VCU news

By Carissa Etters

Lauren Goodloe, Ph.D., assistant dean for clinical operations in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing and nursing director at VCU Medical Center, died July 31 after a courageous, two-year battle with breast cancer. She was 56.

Goodloe joined VCU Medical Center 27 years ago as an oncology nurse, where she dedicated her career to the nursing profession and education. As a respected faculty member and assistant dean, Goodloe strengthened links between the School of Nursing and the medical center. She was a transformational leader. As nursing director for the departments of medicine and geriatric services and nursing research she served as the architect for the professional advancement program recognizing nursing excellence at the point of care.

Deb Zimmermann, DNP, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services, VCU Health System, and Jean Giddens, Ph.D., dean and professor, VCU School of Nursing, remembered Goodloe in a letter to the VCU Health and VCU communities.

“Dr. Goodloe’s indelible mark on patients, learners, faculty, and colleagues was profound,” they wrote. “She supported shared governance and delighted in the innovations of nurses transforming care at the bedside. As a researcher, speaker, innovator, mentor, colleague and friend, Dr. Goodloe’s legacy is represented in the practice of nursing at VCU Medical Center and the School of Nursing.”

Dr. Goodloe’s indelible mark on patients, learners, faculty, and colleagues was profound.

Goodloe earned her bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in nursing from the VCU School of Nursing. She is recognized as a tireless advocate for nursing on a state and national level. Goodloe served as president of the Virginia Nurses Association and as national secretary for the board of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Additionally, she served in leadership positions in the American Organization of Nurse Executives, Virginia Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders, Sigma Theta Tau International, American Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

In 2014, Goodloe received the Nancy Vance Award from the Virginia Nurses Association in recognition of her exceptional service and leadership in nursing. She was a surveyor for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and a consultant for professional practice and leadership. As a highly regarded faculty member at the VCU School of Nursing for many years, Goodloe oversaw the Nursing Administrative Leadership concentration in the graduate nursing program.

Goodloe is survived by her mother, Marian, and brother, Alwyn.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Aug. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 8510 Staples Mills Road, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, the Goodloe family request donations be made to either of the following:

Massey Cancer Center
Richmond, VA 23298
Checks payable to Massey Cancer Center, in memo field:  In memory of Lauren Goodloe 

Lauren Goodloe RN to B.S. Scholarship
VCU School of Nursing
Richmond, VA 23298-0576
Checks payable to MCV Foundation, in memo field:  SON Lauren Goodloe RN to B.S.