Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce that Trish Baise, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL, chief nursing executive, has been named to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) 2025 class of fellows (FAONL). The honor recognizes exceptional contributions to nursing leadership and will be celebrated at AONL’s annual conference in Chicago this March.
“Nursing leadership has shaped my career and my sense of purpose, and this recognition reflects the mentors, colleagues and teams who have supported and challenged me along the way,” Baise said. “Being named an AONL fellow underscores that high-quality leadership and forward-thinking care are thriving here in eastern North Carolina, even in a complex and rapidly changing health care environment. It strengthens my commitment to advancing nursing practice, developing future leaders and contributing to the broader dialogue about how nursing can lead meaningful change in health care.”
AONL is the national professional organization of more than 12,000 nurse leaders and is the voice of nursing leadership across the nation. AONL advances the professional development of nurse leaders through innovative and competency-based learning experiences as well as advocates for the perspective and needs of nurse leaders are addressed in public policy issues related to nursing and patient care. Nurse leaders who attain AONL Fellow Designation are committed to shaping the future of nursing leadership through expert leadership practice, mentoring developing leaders and contributing to AONL at the regional and national levels.
Baise, who joined ECU Health in 2023, brings more than 30 years of health care experience to her role, overseeing all nursing functions across the health system. Under her leadership, ECU Health achieved its third Magnet recognition, underscoring the system’s commitment to nursing excellence. She also championed the Advancing Nursing Practice and Excellence (APEX) initiative, which focuses on innovation, research and collaboration to advance nursing in rural health care. Through partnerships with East Carolina University and regional colleges, ECU Health invests in the future of nursing by offering residency programs that equip new nurses with essential skills.
“ECU Health is proud to have Trish as a nursing leader whose commitment to excellence reflects the collective work happening across our organization,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Our nurses and leaders consistently demonstrate innovation, compassion and a deep dedication to serving our communities while also caring for one another, which is why ECU Health continues to be recognized as a national model for rural health care. Under Trish’s leadership, nursing at ECU Health has thrived, advanced and continued to innovate in ways that strengthen the future of care for eastern North Carolina.”
Baise’s achievement reflects not only her personal dedication but also the collective efforts of ECU Health to define a new standard for nursing in eastern North Carolina and beyond.
“This recognition sends an important message that nursing leadership excellence is not limited by geography,” Baise said. “Rural communities face unique challenges, but they are also places of innovation, deep relationships and meaningful impact. I hope this inspires nurses in rural communities to see themselves as leaders and change agents and reinforces the importance of continuing to advocate for resources, education and opportunities that strengthen rural health care.”
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce Trish Baise, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL, ECU Health chief nursing executive, was recently named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) to know. The annual recognition highlights exceptional nursing executives who are shaping the future of patient care through strategic leadership, innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the nursing workforce.
“I am honored to be included in this recognition, which reflects the incredible work of ECU Health nurses who are driving creative solutions that strengthen our workforce and expand access to high quality care in rural communities,” said Baise. “I am fortunate to lead a team who is actively shaping the future of nursing across our region. Their unwavering commitment to our patients continues to elevate the standard of care in eastern North Carolina, and I’m grateful to work alongside them as we serve our community.”
Baise brings more than 30 years of experience in both urban and rural nursing environments. She leads a systemwide nursing workforce spanning nine hospitals and more than 100 clinics. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing ECU Health’s Advancing Nursing Practice and Excellence (APEX) initiative, which focuses on innovation, research and collaboration to elevate nursing practice in rural communities. Under her guidance, ECU Health earned its third Magnet recognition, underscoring the system’s commitment to nursing excellence. Baise is also a strong advocate for non‑traditional pathways into nursing, reflecting her own journey, which began as a fire department dispatcher before she became a paramedic, flight paramedic, flight nurse, emergency department and ICU nurse, and later director of a flight program before advancing into senior nursing leadership.
“ECU Health is proud to have Trish as our nursing leader – who has strengthened the culture and elevated the standard of care across eastern North Carolina,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “As the region’s leading health care provider and educator, we carry a responsibility to shape the future of rural health care, and Trish recognizes that our success depends on attracting and supporting exceptional nurses and care teams. Her commitment to our mission is helping ECU Health advance the model for rural academic health care and set the standard for nursing in our region.”
