It is nearly impossible to adequately describe just how much a nurse means to the patients they serve. They are expert caretakers for sick patients. They are entertainers for a child who needs a laugh. They are a compassionate shoulder to cry on during life’s difficult moments. They embody what it means to foster hope, healing and trust.
Trish Baise, ECU Health Chief Nursing Executive
This year, May 6-12 was recognized as National Nurses Week, and I am proud to honor the 4,000-plus nurses serving here at ECU Health. It is always a pleasure to tell people about how impactful our nurses are, but their contributions go far beyond the limitations of words. To honor National Nurses Week, we decided to show how important our nurses truly are by hosting the first-ever ECU Health Walk-a-Mile with Nursing, where organizational leaders spent the day shadowing a nurse and fostering a deeper appreciation for all a nurse does in a single day at hospitals across the health system.
I want to share just a few of the most common words we heard during a roundtable discussion following the Walk-a-Mile event at ECU Health Medical Center: compassionate, caring, competent, eye-opening. The organizational leaders, many of whom don’t work primarily in the clinical setting, saw our nurses doing what they do best: exemplifying excellence and compassion in every way possible. From the ICU to the labor and delivery unit, and everywhere in between, it was a true joy to take folks behind-the-scenes to see who our nurses truly are.
The Walk-a-Mile event was the perfect way to kick off National Nurses Week and recognize the theme “Celebrating the Power of Nurses,” which acknowledges courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to patient care. I could not be more proud of ECU Health’s nurses, who embody our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.
In honor of the incredible contributions of all nurses, and particularly those here in eastern North Carolina and at ECU Health, I certainly encourage everyone to share a kind word or two with the nurses in your life. It can be a thankless job at times, and the value is better measured by the lives touched than the kudos received. Still, nurses everywhere deserve to know that their contributions are deeply appreciated.
Each day in hospitals, clinics and other clinical settings across ECU Health, nurses take on roles beyond the medical care they provide – they’re a support person, a patient advocate, offer a hand for food services and help keep rooms clean all while bringing high-quality, compassionate care to patients in eastern North Carolina.
On May 6, to mark the start of National Nurses Week, ECU Health nurses invited board members, executives and other leaders to take part in “Walk-a-Mile with Nursing” to offer the opportunity to shadow a nurse and experience all the different roles that nurses play each and every day at ECU Health hospitals.
“Many of us have experienced the hospital setting through the eyes of a patient or a loved one, but today we got a chance to experience it through the eyes of the people who make high-quality, compassionate care possible at ECU Health: our nurses,” said Chief Nursing Executive Dr. Trish Baise during the roundtable discussion immediately following the three-hour shadowing session at ECU Health Medical Center. “I hope this experience to walk alongside nurses across our hospitals provides an even deeper appreciation for the work they do and the incredible difference it makes in the lives of so many.”
Bob Greczyn, chair of the ECU Health Board of Directors, was one of the guests on the hospital floor during “Walk-a-Mile” and he shadowed nurses on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center.
He said taking part in the event gave him the best morning he’s had in a long time. He was most impressed with the way teams – doctors, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists and more – worked together to care for patients on the unit.
“I’ve heard about doing rounds on patients and how the teams work together, but I’ve never actually been able to see it happen. Now I know what happens, and I know they didn’t just do it for my benefit,” Greczyn said. “I want to thank all the nurses who choose to work here for what you do, because it’s really important.”
Walk-a-Mile with Nursing was also held at community hospitals across ECU Health, where participants captured a glimpse of the community-centered care that makes rural hospitals unique. There, they witnessed team members treating neighbors, family and friends – a testament to the power of hands-on nursing in rural communities.
Gary Stanley, ECU Health Chowan Hospital Development Council Board Member and Lead Chaplain for ECU Health Bertie and Chowan, reflected on his experience with the Walk-a-Mile with Nursing event.
“It was truly an incredible experience,” Stanley said. “Nurse Konner Mims exemplified attentiveness, compassion, and respect, fully embracing the ECU Health model of patient- and family-centered care. This experience was profoundly impactful—I am a different chaplain because of it.”
