Sentara Health

Spend the day with two Med-Surg nurses on 5K at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and get a firsthand look at the teamwork, critical thinking, and patient care that define the unit. Whether they're rounding on patients, coordinating care, or jumping in to help a teammate, these nurses keep things moving from the start of their shift to the end. On 5K, that means caring for a wide variety of post-surgical patients, from orthopedic trauma and vascular cases to living kidney donors and more. As a high-learning Med-Surg unit, 5K offers nurses the opportunity to build experience across a broad range of patient needs while working alongside teammates who are passionate about learning, teaching and supporting one another.

Sentara's upWard Employee Resource Group continues to foster leadership, professional growth and community impact across our health system. Since its founding in 2023, upWard has grown to more than 1,000 members and has become a powerful platform for connection, development, and service. In 2026 alone, the ERG hosted 11 events that welcomed more than 1,300 participants, including leadership retreats, professional development programs, membership meetings, and networking opportunities. Beyond internal programming, upWard members have actively supported community initiatives throughout the year. One recent example was a partnership with Love Petals, where more than 25 members volunteered their time to create floral arrangements for individuals in skilled nursing facilities and on hospice, bringing comfort, and compassion to those they serve. The impact of upWard is also reflected in the accomplishments of its members. Earlier this year, Debra Gillis, Angela Bayless and Jolene Dorrell received a Healthcare Collaboration Award for their work with Mutts with a Mission, demonstrating how innovative partnerships can strengthen healthcare education and community impact. Thank you to the upWard leaders and members whose commitment to service, leadership, and professional development continues to create meaningful opportunities for #TeamSentara and the communities we serve. 💙

Ever wonder who answers the phone when someone calls one of Sentara’s hospitals? ☎️ Meet Jena, one of the professionals behind the scenes helping keep communication flowing across our hospitals 24/7. From connecting callers with the right resources to supporting critical communications, the Hospital Communication Services team plays an essential role in helping patients, families, providers and care teams stay connected when it matters most.

For some Sentara nurses, the calling to care begins long before nursing school. 🩺 It starts at the dinner table, in stories shared by a parent who loves their work. It grows through bring-your-kid-to-work visits, shared shifts and firsthand moments that show what it means to make a difference in someone’s life. Across Sentara, mothers and daughters are building careers in the same hospitals, carrying forward a legacy of compassion, teamwork and service. In one family, a third generation is already preparing to join the profession. Their stories remind us that when people find purpose in what they do, inspiration has a way of being passed down. Learn more in the comments below ⬇️ #NursingExcellence #SentaraProud

Career growth can start with a single moment of inspiration. After joining Sentara as a warehouse associate, Willie Scott discovered a passion for patient care while working alongside nurses throughout the hospital. That experience motivated him to pursue nursing himself, and today he serves patients as a registered nurse at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. His story reflects the power of investing in education, professional development, and opportunities for growth within healthcare.

After nine years together, Deja and Anthony were counting down to two life-changing moments: their wedding day and the arrival of their baby. Their plan was to say "I do" first, but when a medical development meant their baby needed to be delivered sooner than expected, they were admitted to Sentara Leigh Hospital's Family Maternity Center before they could walk down the aisle. Determined to help the couple celebrate this milestone, Deja's care team came together to create a wedding day they wouldn't miss. Before welcoming their little one, Deja and Anthony were able to exchange vows and share a special moment together. It's the kind of thing our Family Maternity Center team does every day: getting to know the families they serve and finding ways to make their experience even more meaningful. Congratulations to the new family! 💜

What if every patient's mental health was addressed as part of their routine care, no exceptions? At Sentara, we're building a whole-person care model that integrates mental health screening into every department, from orthopedics to cardiology to the emergency department. We're embedding behavioral health clinicians alongside medical teams, addressing co-occurring needs, and treating patients as complete people, not isolated symptoms. That's how we improve outcomes, reduce avoidable readmissions and keep people healthy in their communities. Read more from VP of Behavioral Health Services Tracy Izzard at the link in the comments 👇

🌼 Congratulations to Colby Knolhoff, BSN, RN, of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital on receiving a DAISY Award. Colby was recognized for the extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and patient-centered care he provided during a highly critical hospitalization. Family members praised his ability to communicate with honesty and empathy, provide reassurance during uncertain moments, and treat both the patient and loved ones with dignity and respect. One nominator shared that Colby's kindness and calm demeanor brought comfort during one of the most devastating experiences their family had ever faced. His thoughtful actions and unwavering commitment to care exemplify the qualities that define exceptional nursing. Thank you, Colby, for the difference you make each day and for living our mission through compassionate, high-quality care. 💙

Registration is now open for Sentara's 2026 Mid-Atlantic Concepts and Cardiology Conference! Join us on October 17 in Norfolk for a day focused on clinically relevant imaging modalities and emerging technologies shaping cardiovascular practice. This is the 7th year of Sentara's nationally recognized cardiology conference, bringing together leading cardiologists and cardiovascular professionals for evidence-based education and cutting-edge clinical insights. Register at the link in the comments 👇

For the third year in a row, Sentara has been named one of America's Best-in-State Employers by Forbes! 🎉 What makes this recognition especially meaningful? It's based on feedback from the people who know Sentara best: our team members. Their insights on workplace culture, career growth, and the day-to-day experience of being part of Sentara helped earn this honor. Thank you to our 35,000 employees for bringing our mission to improve health every day to life. Your commitment helps create a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. #SentaraProud