The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 25 ECU Health nurses were honored, including Britney Beeker, Rebecca Simmons, Sheena Bunch, Katherine Low, Connie Midgette and Stephanie Smith.
Britney Beeker
Britney Beeker, an assistant nurse manager, graduated from ECU with her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) 16 years ago, and she’s been with ECU Health – and the surgical oncology unit – ever since. “When I graduated in 2009, they were developing the surgical oncology unit,” she said. “I thought I liked post-operative surgical patients, and I didn’t think I wanted to work in oncology, but surgical oncology is more post-op related and it ended up being a perfect match.”
The second-generation Pirate nurse joked that in nursing school she was voted as most likely to complete her whole nursing career in Greenville. “Anyone who knows me knows I don’t like change,” she shared. “They were kind of right – I have no intentions of leaving Greenville. With the size of hospital we have and what we can do here, why leave?”
Britney said she had been nominated as a Great 100 Nurse before, but she didn’t really expect to win. “It was such a surprise,” she said. “But I try to be involved and do a lot for our community. We do a lot of charity and fundraisers that tie into cancer diagnoses, and we cook meals for the Children’s Hospital.”
It’s even more meaningful that ECU Health represents a quarter of the Great 100 this year. “My husband and I run a food truck,” Britney said. “We have customers who see ECU Health on the Great 100 list and are surprised. People look at this list and they notice which facilities are on there and which ones aren’t.”
Rebecca Simmons
Rebecca Simmons, a manager of patient care services at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, joined ECU Health in 2011, and after working in an inpatient setting at the Medical Center, she found an opportunity to transition to the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center team.
“In nursing school, I had an oncology rotation and thought I wouldn’t like it,” Rebecca said. “When I got there, I fell in love with it.”
Rebecca said she loves ECU Health Beaufort because of the people. “It’s a family atmosphere, and I love caring for my neighbors and making a difference in our small community,” she said. “You know you’re making an impact.”
That impact has been seen through Rebecca’s service in community outreach, including cancer and other health screenings, and work with the cancer center. Recently, she and a colleague presented a poster at the Oncology Nursing Society Congress in Denver, Colorado, about a smoking cessation program she’s initiated at the cancer center, an effort to bridge a gap and provide one-on-one coaching to help patients successfully quit smoking.
While Rebecca said she was honored to be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse, she emphasized that ECU Health has many great nurses. “Our nurses provide excellent care and serve our community. They are willing to go above and beyond.”
Sheena Bunch
Sheena Bunch has been a nurse for nine years, and her role as a procedure nurse at ECU Health Beaufort is, she said, truly unique. “I place vascular access lines using ultrasound, perform nuclear stress tests, bronchoscopies, transesophageal echocardiograms, cardioversion and step in wherever I’m needed,” she said.
Nursing has always been more than a career for Sheena; it’s a calling. “I’ve witnessed how skilled, compassionate care can shape the outcome of someone’s story,” she said. Her own experiences have also helped her understand the value of compassionate care. “My son, Owen, was stillborn at 39 weeks,” she explained. “Losing Owen forever changed the way I see patient care and deepened my commitment to treat every patient like they are someone’s whole world – because they are.”
Sheena was drawn to ECU Health because of its dedication to serving the community, she said, but what keeps her here are the people. “My colleagues feel like family, and the patients remind me every day why this work matters,” she said.
She also noted ECU Health’s culture and commitment to excellence, which is why she wasn’t surprised to learn we represent 25 of the Great 100 Nurses. “ECU Health invests in its nurses, fosters growth and values excellence,” she said. “It’s a reflection of the collective heart and dedication of our nursing team.”
That includes her own dedication, although she said the recognition isn’t just about her. “It’s about the team that stands beside me, the patients who have trusted me and the families who’ve let me into their most vulnerable moments. It’s a reminder the extra effort and emotional investment we bring to nursing truly makes a difference.”
Katherine Low
Katherine Low, a staff nurse III in ECU Health Medical Center’s neurosciences intermediate unit, knew she wanted to work in health care from an early age, but her pathway to nursing was solidified when she helped care for her grandfather.
“He had Parkinson’s with dementia,” she explained. “Caring for him led me to nursing. Even though he had dementia, he’d tell people, ‘Katherine is a nurse.’ He already knew that was my path.”
After graduating with an associate of arts degree from Warren Early College, Katherine went to ECU for her BSN.
“I did most of my clinicals at ECU Health and had really good experiences,” she said. “I knew I wanted to start my career at the Medical Center.”
Seven years later, Katherine is still in the same unit where she began her career. “I enjoy the neuro aspect and being able to see patients progress and go home. At the same time, I also like the people and leadership on our floor. It’s a very homey vibe.”
When she got the letter saying she was a Great 100 Nurse, Katherine said she was shocked. “I haven’t been a nurse for very long, and it’s a prestigious award,” she said. “I was in disbelief.”
Still, it’s meaningful to be recognized, and Katherine appreciates her leader nominating her for the award. “ECU Health is a great health system to work in and the nurses are wonderful. I feel honored to receive this award, and try to be a team player that anyone can come to for help.”