Dr. Michael Waldrum, ECU Health chief executive officer and Dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, and Donette Herring, ECU Health’s chief information officer, both had the opportunity to return to their clinical roots prior to their leadership roles.
Dr. Waldrum shadowed Carolina Pena, staff nurse III, on the Medical Intensive Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. As an intensivist for many years, he said it was great experience to be back at his “home.” He was grateful for the opportunity to shadow Pena and see the heart of ECU Health nursing on display with care, compassion and excellence.
Herring visited the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the Medical Center. It was a fitting return for her as she said the intensive care unit was her last unit in a clinical role before she transitioned to leadership. She said she wasn’t sure what to expect for the day, but she was grateful to be welcomed in by the unit and have open, honest conversations with the team. She said her biggest takeaway from the day was the importance of taking time to listen to the experiences of nurses and understand their needs.
Pena said she felt this event was important to connect nurses with leadership and non-nursing team members to have their voices heard.
“This was so important to have, because as a nursing staff we go through a lot with patients, doctors, family members and everyone. We never really know if anyone is going to hear our concerns,” Pena said. “I know Dr. Waldrum has been an intensivist before, he knows what happens in our unit, but just having him there, hearing our concerns, seeing our patients, asking questions, it really gives us a sense that we’re being listened to and that we matter. I think that’s very important for our nurses.”
Overall, the event served as the perfect way to kick off National Nurses Week. Other events focused on celebrating nurses and their contributions to high-quality care unfolded throughout the week, and the Walk-a-Mile experience provided a first-hand understanding of just how powerful nurses are in a patient’s life.
“Today has far exceeded my expectations in terms of turnout and the genuine desire to connect, understand and walk a mile with nursing team members,” Baise said. “I’ve done this in previous roles, and there is more enthusiasm today than I’ve seen before, and I think it speaks to the authentic nature of everyone in this system. I’m so grateful for the nurses and units who hosted everyone today and sharing their work with everyone here.”
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Rebecca Zelnar, a staff nurse III in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU), loved being a travel nurse, and after working for a Florida health system for nearly 20 years, she thought she’d never find a staff position that was as fulfilling. That all changed when she came to ECU Health Medical Center, where she now feels at home.
The Gainesville, Florida native knew early on she wanted to be a nurse.
“I was a candy striper, and in high school I knew I wanted to be a nurse; but then things happened in my family to where I couldn’t go to college right out of high school,” she said. “I got a job and got married, had kids. I worked in the legal field. But nursing nagged at me. In my mid-to-late-twenties, I went back to school. I worked a paper route and as a CNA to pay for school, and I graduated top of my class 24 years ago. I just knew that was what I wanted to be. I went right into the ICU and never looked back.”
She worked at the University of Florida Shands Hospital in the trauma unit for 18 years. “I love critical care. I worked in the surgical trauma ICU at UF and loved it. I love that patient population, and I loved being a part of making science at a teaching hospital,” she said.
Then the pandemic happened, and Zelnar said she saw that as an opportunity to make a change. “My husband and I bought a camper and moved into that, with plans to travel at some point, but then the pandemic came and there was an opportunity for nurses to go to New York City and help,” Zelnar explained. “I asked the Lord if that’s what He wanted me to do. Twenty hours later, I was a Covid nurse in New York.”
Her experience in New York was challenging, but her previous experience in critical care and her work in the ICU float pool prepared her for working in different settings. “There was a lot of fear [in New York]; it was terrible times. I saw how weary those nurses were, and I wanted to be a relief to them. It taught me to rely on my skills in the moment.”
After her time in New York, Zelnar traveled to Texas and worked as a travel nurse in El Paso, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and McAllen before coming to ECU Health in 2021. Her daughter lives in Rocky Mount, and Zelnar said it was nice being closer to her. “I worked in central staffing for the ICU, and I thought I’d just continue traveling when my contract was up,” she said. “But as that time approached, I realized I couldn’t bear leaving this family I’d come to know. It brought me to tears to think about leaving.”
Zelnar said she talked with her husband and she prayed about it, and after talking with the manager of patient care services in the PACU, Amy Sawyer, she decided she wanted to stay. “Amy had a PACU position open, and I accepted the job immediately,” Zelnar said.
