For health-care worker, learning never ends

By JESSICA RYEN
Observer-Dispatch

Patricia Roach has a secret to success: she never stops learning.

"I always sought out learning opportunities," Roach said. "I always looked for continuing education to keep growing professionally."

Her plan worked.

At 37, Roach is senior vice president and chief nursing officer for Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare. Between two campuses, Roach oversees about 1,000 nurses in all departments.

"Pat is a sponge who seeks out every opportunity to learn and grow," said Mary Lynch, a nurse clinician for emergency services at Faxton-St. Luke's. "Her bookcases are overflowing with academic and motivational books - every one of which she has read and is willing to loan to others."

Roach has worked for Faxton-St. Luke's since she became a nurse in 1988. She worked her way through the ranks - first as a charge nurse, then in human resources as a nursing recruiter and later a nursing manager before she was named director of the Regional Cancer Center.

During the summer of 2004, Roach heard about the hospital's national search to find a |senior vice president. She immediately interviewed and was selected.

"I've known since I was in fourth grade I'd be a nurse," Roach said. "My mom worked in health care, and I knew I wanted to make a difference. You get so much more back than you give. I really enjoy it."

However, there is another aspect of Roach's life she cherishes more than her career: her family. Roach's husband, Keith, is director of biomedicine and telecommunications at Faxton-St. Luke's, and they live in Ilion with their three children - Vanessa, 13; Allison, 10; and Andrew, 9.

"We really have to be organized. We have to plan," Roach said. "The children are in a lot of activities, and there are always games to get to on Sundays."

The family also spends time traveling, having visited the Grand Cayman Islands, Mexico and Jamaica, among other beach destinations.

"My unofficial hobby is booking vacations," Roach joked. "It is a pretty full life, but I wouldn't change a thing. I feel very blessed."