Connie Midgette
Connie Midgette has worked at ECU Health for 21 years, the last eight of which have been with the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center as a staff nurse and charge nurse in the infusion bay. Being a nurse, she said, especially an oncology nurse, has given her a sense of purpose. “I feel as though I’m making a positive difference in another person’s life.”
She has loved the supportive and family atmosphere of ECU Health, and said she was honored to be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse. “I am humbled and proud to be an ECU Health nurse,” she said. “I try to be a positive influence for my patients and their families, as well as for my colleagues. I’m dedicated to providing safe patient care and growing both clinically and personally.”
Connie said the award reflects not just an individual effort, but also the support and dedication of her team and ECU Health’s culture of excellence. “ECU Health has a focus on high-quality, safe patient care and they invest in the development, education and recognition of their nurses.”
Stephanie Smith
Stephanie Smith, an assistant manager in the ECU Health Medical Center’s neurosciences intermediate unit, has been a proud ECU Health team member for six years, during which time she worked on the TSIU trauma/transplant unit before transitioning to 3 North. She’s a legacy nurse; her mother served as a respiratory therapist for 30 years and Stephanie said the hospital has always felt like home. “There’s something about the pace, the complexity and the relationships with patients and families that truly resonate with me,” she said. “I feel honored to care for people during their most important moments.”
To be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse was truly meaningful to Stephanie. “It represents more than just personal achievement,” she said. “It’s a reflection of dedication, compassion and commitment to excellence in nursing. It means the long hours, the emotional investment and the deep care I put into serving patients and supporting colleagues have made a meaningful impact.”
It’s also a reflection of the investment ECU Health puts into its nurses. “ECU Health fosters a culture where clinical excellence, compassion and patient advocacy are deeply valued and consistently demonstrated by the nursing team. That so many of our nurses are thriving enough to be publicly honored suggests a supportive and empowering workplace, which can improve morale, retention and teamwork.”
Stephanie emphasized that the honor is not just hers; she is appreciative to everyone on her team. “The people around me, the mentors who guided me, the colleagues who supported me and the patients who trusted me – those have made it possible for me to thrive. I see this honor as a celebration of the nursing profession and the people who lift each other up every day.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in October, to be held in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Further Reading
ECU Health claims a quarter of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina
Twenty-five ECU Health nurses recognized among Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina
The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 25 ECU Health nurses were honored, including Elaine Cudnik and Kate Freeman.
Elaine Cudnik
Although Elaine Cudnik, a pediatric nurse practitioner and the executive director of Children’s Advanced Clinic Practice at ECU Health, was born in Durham, North Carolina, she moved to Washington, D.C. as a child. After graduation, she worked at Children’s National Hospital, then moved to Reno, Nevada, where she lived and worked for seven years. In 2021, she joined ECU Health.
“I grew up as a city kid, and Children’s National was a big city hospital,” she said. “Reno was humbling, because it’s not that different from Greenville, except geographically. There are towns in rural Nevada where a physician assistant or nurse practitioner might be the only provider, and it has a similar rural need as Greenville.”
That service to a smaller, more rural community, is what drew Elaine to ECU Health. “I wanted to deliver care in the community I lived in,” she said. “Here, you aren’t anonymous. You can’t go into the grocery store or your kids’ sporting events without seeing someone you cared for.”
That sense of community, coupled with opportunities for growth, has kept Elaine here. “I love how we’re home grown here. We build people up and prepare bright people to lead.”
Elaine also values the growing enthusiasm of being with ECU Health. “COVID hit many organizations hard, but ECU Health has been an exciting example of how you can rebound and rebuild with a strong team,” she said. “There’s positive momentum, and our nurses are leaders in our profession.”
As for being a Great 100 Nurse, Elaine said it’s a part of the legacy she wants to leave. “I’m closer to retirement than beginning my career,” she said. “I have a desire to improve access and the method of delivery on health care in rural areas, and we’ve made concerted efforts to stand up sustainable models of care. For example, in 2021, our children’s transport team only transported neonates, and we averaged 200 transports a year. This year, we’re on track to hit 1,200 transports for interfacility transports of critically ill pediatric patients and neonates.”
Christy Harding
Christy Harding, a nurse manager on 3 East at ECU Health Medical Center, grew up watching her mother serve as a unit secretary at Beaufort County Hospital. “I frequently spent time by her side. In many ways, I was raised by the nurses and doctors who worked with her, and they became family,” she said. “Being surrounded by such compassionate, skilled professionals sparked my passion for health care. Today, I’m proud to work alongside a few of those incredible nurses who helped shape my childhood and career.”
During her childhood, Christy said she saw the dedication of the health care teams and the impact they had on people’s lives. That, and her highly-skilled, compassionate team maintains her sense of purpose even on the most challenging days.
Even so, Christy didn’t expect to be a Great 100 Nurse. “I’m deeply grateful, and this recognition fuels my commitment to keep growing, learning and giving my very best to the patients and community I serve.”