“Rebecca brought the knowledge she had gained from working in multiple PACUs,” Sawyer said. “Shared knowledge is so valuable because we always aspire to learn and grow in the nursing profession. Rebecca is compassionate and her patient care is extraordinary. She always advocates for the best possible care for her patients, and she’s been an amazing addition to our family.”
Part of what enticed her to stay were the leadership and staff she worked with every day as a traveler. “I liked the overall friendliness of the staff towards travelers; they didn’t treat you differently. I liked how the nurses cared for each other. It’s a big family, and people are caring and compassionate. It made me want to be a part of their team.” That sentiment stuck with Sawyer. “Rebecca had been traveling for a while but missed the sense of belonging somewhere. She felt that she truly belonged here at ECU Health,” she said.
Rebecca also highlighted the skill set of her colleagues. “The talent of nurses in this unit is very high. It’s the best group of nurses I’ve worked with for long time. It’s the best management team I’ve ever worked with, and I love being a part of the PACU and all their initiatives.”
When asked if she’d recommend ECU Health as a permanent home for other travel nurses, she didn’t hesitate to answer. “I would definitely recommend ECU Health,” she said. “I’m actually recruiting my daughter-in-law, who is a nurse, and my son, to move here from Florida so she can work here. There is a lot to offer for nurses – professional councils, Magnet designation – it’s definitely a place to develop professionally.”
Zelnar said she’s settled in and plans to get her perioperative certification and serve on the unit council, something she hasn’t done in a long time due to being a traveler. “It just feels right,” she said. “I want to work at the bedside and take care of patients, and I love going to work. We moved the camper here and plan to eventually buy some land and maybe build a tiny home. I hope to spend many years at ECU Health.”
ECU Health nurses from across the system gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville for the 11th Annual ECU Health Nursing Summit where they engaged with esteemed speakers and discussed the future of nursing across eastern North Carolina and beyond.
The summit aimed to address the transformative period nursing is experiencing amid complex challenges. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions on integrating leading-edge technology and innovative practices. Chief Nursing Executive Trish Baise shared that the nursing summit was one way to connect with and empower nursing team members to be a part of designing ECU Health’s future.
“The nursing summit provided a wonderful opportunity for hundreds of our ECU Health nurses from across the region to come together,” said Baise. “We were able to create a national-caliber conference in our own backyard tailored to the mission of our rural health care team. The energy of our nursing team was palpable.”
Keynote speakers included Rich G. Kenny, who explored the future of Generative AI for nurse leaders, and Sen. Gale Adcock, who discussed health care policy and advocacy. Brian Floyd, ECU Health’s chief operating officer, reminded nurses of their mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina, highlighting the organization’s unique care for the rural region.
The summit also included breakout sessions that covered topics like well-being, AI in health care, six dimensions for influencing team culture and nursing policy advocacy. Additionally, a panel discussion explored emerging trends in health care.
Keynote speaker, Olivia Lemberger, innovation scientist from the American Nurses Association, highlighted the future of nursing innovation and praised the camaraderie among nurses at the event.
“There is a deep sense of community among the colleagues at ECU Health,” said Lemberger. “There was a positive energy that was palpable. This is something I wish every nurse had.”
Mandi Civils, ICU and Central Staffing Office manager at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, reflected on the summit’s impact.
“At the heart of health care transformation for ECU Health was the great nursing summit, where dedication met innovation, and passion will fuel progress going forward,” Civils said. “It was my honor to be part of an event that inspired me to believe I can be anything I want to be when I grow up.”
Amidst the relentless demands of health care, three exceptional nurse leaders are making significant strides as leaders at ECU Health and as district representatives for the North Carolina Organization for Nurse Leaders (NCONL). Laura Respess, nurse manager of Patient Care Services, Renal Dialysis Unit at ECU Health Medical Center, Dawn Tetterton, vice president of Inpatient Nursing at ECU Health Medical Center and Jenny Parnell, manager of Patient Care Services, ICU at ECU Health Duplin Hospital, exemplify a bold, collective commitment to elevating patient care and advocating for the nursing profession statewide.