The nursing leaders recognized by Becker’s play a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing, tasked with addressing nurse staffing shortages, managing budgets and fostering growth opportunities for emerging nurses. Beyond leading nursing departments, CNOs drive innovative initiatives that uphold high patient care standards. Their roles demand a unique blend of clinical expertise and executive leadership.
Roanoke Rapids, N.C. — ECU Health North Hospital is proud to announce the first cohort of its hospital-based Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) I program graduated Jan. 30, 2026. A graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a program designed to strengthen the rural health care workforce and create new pathways for career advancement within the ECU Health system. The eight program graduates are: Lisa Allen, James Cooper, LaToria Grimes, Deja Harris, Denise Mendoza-Beltran, Katara Whitaker, Asekywia Williams and Marleena Womack.
“We are proud of our graduates who worked hard, completing classroom instruction, hands-on training and clinical experience at ECU Health North Hospital,” said Pam Rudisill, vice president of Nursing Excellence at ECU Health. “This program represents our commitment to strengthening the rural health care workforce by expanding access to careers in nursing and allied health. By investing in our team members and aligning with community partners, we are building a more resilient and skilled care team designed to meet the needs of those we serve.”
Attendees gathered to honor the eight graduates who completed the inaugural program at ECU Health North Hospital. Upon certification, all eight graduates will transition into CNA roles at their current ECU Health facilities — four at ECU Health Medical Center, one at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital and three at ECU Health North Hospital.
“By equipping our team members with the skills and support they need to grow into vital roles, we are helping create a pipeline of compassionate, community-based caregivers who will serve eastern North Carolina for years to come,” said Todd Hickey, president of ECU Health North. “The CNA I program serves as a model for workforce development across the region, offering team members the opportunity to advance their careers while supporting the health and well-being of the communities ECU Health serves.”
The CNA I program was inspired by the vision of the late Sheryl Watson, BSN, RN, a former ECU Health nurse and community college instructor whose passion for education and mentorship laid the foundation for the program. Though she passed away before seeing the program launch, her legacy continues to shape the future of nursing assistants across the region. With the first cohort now entering the workforce, ECU Health North Hospital is preparing to welcome its second cohort in early February, consisting of 10 new students representing multiple ECU Health locations.
Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, NEA-BC, vice president of ECU Health Emergency Services, has officially begun his term as the 2026 president of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). He steps into the role with a clear mission to strengthen the sense of community, belonging, and professional support among the association’s more than 40,000 members worldwide. With more than 15 years of clinical and leadership experience, his election marks another milestone in a career defined by service and commitment to the nurses who care for patients at their most vulnerable moments.
Bass’s passion for emergency care began early in life. As a teenager volunteering in a hospital, he witnessed a nurse leap onto a stretcher to perform CPR – an experience that cemented his desire to pursue nursing. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his nursing diploma in 2011 and later completed his doctorate in health care leadership, systems and policy at Yale University in 2023. His career has since spanned bedside care, system-level leadership, authorship and national advocacy.
As ENA president, Bass plans to focus on strengthening relationships across the emergency nursing profession. “Emergency nurses give so much of themselves, and they deserve an association that gives back just as powerfully,” Bass said. “2026 will be a year of belonging, community and hope—one that reflects the undeniable strength and spirit of emergency nursing.”
Bass has been active in ENA since 2010, serving on committees and councils, leading the Nevada ENA Council, and joining the ENA Board of Directors in 2021. His presidency begins alongside a diverse and accomplished 2026 ENA Board of Directors, including both returning leaders and newly elected members. He is the author of The Leadership Dashboard and Leadership Affirmations: A Coloring Book and Journal, and he frequently presents on leadership at ENA conferences and on national media platforms. His achievements have been widely recognized, including being named to the inaugural ENA 20 Under 40 list in 2021, selection for the American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s Young Professional Voices class of 2023, and recognition in North Carolina as a Great 100 Nurse.