She emphasized that ECU Health’s representation in this year’s list is a testament to the exceptional care we provide. “Great nurses tend to attract other great nurses,” she said. “It creates a cycle of excellence, because people want to work where they feel inspired and where standards are high. It also creates a powerful environment of trust and mutual respect.”
Angela Still
Angela Still, the executive director of patient care services in Women’s Services, has dedicated her entire career to women’s health and obstetrics. Her parents encouraged her to pursue pharmacy school, and in college she considered being a physical therapist, but a nursing faculty member suggested nursing because of its diverse options for specialties. Now, she couldn’t imagine doing anything different. “My parents taught me when you’re having a bad day, find someone you can help; you’ll feel better. In nursing, you don’t have to look far for that opportunity,” she said.
Angela chose ECU Health because, “the mission isn’t just a statement on a wall. It’s truly how we make our decisions.” She also values her work in women’s health and obstetrics because she said you never forget the nurse who took care of you when you have a baby. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be there for someone on what could be the best day or the worst day of their life,” she added. “We love on those patients.”
Being a Great 100 Nurse is not something Angela takes lightly, and she said ECU Health “promotes the profession of nursing and recognizes the value nurses bring to the table.” She highlighted the work she and her team have done over the years, including estabilishing a perinatal outreach program promoting best practice and education to improve the health and well-being of mothers and babies across eastern North Carolina.
“We are boots on the ground helping to make eastern North Carolina the best place to give birth and be born. I’ve spent my career trying to make a difference for the moms and babies of eastern North Carolina, and there’s still a lot of work to do.”
That ECU Health represents a quarter of the Great 100 this year is important because, she said, it reminds people that there is a very large medical center in this part of the state that values nursing and nursing’s contributions. “This is a great recognition of our organization.”
Megan Tripp
Megan Tripp is the assistant manager of nursing in the ECU Health pediatric day medical unit, and she said she decided to be a nurse after experiencing a family medical emergency. “My cousin and I were riding bikes one day and they had a seizure. I didn’t know what to do, and I wanted to know how to help in the future.”
Since then, Megan has achieved her associate’s degree in nursing (AND) from Lenoir Community College, her bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), and is working towards her master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in nurse education (MSN-NE) degree, also at UNCW.
She was drawn to ECU Health because of the high level of care it provides, and she was interested in working in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) because there was a standalone children’s hospital. “I love the pediatric population and my colleagues,” she said. Megan has been with the system for 12 years.
While she doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, Megan said it was a dream come true to be named a Great 100 Nurse. “It means so much to me to know I’ve made an impact on those around me, and it doesn’t surprise me at all that a quarter of the Great 100 are from ECU Health. We strive for excellence and work to do and be better.”
Victoria Respess
Victoria Respess said her grandmother’s illness exposed her to health care, and the excellent care her grandmother received inspired Victoria to pursue nursing. “I always had this inner desire to care for people, and I like teaching people preventative care,” she said.
She began at what was then Pitt County Memorial Hospital as a nurse extern in the PICU – a place she stayed after graduating from ECU with her BSN in 2000. “That externship gave me a place where I was rooted and a place to come back to,” she said. “It wasn’t proximity that kept me here; it was being able to go back to a unit with excellent nurses, knowing they would nurture me and foster my growth.”
She said it was difficult to leave the PICU, but after graduating with her MSN in 2008, she worked with the trauma team and now is with cardiac surgery as a nurse practitioner. “I believe in what we do for the patients of eastern North Carolina. I believe we can make a difference, and I love that we serve people from these 29 counties,” she said.
That passion for her work made it more meaningful when Victoria discovered she was a Great 100 Nurse this year. “I was very emotional when I opened that letter,” she said. “My manager nominated me and that’s such an honor. Tears came to my eyes and I felt like all that time and sacrifice I’d put in the last 21 years were working towards something.”
Victoria emphasized that it was an honor to take care of people, something she strives to do outside her day job. “Outside of work, my husband and I are actively involved in our children’s schools and the local community. We participate in career days, support Cub Scout activities and volunteer at schools to help create a positive experience for all students. Community engagement and education are deeply important to our family.”
Kate Freeman
Although Kate Freeman, a staff nurse III in Labor and Delivery at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, began her career in immediate care in Ahoskie, she found her passion in Labor and Delivery in 2017 after graduating with her RN from Edgecombe Community College.
She discovered her passion for health care after watching her grandfather, the only physician in her small town of Engelhard, North Carolina, care for her community for 52 years. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in health care,” she said. “My mom, grandmother and great aunt all worked in his office, and I couldn’t wait to grow up and join them.”
She didn’t initially envision herself working in labor and delivery. “During nursing school, I precepted in the ICU and loved the adrenaline, unpredictability and critical thinking,” she said, also noting that fellow Great 100 nurse Claire McFadyen was one of her preceptors in the ICU. “But on my first day in Labor and Delivery, I witnessed a pre-term birth that required a transfer to the level II nursery, a full-term delivery and a level of teamwork that truly amazed me. It showed me labor and delivery offered the same intensity as the ICU, but with the added beauty of witnessing life enter the world. I was hooked.”