NCONL is a state-level affiliate of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. NCONL transforms patient care and serves as a voice for North Carolina nurse leaders, aiming to shape health care through innovative and expert nurse leadership.
The organization strengthens nursing leadership through professional development, facilitates nursing research to advance practice and influences health care policy regarding the value of the nursing profession.
Laura Respess & Dawn Tetterton
Having recently concluded her term as a district representative, Respess was responsible for member communication to district VI, one of the largest districts in North Carolina. She organized quarterly meetings and planned educational sessions. She coordinated contributions for events like the annual conferences and drove the request for abstracts and Quality Initiative work from members in the region to share at the NCONL conference.
“One of the things we’ve always advocated for at ECU Health is having nurses on boards,” Respess said. “Being a representative comes with the benefits of staying informed about statewide developments and sharing best practices. As a NCONL representative, you gain a good understanding of legislative matters from the perspective of nursing, and how our profession is being represented in the legislature.”
“Through NCONL, members can showcase the excellent work being done at ECU Health,” said Tetterton, who recently stepped in to fill Respess’ role. “We submit several posters and abstracts annually and have had winners chosen for podium presentations to share nursing best practices they have developed.”
“Laura has done an amazing job,” Tetterton said, “and truly was part of the reason I felt like I needed to step forward. She has worked tirelessly the past six years, exemplifying leadership at this level.”
Respess also praised Tetterton for her leadership and is confident she will be amazing in her Regional NCONL Representative role.
“My challenge for Dawn is to drive our district’s diversification, which is one of our strategic goals,” said Respess. “We primarily focus on acute care, but we recognize the need to reach out to nursing leaders in ambulatory care and health departments across the state. It’s important to involve these sectors because they play a significant role in our overall mission.”
Jenny Parnell
Jenny Parnell was inspired to join NCONL many years ago by a nurse leader at ECU Health.
“A past nurse leader encouraged many of us to join, and throughout my time as a leader with ECU Health, it has been incredibly beneficial,” said Parnell. “I attended numerous conferences and met many leaders. In the last several years post-COVID, the organization has really come back strong.”
When a district representative position opened up, Jenny was serving on the practice committee, which focused on evidence-based practice. She wanted to take on a larger role and self-nominated for the district representative role.
“My hope is to help others grow and share things I’ve learned through the years,” she said. “Laura and I worked together many years ago on CIU as young nurses, so we’ve kind of grown up together. Even if you’re not the district representative, there are other committees that you can serve on. There are many ways to serve within the NCONL, Laura will continue to serve on the board in another role and be close by to help in our region. That’s what NCONL is all about, those nursing connections.”
Learn more about nursing at ECU Health by visiting ECUHealth.org/Nursing.
Greenville, N.C. – Trish Baise, ECU Health chief nursing executive, was recently honored as one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2024 Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) to know. Since stepping into the role in 2022, Baise has cultivated a dynamic nursing environment that drives innovations to enhance patient care quality and elevate patient experiences across eastern North Carolina.
“This recognition by Becker’s reflects the collective efforts of the incredible nurses across ECU Health, all of whom are dedicated to creating an environment where nurses and patients alike can thrive,” said Baise. “Together, we are driving innovative approaches in rural health care, committed to excellence in all we do and enhancing patient care across eastern North Carolina. I am honored that ECU Health has been recognized for this commitment.”
Tasked with addressing nurse staffing shortages, managing budgets and fostering growth opportunities for emerging nurses, the nursing leaders recognized by Becker’s play a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing.
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. This list honors CNOs for their commitment to optimizing health care.
Baise has led efforts to establish a supportive environment where both nurses and patients can thrive. Under her leadership, ECU Health has achieved its third Magnet recognition, underscoring a commitment to nursing excellence. The Advancing Nursing Practice and Excellence (APEX) initiative has been foundational to this strategy, focusing on innovation, research and collaborative efforts to advance nursing in rural health care. Through partnerships with East Carolina University and local colleges, ECU Health also invests in the future of nursing, offering residency programs to equip new nurses with essential skills. This vision represents ECU Health’s dedication to defining a new standard for patient care and nursing excellence in eastern North Carolina.