His leadership philosophy – “helping people help others” – has guided his work to support nurses at the bedside and beyond. Colleagues describe Bass as someone who can navigate the complexities of a large academic health system while still rolling up his sleeves to support frontline teams.
“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.”
As he steps into the ENA presidency, Bass brings that same dedication to the national stage to champion the emergency nurses who keep communities safe every day.
Dana Byrum, vice president of Patient Care Services at ECU Health Bertie and Chowan hospitals, and Christina Miller, vice president of Nursing Strategic Operations, were both recently awarded the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Executive Fellowship, a prestigious and selective year-long program for nurses who are new to an executive or senior leadership role. This is the first time any ECU Health team member has represented the system as an AONL Fellow, let alone two, and they join a group of only 25 leaders from across the country.
Dana Byrum
Byrum has been with ECU Health for 29 years, and she began her career working in medical records and then as a nursing assistant before going to school to become a nurse.
“There was a nursing leader, Vicky Blanchard, from the MedSurg unit who would come talk to me in medical records,” Byrum said. “She was so kind and engaging, and she suggested I get certified as a nursing assistant to see if I might like nursing. I did, and when I graduated with my RN, she hired me. She was really the first who invested in me.”
That investment has paid off. With her newer role as vice president, Byrum said the AONL Fellowship presented a great opportunity to gain experience and develop critical executive competencies such as executive presence and communications, innovation and change leadership and governance relations.
“Participation in the AONL Nurse Executive Fellowship will provide me with the chance to learn from innovative practices across the country while sharing the exceptional work happening here at ECU Health,” Byrum said. “Our vision is to become the national model for rural health, and this program helps us understand what that looks like by building connections, exchanging ideas and translating insights into improved clinical outcomes. It’s not just about learning – it’s about collaboration, creating lifelong relationships and showcasing ECU Health’s leadership in rural health innovation.”
Christina Miller
Miller graduated from nursing school in 1998, and the Duplin County native has worked as a nurse and leader in acute hospital settings in eastern North Carolina for the past 25 years. She was recruited to ECU Health to continue to serve her local community.
Miller has since served in a leadership capacity at ECU Health Duplin Hospital, was promoted to vice president of Patient Care Services, and she now serves as the vice president of Nursing Strategic Operations for ECU Health. The AONL Nurse Executive Fellowship is a great opportunity for continued leadership growth and development, and to continue to support the mission and vision of ECU Health, Miller said.
“It offers a huge connection with nurse leaders across the country,” she said. “We connect well with local and regional leaders, but this gives us a chance to spread our wings and see what strategies are being deployed in other places.”
The year-long fellowship offers education in strategic planning, innovation and change leadership and governance, as well as information about national-level policy where nurse leaders learn how to advocate and lead big process changes.
In addition to in-person fellowship retreats, which will happen in Chicago and Washington, D.C., fellows will attend the AONL Annual Conference in the spring, participate in one-on-one coaching with a mentor and establish a supportive network of peers.
“You leave [the fellowship] with 25 colleagues you have collaborated with, and this peer group moves forward together,” Miller said. “You grow a new skill set and learn from leaders across the nation.”
Christina said this fellowship is key in developing her abilities as a nurse leader – something ECU Health has supported her in and will inform the work she does with the system.
“We lead the nursing voice in eastern North Carolina,” she said. “Trish [ Baise, ECU Health chief nursing executive,] empowers us to advocate for nursing for the region, state and nationally. The more we learn, network and support our organization, the more we are able to attract and retain talent.”
David Roberts’ journey to becoming a NICU nurse at ECU Health began when he was just 10 years old. He spent weekends and summers helping his grandmother and cousins care for his grandfather. When his grandfather later transitioned to a nursing home, David witnessed the compassion of nurses — an experience that left a lasting impression and planted the seed for a future in health care.
Early experience through HSA
David joined the Health Sciences Academy (HSA) in middle school, where he explored various medical careers through hands-on experiences. He volunteered at the same nursing home where his grandfather had received care, shadowed in the emergency department and connected with medical students.
“The variety helped me see the full picture of health care and figure out what I wanted to pursue,” he said.