Kate said she loves the small-town atmosphere of her hospital. “I know nearly everyone’s name and where they work. Both of my children were born here, and I knew we were receiving the best care possible. It feels like home, so why leave something that feels so right?”
To be named a Great 100 Nurse is an honor Kate said she’s always dreamed of. “I love my job and show up each day committed to giving my patients the best care possible. I am incredibly humbled because there are so many deserving nurses out there. I’m grateful to be among them.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in October, to be held in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Further Reading
ECU Health claims a quarter of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina
Twenty-five ECU Health nurses recognized among Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina
Roanoke Rapids, NC – ECU Health is proud to recognize Hubert Allen as the first patient to complete 60 hyperbaric oxygen treatments at the ECU Health Wound Healing Center in Roanoke Rapids. His journey represents a powerful testament to the importance of having high-quality care close to home, particularly for those needing advanced wound care.
Allen arrived at the center on May 1, 2025, facing life-altering complications from a radiation injury. He was wheelchair-bound, frequently hospitalized, disoriented and unable to drive—his independence and quality of life severely impacted. But with the expert care of medical director Dr. Jamie Udwadia, nurse practitioner Ashley Duke, manager of Patient Care Services Jennifer Millius, and the entire Wound Healing Center team, Allen’s condition began to improve dramatically.
“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy restores at the cellular level,” said Dr. Udwadia. “Hubert’s radiation injury was slowing his healing, but today, his recovery is a testament to the power of modern medicine and personal resilience. The fact that he could receive this level of care close to home underscores how vital it is to make advanced therapies accessible close to home for our own communities.”
Allen underwent 60 hyperbaric oxygen treatments, which is a specialized treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing processes by delivering high concentrations of oxygen in a pressurized environment. It is particularly effective for patients with chronic wounds, radiation injuries, and other complex conditions. Over the course of his treatments, Allen experienced a remarkable transformation. Today, he is walking, driving, and reconnecting with the life he once knew.
“The ECU Health Wound Healing Center team was extremely compassionate and supportive during my treatments,” said Allen.
Allen’s recovery not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores ECU Health North’s commitment to providing innovative, patient-centered care to communities across eastern North Carolina. His story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and a reminder of the profound impact compassionate care can have on a patient’s journey.
The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 25 ECU Health nurses were honored, including Elizabeth Arnold, Dustin Bass, Allison Castelloe, Randy Mintz, Kaili Nixon and Wendy Minton.
Elizabeth Arnold
Two years ago, Elizabeth Arnold, a clinical informaticist II, celebrated when her twin sister, Elaine, was one of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina. Now, Elizabeth is the one to be celebrated.
Elizabeth attended East Carolina University (ECU) and received her degree in nursing, a decision she made after watching her mother work as a lab technician in a doctor’s office. She came to Pitt County Memorial Hospital in 1995 as a nurse extern, and in 1996, she joined the OR team, specializing in cardiovascular thoracic surgery. She spent 26 years in the OR, including many years managing the OR team, before transitioning to her current role in Informatics. Having just celebrated her 30-year anniversary, Elizabeth said ECU Health has always been home for her nursing career.
“I know the system,” she said. “If someone needs help, even if I don’t know the answer, I know the resources to find the answer. It provides a lot of community and innovation.”
Elizabeth said she is honored to be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse.
“The award doesn’t make me the nurse I am, but it puts that stamp that says you’ve achieved something,” she said. “If there is an emergency at work, I go to work,” she added. “My whole career has been about what the patient needs. I am dedicated to our patients and serve to help as much as possible when there is a patient or unit in need. That’s very fulfilling.”
Dustin Bass
Dustin Bass, a first-generation college graduate, said his whole career has been about emergency medicine.
“I knew I wanted to help people,” he said. “I volunteered at a hospital as a teenager, and when I saw a nurse jump on a stretcher and start CPR on a patient, I remember thinking, ‘I want to save someone’s life.’ I got my diploma in 2011, my first job was in the emergency department (ED) and I never looked back.”
The Yale graduate now serves as the vice president of system emergency services at ECU Health, a transition that provides challenges and opportunities to help patients.
“I try to inspire and uplift our team to be the best they can be, so they can be the best for our patients,” he said. “I like to get my hands dirty and get the job done. It’s a large, academic medical system, but it still has a family feel to it. That’s not something you see in larger institutions. I appreciate that and can be myself.”
Receiving this recognition as a Great 100 Nurse is humbling, Dustin said. “Some of my mentors have been recognized, so when I was nominated, I was surprised. You don’t always think about what’s on your CV.”
The award is also a recognition for ECU Health, he said. “This highlights how great of a system this is. Just because we’re rural doesn’t mean we aren’t the best of the best. We have so many great providers and nurses who strive to do their best, and you can see that in the care we provide.”
Allison Castelloe
Allison Castelloe has been with ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital for 16 years, a journey that began in the ED, where she discovered a strong passion for emergency nursing. That passion laid a foundation for her professional growth, leading to her current role as a quality nurse specialist III. She holds an MSN in nursing leadership and managements, and she is actively involved in improving the care of patients with stroke, sepsis and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). “I find this work both challenging and rewarding,” she said.
