Gail Kiser

2025 Servant's Heart Award Winner

Gail Kiser works at Norton Community Hospital as manager in the patient resource management department, serving patients and their families during and after their hospital visit as they navigate the healthcare system. She’s known for her empathy, dedication and vast knowledge of the patient resource system.

Gail is the first one in the door and the last to leave on most days, always asking herself the question, “Have I done everything I can for the patients?” 

She began her nursing career as an LPN (licensed practical nurse) in 1975 and has dedicated her entire professional life to serving the Wise/Norton area. She has worked at both St. Mary’s Hospital/Mountain View Regional Hospital and Norton Community Hospital, consistently demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to her patients and the community.

Gail’s name is always displayed on the patient room whiteboards as she makes her rounds each day, and the feedback from patients is overwhelmingly positive. Patients and their families consistently speak highly of her care, noting how she listens without judgment and works tirelessly to meet their needs, ensuring smooth transitions from the hospital to their next care setting. Gail’s engagement with her patients and their families is second to none.

A particularly touching example of her compassion occurred with a long-term patient who was being placed in a facility. Gail personally brought the patient a television to make the transition easier and more comfortable.

She makes sure that when her patients are discharged from the hospital, they have the support and services they need – whether it’s durable medical equipment, home health services or rehab. She has become the go-to person for case management questions and difficult discharges at the hospital.

She also goes the extra mile to ensure the physicians have up-to-date information about their patients. Even when not on call, Gail is always available to assist the nursing team and physicians across all departments. 

When not at work, she is busy in her community. She serves as president of the Coeburn Improvement Association (CIA), organizing and leading key events such as the Guest River Rally, the Coeburn Christmas and Fourth of July parades and the Christmas Bazaar. She and the group planted flowers along the streets in different planters, and hung approximately 350 banners honoring veterans from the town for Veterans’ Day. The CIA has also purchased gifts for residents of a local assisted living facility, fulfilling their wish lists for items like house shoes, food, personal items and drinks.

As president of the Coeburn Civic League, Gail manages community programs, including the “Hoodies for School Kids” initiative, which provides coats for local children; book scholarships for UVA-Wise students; a scholarship for local high school students; and various other community outreach programs.

Hers is a life of service, both at Norton Community Hospital and in the community.