participation in meetings and committees; and quality improvement activities;
  • Maintains high standards of professional conduct and accountability;
  • Handles workplace controversy and conflict in a calm and non-defensive manner;
  • Acts discreetly and confidentially in handling sensitive matters;
  • Promptly reports/discusses problems or issues with supervisor or others as necessary and appropriate;
  • Assists in positive socialization to unit of new employees, wage employees, and pulled staff;
  • Provides communication to and from various levels in the organization to promote appropriate flow of information.

Nurse Coordinators

Patty Horn Ward A/B
Lisa Vernon Ward C/D
Ellen Bear Ward E/F
Angie Routh Ward H/I/J
Josie Wade Nurse Training

Jim Lundy


Chief Nurse Executive

276-783-1200, Ext. 491

Julie Stoots


Assistant Nurse Executive

276-783-1200, Ext. 807

Laura Grinstead


Executive Assistant to the Chief Nurse Executive

276-783-1200, Ext. 360