Health care has been a big part of Allison’s life, and she found inspiration to pursue her career from a variety of sources. “Watching my mom find her fulfillment in nursing and seeing the meaningful connections she built while caring for others left a lasting impression on me,” she said. “Working in a rural community hospital where team members feel like family – and where some truly are family – has created an incredibly supportive and fulfilling work environment. Being a part of ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital has deepened my commitment to the nursing profession and affirmed that nursing is truly where I belong.”
ECU Health has been a great fit for Allison, in part because it’s allowed her to work locally and serve her community. “Rural health care comes with its challenges, but it is incredibly rewarding to build relationships with the people you care for and to improve their health over time,” she said. She’s honored to now be recognized for the work she’s doing every day.
“This is a significant milestone in my nursing career, one that I will cherish forever,” she said. “To be celebrated alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring nurses in our state is uplifting and motivating.”
Yet, Allison is quick to share the credit for her success. “It’s not just because of years of hard work,” she said. “But also because of the incredible team members and leaders who have believed in me along the way. My family’s unwavering support – especially that of my husband – has also pushed me to keep striving. He never hesitated to step up when I needed him most.”
Randy Mintz
When Randy Mintz, a staff nurse III in ECU Health Beaufort Hospital’s ED, exited the military, he thought he would pursue a career in law enforcement. A nurse he worked with in New Mexico had different ideas, and she encouraged him to become a nurse.
Now pursuing his bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Randy said one of the best things about being a nurse is the opportunity and variety. “There are a thousand different jobs you can do within this field,” he said. “You can find what works for your life.”
Randy worked at the Medical Center, but he’s enjoyed working at ECU Health Beaufort because of the people and the small-town feeling. He loves the work, and he doesn’t do it for the recognition – but winning this award has been a nice surprise.
“To me, it’s just doing what you’re supposed to do, but to our patients and their families, you’re doing something phenomenal,” he said. “After 20 years of doing this, this is hands down the best award I’ve gotten. It’s a pat on the back that knocks you down.”
Randy said so many other nurses are deserving, and the fact that ECU Health represents a quarter of the Great 100 Nurses this year is no accident. “We have fantastic nurses,” he said. “This shows we’re doing something right. You couldn’t ask for better folks.”
Kaili Nixon
Twenty-one years ago, Kaili Nixon, a manager of patient care services at the ECU Health Chowan and ECU Health Bertie EDs, joined ECU Health in the medical surgical unit. She transitioned to managing the ED in 2014, and she now thrives in her leadership role. “I am firm that I don’t forget where I came from,” she shared. “I try to put myself in the nurses’ shoes and run the ED as if a member of my family was coming here.”
Kaili was inspired to pursue nursing after watching her grandfather battle Alzheimer’s, and watching the care he received inspired her to help others. She also wanted to make an impact on her community – one of the reasons she chose ECU Health. “I moved to Edenton and wanted to work locally. The atmosphere here is like a family, and you feel like your contributions matter.”
That’s exactly what she’s doing, and she appreciates being recognized as a Great 100 Nurse. “There’s nothing cookie cutter about the challenges we face in health care on a daily basis, and you have to think differently to meet the needs of our patients, their families and our team members,” she said.
It’s a special thing that 25 of the Great 100 Nurses come from ECU Health, she said. “Our dynamic in nursing is changing. The system has put a lot of work into retaining our talent, and this is yet another way ECU Health shows appreciation for the nursing team.”
Wendolyn Minton
Wendy Minton, who recently celebrated her 30-year anniversary with ECU Health, has worked at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital with specialties in critical care and emergency services. She always wanted to help people, and nursing was the only career she ever wanted. “I started as a new graduate in the intensive care unit (ICU) and floated to the ED when the ICU census was low,” she said. “I found I enjoyed the fast pace of the ED and transferred there.”
In those next 20 years, Wendy has served as the unit educator, emergency management coordinator, stroke coordinator, assistant nurse manager and currently the patient care manager for the ED, central staffing and hospital supervisor/coordinator group.
While she joined ECU Health as a part of a three-year agreement upon completion of nursing school, Wendy said she came to love the hospital. “I couldn’t see myself working anywhere else. This is my home and my coworkers are family. It has been a priority to be the best example I could be for my three children in having a strong work ethic and to serve others. It shows them hard work pays off.”
She can think of no better way to celebrate her 30-year anniversary than by being named a Great 100 Nurse of North Carolina. “It’s an absolute honor and very humbling,” she said. “I am grateful that my dedication to my patients, their families, my team members and the organization has not gone unnoticed. That so many of us were recognized this year speaks volumes to what a great organization ECU Health is.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in October, to be held in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Further Reading
ECU Health claims a quarter of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina
Twenty-five ECU Health nurses recognized among Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina
ECU Health Medical Center is welcoming its inaugural class of neurology resident physicians, marking the start of a new residency program aimed to advance neurological care and bring providers to eastern North Carolina. The neurology residency is a four-year program, with the first year focused on internal medicine and the remaining three years dedicated to neurology. According to Program Director Dr. Jay Ferrara, the residency is designed to provide comprehensive training across the full spectrum of neurological care.
