Start your nursing career at CHI Memorial
Nursing Units
CHI Memorial nurses provide compassionate care in a healing environment. Whatever your nursing talents and interests, we have a place for you and encourage you to apply for the positon which best fits with your goals.
RN Residency Career Tracks
100 South - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 32-bed unit
- Patient population: Stoke/neurology care with telemetry
- Staffing ratios: 5:1 max typical for days shift; 5-6:1 on nights, generally not all RNs have 6
- Specialized training: NIHSS Stroke Certification, orthopedic overflow, all charge nurses are ACLS Certified
200 South - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 32-bed unit
- Patient population: Med-surgical/telemetry with post-op bariatric and vascular surgeries as well as congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury
- Staffing ratios: 4-5:1 on days with a charge nurse out of staffing (when census permits)
- 5:1 on nights with a charge nurse in staffing
- Specialized training: ACLS Certification required (will receive as part of RN Residency)
Nubia Garbutt, MSN, RN, MBA, CCRN-K, 200 South Manager
- 16 years of nursing experience
- Held various roles at CHI Memorial through the years: ICU RN, ICU Manager, CCU RN, and most recent 2 South Nurse Manager
- Holds BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications and Critical Care Nurse Certification
"Our diversity and acuity provides a great opportunity to sharpen clinical skills and acquire bedside critical thinking skills," says Nubia.
300 South - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 37-bed unit
- Patient population: Post-surgical orthopedic unit for patients with knee, hip, or shoulder replacements, fractures, and various spine surgeries
- Staffing ratios: 5:1 for days and up to 6:1 on nights
- Specialized training: Orthopedic care
- Team approach to patient care with RNs, CNAs and physical and occupational therapy.
Melinda Walls, BSN, RN, CMSRN, ONC, 300 South Manager
- 31 years of nursing experience
- Worked at CHI Memorial for 22 years and served as Orthopedic Nurse Manager for 9 years
- Certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and Orthopedics
"The thing I love most about orthopedics is that I get to see patients improve their health and do things they could not do in the past," says Melinda.
400 East - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 20-bed unit
- Patient population: Medical-Surgical Oncology
- Staffing ratios: 5:1
- Specialty and specialized training: Oncology with ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Biotherapy certification required in 12 months
- Well-balanced multidisciplinary team
Hannah Walker, BSN, RN, OCN, 400 East Manager
- 15 years of nursing experience
- Worked at CHI Memorial for 12 years
- Certified in Oncology Nursing
“I worked in cardiac nursing for the first 10 years of my career and wasn’t looking for or anticipating a change, then just the right person came along at just the right time and told me 'oncology has a way of finding people'. Her words resonated with me, and now I can’t imagine being anywhere else or part of any other team," says Hannah.
400 South - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 34-bed unit
- Patient population: Med-Surg/telemetry
- Staffing ratios: 4-5: on days; 5-6:1 on nights. Utilizing LPN work force for a new nurse team model with a 4:1 & 4:1 (LPN/RN) approach on nights
- Specialty: Urology surgeries
Teresa Brown, BSN, RN, CMSRN, 400 South Manager
- 18 years of nursing experience
- Worked at CHI Memorial for all 18 years!
- Certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and Orthopedics
"I love working at Memorial," says Teresa. "I believe strongly in the Mission of CHI Memorial and LOVE being a nurse!”
500 South - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 30-bed unit
- Patient population: Medical-Surgical/Telemetry caring for patients’ post-op abdominal surgery along with other GI medical conditions
- Staffing ratios: 4-5: on days; 5-6:1 on nights. LPN Extender 6 days a week.
Jennifer Thompson RN, CVRN-BC, 500 South Nursing Coordinator
- Works directly with 400 South Manager- Teresa Brown
- 14 years of nursing experience
- Worked at CHI Memorial since 2016
- Certified in Cardiovascular Nursing
“I love nursing and the opportunities it brings! Nursing has helped to mold me into who I am today, and is not only a profession, but a calling,” says Jennifer.
5 North, Cardiothoracic Step-Down Unit - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 32-bed unit
- Patient population: Cardiothoracic step-down unit
- Staffing ratios: 5:1 max with a 4:1 fresh post-op ratio
- Specialized training: Chest tubes, pacing wires, cardiac drips, step-down critical care focus (ACLS certification obtained during RN Residency)
Hannah Alexander, BSN, RN, CCRN, 5 North Manager
- 5 years nursing experience
- Medical ICU, CVICU, and Emergency Department; assistant manager in CVICU for 2 years
- Certified in Critical Care Nursing
"I went into cardiac nursing to fight on the front lines against the leading cause of death in the US, cardiac disease," says Hannah. "I had no idea that when I entered the field of nursing, I would not only find my calling, but I would also find my family at CHI Memorial. Join us for the opportunity... stay for the atmosphere."