As a high school senior, David was one of only eight students in the county accepted into HSA’s internship program. He was placed in the cardiac catheterization lab — a personally significant assignment, as both his father and grandmother were experiencing heart issues at the time. “While I was interning in the cath lab, my grandmother had a heart attack and was brought in. I was able to help care for her until she was taken into the procedure room. It was a scary moment, but watching the ECU Health team in action was reassuring. One of the doctors said, ‘I treat every patient like they’re my own grandmother,’ and I told him, ‘Well, this actually is my grandmother!’ He took great care of her. I was even able to be there after her procedure and help her get back home.”
That experience solidified David’s desire to pursue nursing. After shadowing a nurse practitioner and performing CPR for the first time at age 17, he was hooked. “Once you get past the nerves of doing something for the first time, it gets easier,” he said.
College, family and a renewed focus
Motivated by those early experiences, David enrolled at East Carolina University (ECU) as a nursing major, but he soon realized he wasn’t fully prepared for the program’s demands. Wanting to stay in health care, he shifted his focus and earned a bachelor’s degree in family and community services. During that time, he interned at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital with the Family Support Network, which supports families of children with special health care needs.
While attending ECU, David also worked for ECU Transit, a job he continued for three years after graduation. It was during college that he met his wife, and after they married, he began to reflect on his long-term goals. The interest to return to clinical care resurfaced. “I realized it’s not about being the smartest — it’s about discipline and work ethic,” he said.
In 2021, David was accepted into the nursing program at Wilson Community College. Just two weeks into the program, he and his wife learned they were expecting their first child. He completed one semester before stepping back to prioritize his growing family. “It was a hard decision. I was proud to have finally made it into nursing school, but I knew I needed to be there for my family.”
Their daughter was born via cesarean section at ECU Health Medical Center, and David was deeply moved by the care his wife and newborn received. “The nurses were fantastic. They were so supportive of our family, and it made me think about nursing in Labor and Delivery.”
“Without HomeGrown, I couldn’t have done it…”
David began exploring opportunities at ECU Health and discovered the HomeGrown program, which supports team members pursuing their first degree while continuing to work. The program offered the flexibility he needed to return to health care. In 2022, he joined ECU Health’s Behavioral Health unit. Soon after, he reconnected with Workforce Development Director Lisa Lassiter, whom he had met during his time in the Health Sciences Academy. With her encouragement, he applied to Pitt Community College’s nursing program and was accepted in 2023, followed by his acceptance into the HomeGrown program the next semester. “Without HomeGrown, I couldn’t have done it. The support from Lisa Lassiter and Doris Hill (Workforce Development Consultant with ECU Health) helped me get through it.”
After gaining experience in Behavioral Health, David transitioned to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), where he worked for a year and a half. Following a clinical rotation in Labor and Delivery and shadowing NICU nurses, he knew he had found his calling. “It reminded me of when my daughter was born and how supported we felt. I wanted to be that support for other families and help these babies.”
Although his first attempt to join the NICU team at a hiring event didn’t lead to an offer, David remained optimistic. He reached out directly to unit managers to express his interest.
At the time, he was still working in the CVICU and enjoying the role. “I told myself, ‘By the time graduation hits, I’m going to stick with whatever unit I’m in.’” But in early May, he received a call from a recruiter: a NICU position had opened, and the manager – who remembered his outreach – wanted to speak with him. He interviewed with the team and received an offer on May 9, three days before graduation. He officially began his role as a NICU nurse on June 16.
Reflecting on his journey, David credits the Health Sciences Academy, HomeGrown and his family for helping him reach his goal. “It’s been a long road, but every step brought me closer to where I’m meant to be.”
Looking ahead and practical advice for those interested in health care
Looking ahead, David plans to stay in health care and will start his RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) this fall at ECU. “I’d like to become a nurse practitioner. I’m hoping to shadow some NPs and see if I can work in a neonatal unit. I also like the idea of earning a master’s in education so I can teach others about health care.”