Dr. Jay Ferrara
“There is a nationwide shortage of neurologists, and eastern North Carolina is no exception,” said Dr. Ferrara. “This program is a critical step in addressing that gap and ensuring that patients in our region have access to high-quality neurological care. We are incredibly excited to welcome this first class of residents to ECU Health.”
Dr. Ferrara also emphasized the broader impact of academic medicine on patient care.
“When patients come to an academic medical center like ECU Health Medical Center, they benefit from being in a learning environment,” Dr. Ferrara said. “Residents, faculty and team members are constantly engaged in education, research and collaboration. That culture of continuous learning ultimately improves outcomes for patients.”
Dr. Georgios Sioutas
In the inaugural class of neurology residents are Drs. Arash Hosseini, Sisi Chen and Georgios Sioutas.
Dr. Arash Hosseini
Dr. Hosseini, originally from Lumberton, North Carolina, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended Campbell University for medical school before matching with his first-choice residency at ECU Health.
Inspired early on by his father, a psychiatrist, Hosseini developed a fascination for the brain and its unexplored complexities.
“Compared to other organ systems, the brain is still very much uncharted territory,” Dr. Hosseini said. “That mystery is what excites me. We’re going to see incredible breakthroughs over the next couple of decades, and I want to be part of that progress.”
The decision to join ECU Health’s new neurology residency program was a carefully considered one. Hosseini was drawn to ECU Health as an academic medical center and as the only Level I Trauma Center in eastern North Carolina. Dr. Hosseini couples matched with his fiancée, Dr. Kelli Devlin, who is starting her first year in ECU Health’s OBGYN residency program, and ECU Health offered both the ideal opportunity to grow their careers together in North Carolina. His long-term goal is to remain in the state, ideally serving rural communities like the one he grew up in.
“Lumberton is a place where health outcomes have historically been poor,” Dr. Hosseini said. “For me, being able to see that growing up was really important, and it emphasizes to me how important it is to be able to provide care to these communities. A lot of people in rural areas don’t have access to care or information and resources they need. To be able to provide that health care is super important and something that I know would go a long way in their lives.”
Dr. Sisi Chen
Joining Dr. Hosseini in the first-ever neurology residency class is Dr. Sisi Chen. Originally from China, Dr. Chen graduated from medical school there before moving to the United States in 2012. She gained valuable clinical and research experience at several institutions, including the University of Cincinnati and Mayo Clinic. Prior to matching at ECU Health, she completed a year-long clinical fellowship in neurocritical care at a hospital in New York.
“When I interviewed with the faculty, they were very enthusiastic in building a new program and had a really positive attitude,” said Dr. Chen. “Especially since we only have three residents for the first year, I’ll have the opportunity to really learn from the attending and have the opportunity to help really shape the program.”
Dr. Ferrara is excited to see the program develop and grow.
“This first class of residents is laying the groundwork for the future of our program and will drive positive change in neurological care across eastern North Carolina,” said Dr. Ferrara. “As we grow, we are excited to train more future neurologists to help our region gain access to the care they need, close to home.”
ECU Health, in partnership with STEM East and NC East Alliance, welcomed K-12 educators from across eastern North Carolina to the third annual Health Sciences Industry in Schools experience, an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the ECU Health’s system of care designed to inspire the next generation of health care professionals.
This initiative aims to educate K-12 teachers in eastern North Carolina about the different health care careers available, from doctors and nurses to child life specialists and lab technicians to build a sustainable workforce pipeline to support the growing needs of the region.
By engaging teachers as ambassadors, the event equips them with firsthand knowledge about the wide range of opportunities in health care from clinical roles to critical support services so they can guide and help students learn about future careers.
“The core mission of STEM East is to empower our regional teachers as workforce developers,” said Dr. Ethan Lenker, director of Industry Engagement and Support, STEM East Network. “The most effective way to inform students about local career opportunities is to first equip our schools and educators with that same knowledge. By partnering with ECU Health and other industries, we ensure our teachers gain firsthand experience they can bring back to the classroom—making career exploration more practical, relevant, and connected to our region’s workforce needs.”
The goal is for educators to leave the training with real-world insights to bring back to their classrooms.
“We’re really highlighting health sciences industries for educators throughout the eastern part of North Carolina,” said Nancy Turner, workforce development consultant, ECU Health. “Our hope is to create a spark in students early on so that one day, they’ll be the ones providing care in our communities.”
This year’s featured experience centered on a simulated pediatric shark bite emergency. Educators toured the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital and ECU Health Medical Center, watching live-action demonstrations led by experienced medical teams. From tourniquet application to patient transport and emergency department protocols, teachers witnessed the real-time collaboration it takes to save a life. Participants also visited and heard from team members in respiratory, radiology, blood bank, surgery, pharmacy, rehab and PICU and dietitians.
“We’re not just showcasing health sciences careers,” Turner said. “We talk about our values and the important character qualities it takes to be a health care provider like confidence, empathy and compassion. These are qualities that can be nurtured in every classroom and in every grade.”