6 North - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 32-bed unit
- Patient population: Medical-Surgical/Telemetry primarily geriatric
- Staffing ratios: 5:1 on days and 6:1 on nights
- 6 North RNs are prepared to advance their career in the ICU, ED, and Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner
“6 North has a positive culture. Genuine caring team- not just for our patients but for one another as well”- 6 North team
Crystal Gladden, BSN, RN, RN-BC, 6 North Manager
- 21 years of nursing experience
- Member of the CHI Memorial Hospital nursing team since 2000. Nurse Manager on 6 North since 2011
- Served a charge nurse and mentor
- Certified in Cardiovascular Nursing
7 North - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 32-bed unit
- Patient population: Cardiac-Telemetry Unit
- Staffing ratios: 4-5:1 on days and 5-6:1 on nights
- Top diagnoses seen: Congestive heart failure, chest pain, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia
“We are more than co-workers, we are family! We want you to join our team!”- 7 North team
Leslie Grant, RN, Clinical Coordinator
- Works directly with Crystal Gladden, 6 North Manager
- 11 years of nursing experience
- Worked at CHI Memorial since 2008
“I have worked here most of my nurse life," says Leslie. "I call Memorial my home. I truly believe in Memorial’s Mission to serve others in a faith-based environment!”
Clinical Decision Unit - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 30-bed observation unit
- Patient population: Complex cardiovascular, medical-surgical, and neurological observation
- Staffing ratios: 4:1
- Specialized training: Credentialing for IV insertion and performing ECGs
“If you want to grow your knowledge and skills as a provider at a rapid pace…this is the unit for you” – CDU Team
Julie Goins, MSN, RN, CDU Manager
- 20 years of nursing experience
- Worked in a variety of settings including Med-Surg, Progressive Care, Cardiac Short Stay, and Critical Care and has been in management for the past 5 years which has included oversight of Med-Surg, PCU, ICU, and the ED
- Joined the CHI Memorial team as Nurse Manager of the Clinical Decision Unit
- Member of ACHE
"The Clinical Decision Unit is looking for nurses who focus on patient-centered care and enjoy a fast paced environment," says Julie. "The unit is currently focusing on professionalism and teamwork in order to foster a healthy work environment. The Clinical Decision Unit is a great place to start your career by gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to provide excellent patient care. Our patient mix includes mostly observations with a few inpatient admissions. The Clinical Decision Unit employees several seasoned nurses that will tell you they love their jobs. We hope that you consider the Clinical Decision Unit as your department of choice and look forward to speaking with you!"
Unit 2 - Hixson Campus
- Unit size: 32 bed cardiac-telemetry unit
- Patient population: congestive heart failure, chest pain, pneumonia, stroke care, and cardiac drips such as Cardizem
- Staffing ratios: 4-5:1 on day shift and 5-6:1 on night shift
- Specialized training: IV insertion credentialing
“Great teamwork in a learning environment.”- Hixson U2 Team
Manager: Melissa Davis, BSN, RN, CMSRN, CVRN-BC, Unit 2 Manager
- 17 years of nursing experience
- CHI Memorial nurse for 15 years, most recently as Nurse Manager for Hixson ICU and Unit 2
- Certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and Cardiovascular Nursing
Unit 3 - Hixson Campus
- Unit size: 38 bed medical-surgical/telemetry and orthopedic unit
- Staffing ratios: 4-5:1 on days and 5-6:1 on nights; mid-shift RN Monday-Friday
- Dedicated education unit with UTC Nursing Program
- CHI Memorial Institute of Healthcare and Medical Careers with Hixson High School
“Teamwork is the dream work” – Hixson Unit 3 team motto
Coronary Care Unit (CCU) - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit Size: 20 bed critical care unit (as of Feb. 2021 functioning as a COVID ICU)
- Staffing ratios: 2:1 for all shifts
- Top diagnoses seen: STEMIs, strokes, respiratory failure, heart blocks, Impella, intra-aortic balloon pump
- Specialized training: Impella, IABP, ACLS and NIH Stroke Scale certifications will be obtained as part of RN Residency
“Come be part of CCU’s amazing team! Full of interprofessional collaboration with other RNs, CNAs, RTs, MDs, Case Managers, and Dieticians” – CCU team
Tiffany Dover, BSN, RN, CCRN, CCU Manager
- 9 years of nursing experience
- CHI Memorial nurse since 2012, CCU Manager since Feb. 2020
- Certified in Critical Care Nursing
“I love my CCU crew," says Tiffany. "This team is elite.They take on the highest acuity of COVID-19 patients, requiring ECMO, CRRT, vents, proning, and multiple drugs and they gown up and fight!”
