Oakes announces retirement

Dottie Oakes is retiring from her position as vice president and chief nursing officer for WVU Medicine, effective Jan. 19.

“After spending time with my family over the holidays, I realize family time is very important,” Oakes said. “You are the best employees I have ever had the honor of working with.”

Prior to her most recent title, Oakes served as the vice president and chief nursing officer at Ruby Memorial Hospital and Chestnut Ridge Center for 12 years.

“Dottie has done great things for WVU Medicine and she will be missed,” said Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO, WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals, and COO, WVU Medicine. “Dottie has helped elevate the level of care we provide by building a team of nurses who use evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.

“Dottie’s drive for excellence led to Ruby Memorial Hospital being designated a Magnet hospital three times,” Wright continued. “This is not a small feat, and Dottie should be commended for her leadership in helping us achieve this recognition.”

Ruby Memorial first received the prestigious Magnet designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2005. The hospital was re-designated in 2009 and 2015. Fewer than 400 of the nearly 6,000 hospitals in the U.S. have received Magnet designation. Ruby Memorial remains the state’s only Magnet hospital.