By giving educators a deeper understanding of the skills a health care career demands, ECU Health is helping grow meaningful careers right here at home from a young age. That investment in local talent is key to addressing the long-term workforce challenges facing rural areas.
“Even starting as early as kindergarten, teachers can shape students’ character and spark their curiosity,” said Turner. “It’s not only about content knowledge, but about who they are becoming as future professionals.”
Since its inception in March 2022, the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) initiative has worked to mitigate the effects of food insecurity, housing instability, interpersonal violence/toxic stress and lack of access to transportation.
Spanning multiple counties, including Pitt, Beaufort, Chowan, Edgecombe, Hertford, Martin, Halifax, Northampton and Bertie, the Access East HOP consists of a network of community-based organizations, called Human Service Organizations (HSOs), which provide essential services. By leveraging resources and expanding local economies, HOP ensures that critical support reaches those in need.
HSOs play a vital role in bridging the health care gap. By working alongside Medicaid, they offer non-medical services that directly impact health outcomes.
Programs target individuals with chronic conditions, addressing socioeconomic needs for all age groups. Access East acts as the HOP lead for eastern North Carolina, building the HSO network and coordinating insurance claims.
“Eligible Medicaid Managed Care enrollees receive these services to help manage non-medical factors that improve health outcomes,” said Tina Dixon, vice president of Healthy Opportunities at Access East. “For example, if someone does not have food security, they aren’t able to consistently eat healthy meals with fresh fruits and vegetables that play a large role in preventing conditions like diabetes and hypertension.”
One HSO, Good Shepherd Food Pantry of Bertie County serves about 1,200 families per month in Bertie County, ensuring anyone in need has access to food. Good Shepherd Food Pantry of Bertie County provides large-scale food distributions to residents in Bertie County, including delivering about 150 food boxes per week through the HOP program. Deborah Freeman, executive director of Good Shepherd Food Pantry of Bertie County, uses fresh produce from local farms, which not only generates steady revenue for local businesses like the farm but also provides employment opportunities, contributing to economic stability.
In 2022, Good Shepherd was among the first agencies to join the Access East HOP Program, a decision that has allowed them to hire eight new employees, many of whom are seniors, to help with food delivery, with additional staff packing food boxes and supporting operations through a senior employment program. These positions provide not only financial stability for older adults but also an opportunity for them to give back to their communities. Ninety percent of their drivers are over 70 years old, with additional staff packing food boxes and supporting operations through a senior employment program.
HOP has also helped fund their backpack program, an initiative that provides children with two breakfasts, two lunches, milk, juice, and fresh fruit to ensure children have access to nutritious food. They delivered 9,600 backpack meals to elementary and middle school students in Bertie County during the past school year. Reimbursements from HOP food boxes deliveries provided over $70,000 to fund the backpack program.
“There are so many babies who go to school hungry,” said Freeman. “Teachers know which children are struggling when they come back on Monday. We allow schools to identify those in need, provide a count, and we ensure that backpacks are delivered every Thursday.”
Freeman says her team has witnessed firsthand how HOP has transformed the lives of many people in her county.
“There are just so many stories that come back from my drivers,” said Freeman. “When they go to certain homes, they really get to know the families over months, even a year sometimes, because they keep getting recertified. At first, you have to face the reality of the conditions people are living in, but then you witness the transformation. We provide food, but then other HSOs step in to repair homes and offer more support. One of my drivers shared that, at the beginning, you could see the ground through one person’s house, but by the end of six months, the house had been repaired, food boxes were coming in, and HOP was really helping improve lives.”
While Good Shepherd Food Pantry’s work has helped address food insecurity at the local level, the broader impact of HOP extends beyond individual communities. By supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and providing essential services, HOP helps improve the health and well-being of recipients while adding to local economies.
“HOP not only offers these services to improve the lives of Medicaid patients, HOP also greatly benefits local economies,” said Dixon. “Local businesses are growing and flourishing because of the funds from HOP. It provides a steady income for these businesses, and they’re able to provide services for those in need and even expand their services outside of HOP recipients.”
Since its inception, Access East’s HOP has enrolled 12,190 clients and served 10,396 individuals, ensuring access to essential services. With a total of more than 220,000 contracted services provided, the initiative has had a significant impact on the community. The value of services delivered amounts to $44,454,724, with 223,283 invoices submitted for payment. Access East HOP’s invoicing specialists carefully review each invoice, ensuring accurate payments are made to the HSOs. These funds have been instrumental in supporting both local residents and the HSOs dedicated to serving them, improving access to critical resources.
ECU Health has long been dedicated to improving health care access and outcomes in eastern North Carolina, and its latest initiative aims to build a sustainable health care solution for Martin County. At a public hearing in front of a standing-room only crowd at the Martin County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 4, ECU Health CEO and Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Dean Dr. Michael Waldrum outlined the vision to re-establish essential health care services for Martin County and the surrounding communities.