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit Size: 18 bed critical care unit
- Staffing Ratios: 2:1 for all shifts
- Specializing in the recovering of open heart surgical patients
- Specialized training: ECMO, CRRT, ACLS and NIH certifications as part of RN Residency program
Natasha McGhee, BSN, RN, CCRN, Director of ICU Operations and CVICU Manager
- 23 years of nursing experience
- CHI Memorial nurse for 22 years
- Certified in Critical Care Nursing
“CVICU is an excellent place to learn and gain cardiovascular expertise," says Natasha.
Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 10 bed step-down unit
- Staffing ratios: 2-3:1 for all shifts
- Top diagnoses seen: Sepsis, respiratory failure, heart failure, and GI bleed
- Specialized training: Peritoneal dialysis, rapid sequence intubation, managing drips, and select additional critical care classes, including continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). ACLS Certification will be obtained as part of RN Residency.
“A small department with a close-knit, hard-working team dedicated to providing excellent care” - IMCU team
MeChon Goines, BSN, RN, CCRN, IMCU Manager
- 20 years of nursing experience all in the ICU setting
- CHI Memorial employee for 14 years
- Certified in Critical Care Nursing
Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit size: 14 bed medical-surgical ICU
- Staffing ratios: 2:1 for all shifts
- Top diagnoses seen: Respiratory, sepsis, GI bleed, renal failure, and post-surgical care
- Specialized training: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) training. ACLS Certification will be obtained as part of RN Residency
“A hardworking, family oriented team, dedicated to providing Excellent care.” - MICU team
MeChon Goines, BSN, RN, CCRN, MICU Manager
- 20 years of nursing experience all in the ICU setting
- CHI Memorial employee for 14 years
- Certified in Critical Care Nursing
Intensive Care Unit - Hixson Campus
- Unit size: 10 bed intensive care unit
- Staffing ratios: 2:1 for all shifts
- The ICU plays an integral role in utilizing evidence-based practice to increase the quality of specialized care.
- Specialized training: ACLS and NIH certifications as part of RN Residency program
“We are looking for highly motivated and initiative-driven nurses to join our team.”- Hixson ICU team
Melissa Davis, BSN, RN, CMSRN, CVRN-BC, Hixson ICU Manager
- 17 years of nursing experience
- CHI Memorial nurse for 15 years, most recently as Nurse Manager for Hixson ICU and Unit 2
- Certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and Cardiovascular Nursing
Emergency Department (ED) - Chattanooga Campus
- Unit Size: 34 bed ED, including 4 critical care rooms and 6 fast track beds
- Average of 125 patient visits per day, 36% admission rate
- Specialized training: ACLS and NIHSS certification during RN Residency. Track specific education
- Awards/Recognition: STEMI accredited, Stroke accredited, and Primary Pediatric facility
Jennifer (Jenny) Dillard, BSN, RN, ED
- Nurse since 2008
- Experience in med-surg/tele, critical care, rapid response, trauma, and ED
- Manager of Glenwood ED since 2018
“If you are interested in learning something new every day, never seeing the same thing twice, and having a team that will grow with you and learn with you each stop of the way, join the Glenwood ED," says Jenny.
Emergency Department (ED) - Hixson Campus
- Unit size: 17 bed ED with 3 trauma ready rooms, 4 fast track rooms
- Staffing ratios: 4:1
- Unit is staffed with RNs, LPNs, paramedics, and PCTs
- Specialized training: ACLS and NIHSS certification during RN Residency. Track-specific education.
Emergency Department (ED) - Georgia Campus
- Unit size: 20 bed ED, including 2 critical care rooms and fast track
- Staffing ratios: 4:1
- Unit is staffed with RNs, AEMTs, and PCTs
- Specialized training: ACLS and NIHSS certification during RN Residency. Track-specific education.
"I have always loved being a nurse. I enjoy the critical thinking and problem-solving involved in patient care. As a manager I enjoy working through department challenges and finding creative solutions to meet goals." Karla Russell, BSN, RN, CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia Director of Nursing and Emergency Department Nurse Manager
Karla Russell, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing Georgia Campus and ED Nurse Manager
- 16 years of nursing experience
- Experience in med-surg and emergency medicine
- Manager of Georgia ED since 2019
“I have always loved being a nurse. I enjoy the critical thinking and problem-solving involved in patient care," says Karla. "As a manager I enjoy working through department challenges and finding creative solutions to meet goals.”
Surgical Services (OR) - Chattanooga Campus
- Operating rooms: 33 ORs, 53 Pre/Post-op, 27 PACU beds
- Staffing ratios: 1:1 on most surgeries; 2:1 on complex surgeries
- Patient population: Joint replacement, spinal fusions, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, heart surgery, and endovascular arteriograms. Top surgeries performed at Chattanooga Hospital: Joint surgery and laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Gina Brennan-Haltom, MBS, BSN, RN, CNOR, Director of Surgical Services
- 36 years of nursing experience with experience in MST, OB, and OR
- Leadership experience including Surgical Services and joined CHI Memorial in 2019
- Certified in Peri-Operative Nursing