David offered advice for students considering a career in health care. “If you can shadow someone, do it. You can hear about it, but you don’t really know until you experience it. And to any kids out there – especially boys – nursing is a female-dominated field, but that’s OK. I’ve found a real sense of purpose in what I do. When you work in health care, whether as a nurse or in another role, you’re helping people through some of their hardest times. That’s powerful.”
Roanoke Rapids, NC — ECU Health North Hospital has launched a new hospital-based Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) I Program designed to help team members at ECU Health North, ECU Health Edgecombe and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan hospitals gain hands-on training, real-world experience and the foundation needed to become a certified nursing assistant.
“At ECU Health, we are committed to strengthening the rural health care workforce by expanding access to careers in nursing and allied health,” said Pam Rudisill, vice president of Nursing Excellence, ECU Health. “This initiative not only invests in the growth and development of our current team members but also opens new doors for those entering the field. By aligning with existing workforce pipelines and community college partnerships, we are building a more resilient and skilled care team that is designed to meet the needs of those we serve.”
Team members who are selected for the program will learn essential patient care skills from experienced medical professionals, receive classroom instruction and clinical training on-site and build a pathway toward long-term career growth in health care. The program was created to enable current team members to pursue a nursing assistant certification by offering life-work balance and the support needed to achieve their goals. Upon completion of the program and with certification, team members will then transition from their current roles to a nursing assistant position. The first cohort will graduate in January 2026 and join the nursing team at ECU Health, and enrollment for the second cohort beginning in February 2026 is open now.
“By equipping our team members with the skills and support they need to grow into vital roles, we are helping create a pipeline of compassionate, community-based caregivers who will serve eastern North Carolina for years to come,” said Todd Hickey, president of ECU Health North Hospital. “Investing in our local talent, especially in rural communities like the Roanoke Valley, strengthens our workforce and keeps care close to home. Initiatives like these help us fulfill our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
The CNA I program was inspired by the vision of Sheryl Watson, BSN, RN, a former registered nurse at ECU Health, whose dedication to student education and commitment to guiding aspiring nursing assistants have been integral to the program’s formation. Watson laid the groundwork for the academy but passed away before seeing it come to fruition. As a former instructor in a community college CNA program, Watson saw the value in building a CNA program at ECU Health North.
More than 70 emergency services nurses and physicians from across the ECU Health system came together Oct. 8, for the inaugural Emergency Services Nursing Summit at Eastern AHEC. The daylong event offered a mix of professional development, peer connection and heartfelt recognition for the vital work of emergency department teams.
The summit began with welcoming remarks from Dustin Bass, vice president of emergency services at ECU Health, and Dr. Leigh Patterson, chief of services for emergency medicine at ECU Health Medical Center and chair of emergency medicine at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, setting the tone for a day focused on professional growth and celebrating the contributions of ED nurses.
One of the first sessions addressed imposter syndrome, led by Rachael Smith from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), offering insights into overcoming self-doubt in high-pressure environments.
Dr. Trish Baise, chief nursing executive at ECU Health followed with a presentation on The State of Nursing at ECU Health, highlighting current initiatives, challenges and the future direction of nursing within the organization.
The afternoon featured a series of practical and forward-thinking sessions. Theresa Wilson from Stryker shared strategies for pressure injury prevention, helping nurses strengthen patient safety practices. Lori Puthoff from Mednition introduced attendees to AI for Nursing, exploring how artificial intelligence is streamlining workflows in emergency care.
Later, Paige Tyson led an interactive workshop titled, “True Colors”, which helped participants better understand personality styles and how they influence communication and teamwork.
Throughout the day, attendees had opportunities to network, share experiences and build connections across hospitals and disciplines.
“We have EDs in every hospital across the system, but they are all different,” Bass said. “Bringing us together creates opportunities to collaborate, share resources and learn from each other.”
Bass said he hopes the summit helped nurses build relationships with peers and physicians, meet leaders and potential mentors and feel inspired to explore new career paths.
“I also hope they leave with a sense of gratitude for what we’re able to do for patients, feel uplifted and have a renewed sense of purpose,” he added.
The summit not only recognized the dedication of ECU Health’s emergency services teams but also reinforced the organization’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and excellence in patient care.
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