ECU Health’s proposal would create the state’s first Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) in Martin County, initially located in the existing medical facility. The proposal outlines the organization’s commitment to advocating for a $70 million investment from the State of North Carolina to build a new Rural Care Center in Martin County that would serve as the future home of the REH with the potential to expand outpatient services including preventative care.
REH is a new Medicare designation designed to sustain essential health care services in communities that may otherwise be unable to support a traditional hospital. REHs offer emergency room care, observation services, and other outpatient health services. These services are limited to short-term care, with patients staying an average of less than 24 hours.
Importantly, because REHs cannot provide inpatient services except in very limited situations, ECU Health is also advocating for $150 million to expand inpatient capacity at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center. ECU Health Beaufort Hospital is a Hill-Burton Act hospital built in 1958, highlighting the importance of investing in modernizing the facility to support the regional system of care.
“Solving the rural health challenge means pursuing transformative solutions that create sustainable heath care access,” said Dr. Waldrum. “ECU Health’s expertise is rural health care, and our proposal reflects our unwavering commitment to our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. In my conversations with State leaders, it is clear there is a shared desire to support rural communities like Martin County. The State investments we’re seeking are critical to support the development of a regional system of care which is central to creating sustainability in and around Martin County.”
Like many rural regions, eastern North Carolina faces high rates of chronic illnesses and socioeconomic disparities. Martin County is one of North Carolina’s least healthy counties, according to a study by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. With high rates of obesity, smoking and premature deaths, the county’s health challenges underscore the need for local access to high-quality care.
Multiple Martin County residents provided public comments during the meeting with many thanking ECU Health and Martin County leaders for their commitment to supporting the community.
The Martin County Board of Commissioners will consider ECU Health’s proposal and public input before determining next steps.
Greenville, N.C. – Project SEARCH, an educational program offered at ECU Health Medical Center, is proud to announce six students recently graduated from the program: Keon Cox, Nasir Gardner, Kalasiah Forbes-Paige, Cameron McKenna, Daniel Sparrow and Johntevius Walker-Aytch. Project SEARCH is a one-year internship program for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities during their last year of high school with the goal of providing real-world practical skills and increasing the chances of competitive employment.
“At ECU Health, we are proud to support Project SEARCH and help students gain essential career skills that empower them and prepare them for their future,” said Doris Hill, Project SEARCH coordinator at ECU Health. “This program not only equips students with hands-on experience but also strengthens our workforce and community. Witnessing their growth and success is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing them thrive in their careers.”
The Project SEARCH program at ECU Health Medical Center began in 2015 through partnerships with Pitt County Schools, RHA Health Services and Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. Students complete internships in various departments at the hospital, including the ECHO Lab, Gastrointestinal Lab, Central Services, hospital cafeterias, Hospitality, Shipping and Receiving and the Neuroscience Intermediate Unit.
This year’s students who participated in the program are enrolled at various Pitt County high schools including Farmville Central High School, Ayden Grifton High School, North Pitt High School and South Central High School.
“Project SEARCH empowers students with the skills and confidence they need to transition successfully into the workforce,” said Lyndsey Joyner, Project SEARCH instructor. “Watching them grow, gain independence and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. I have no doubt that these graduates will make valuable contributions to their communities, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”
The employment rate for youth with disabilities is about 60 to 70 percent less than youth without disabilities, according to the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Project SEARCH has proven results with a 65 percent employment and 90 percent retention rate nationally. The Project SEARCH program began in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and was developed as a means to meet entry-level employment needs at CCHMC, support their diversity initiative and partner with schools and community services agencies. Project SEARCH is now an international program with over 716 program sites in 48 states and 11 countries.
Windsor, N.C. – ECU Health Bertie Hospital was recently named, for the second time, one of the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAHs) for patient satisfaction in the country.
The top 20 CAHs, including ECU Health Bertie Hospital, earned the highest scores among CAHs as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for patient perspective/satisfaction. The recognition was recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo.
A Critical Access Hospital (CAH) is a classification assigned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to qualifying rural hospitals across the United States. These facilities play a crucial role in enhancing health care accessibility for rural communities by delivering essential medical services and receiving cost-based reimbursement for Medicare-covered treatments.
The top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight measures of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and finance. This group was selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2025 top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year.
The top 20 CAH best practice recipients have achieved success in one of two key areas of performance:
- Quality index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across rural-relevant process of care measures.
- Patient perspective index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across all 10 HCAHPS domains.
“ECU Health Bertie Hospital is proud of the efforts of the physicians and team members who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” says Brian Harvill, president of ECU Health Bertie Hospital. “Our results as a top 20 critical access hospital for patient satisfaction means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future. This recognition highlights our deep commitment to serving our rural mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
“In a Critical Access Hospital, every patient touchpoint is an opportunity to make a profound impact,” said Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert, chief experience officer, ECU Health. “Excellent patient experience is not just a goal; it’s the manifestation of living our values and our commitment to safe, highly reliable, human-centered care, ensuring that every individual feels valued, heard, and feels that we have created a caring environment that helps them heal. The team at ECU Health Bertie Hospital consistently delivers on the ECU Health mission, vision and values in service to our patients and communities every single day.”