“As the region’s largest health care provider and educator, ECU Health has a unique role in shaping community health, and Trish understands that our mission’s success depends on attracting the best providers, nurses and care teams to our health system,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and Dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “Trish’s dedication to service and our mission aligns with ECU Health’s work to build the model for rural academic health care. ECU Health is proud to lead the way in defining the future of nursing in our region.”
Resources
On Aug. 28, East Carolina University College of Nursing and ECU Health gathered to celebrate their academic-practice partnership. Topics of discussion included entry-level and graduate-level education and practice, nursing research, and their vision for the future.
Chief Nursing Executive of ECU Health, Dr. Trish Baise, appreciates all the work that has been done by the collective nursing leadership team over the last few months. “We have built a strong foundation and are already realizing outcomes. This is just the beginning. Both our institutions are committed to finding innovative partnership opportunities that support the needs of our region and a better future for eastern North Carolina.” Baise said.
Dr. Bimbola F. Akintade, dean and professor at ECU College of Nursing, reflected on the past and mentioned that both institutions have come a long way.
“One of our advantages is not just the proximity but the overarching institutional dynamic we share can only serve as resources. Our vision is that both institutions are so intertwined that students who are graduating from ECU will also see an opportunity to work at ECU Health,” Akintade said.
Graduate-level education programs such as the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and the Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist concentrations are advancing nursing practice to provide better care for eastern North Carolina. The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program is unique and the only one in North Carolina. In addition to graduate-level programs, ECU and ECU Health have collaborated to sponsor a nurse extern program. This immersive program, allows students to gain practical experience in various care settings across the health system before their final semesters of nursing school.
During the celebration, a recent graduate of the nurse extern program expressed her gratitude. “I have never been more sure that I am where I’m supposed to be as a nurse and here at ECU Health,” she said. Kiley Fisher will be joining ECU Health Medical Center in February 2025.
Both institutions are hopeful for the future and what is to come.
The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors the nursing profession by recognizing nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability as well as their contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 19 ECU Health nurses were recognized as honorees, including Dennis Campbell, II, Myra Thomson, Alex Gilbert, Gina Coldwell and Lou Ann Proctor.
Dennis Campbell, II
Although he is now the president of ECU Health Beaufort Hospital and the interim president at ECU Health North Hospital, Dennis Campbell, II began his career in 2004 as a nurse in the medical/surgical intensive care unit. Over time, he spent his early career in the emergency department, the burn center and the telemetry floor, and he was a staff nurse educator and a clinical educator for local nursing schools in his home state of Indiana.
However, a job opportunity brought him to eastern North Carolina, and he’s since navigated his way into quality leadership, corporate compliance, behavioral health and nursing leadership.
Dennis said finding his path to nursing was a winding road. “I was looking for something I could do that would provide a secure job,” he shared. “I shadowed a nurse in the local community as well as a respiratory therapist. What attracted me to nursing was how polished that nurse was. She was neatly dressed in white scrubs and a hat. The way she presented herself to her patients made me say, ‘I can do that.’” What kept Dennis coming back day after day was the difference he was making every day. “It’s the connection with people at the most vulnerable times of their lives,” he said. “I get to make the ordinary extraordinary, and if there’s something I can do to put a smile on your face, that also fills my cup.” That hasn’t changed since Dennis found his way into leadership roles. “It’s a platform that impacts healthcare and people in a larger way.”
Still, Dennis was surprised that “little old me” was nominated for and selected as a Great 100 Nurse. “It says a lot about what my colleagues think about me, and I’m grateful,” he said. “And it’s good for all Great 100 nurses, because it’s often the case that we are the unsung heroes. It means people are taking notice and want to recognize those who give their heart and soul.” Dennis said the honor is also a legacy for his family. “They don’t get to go to work with me every day and see what I do, and my work is hard to quantify. To have that recognition is impactful to my family.”
Myra Thomson
Myra Thomson, a nurse manager in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and the Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy program at ECU Health Medical Center, decided to be a nurse because her mother was a nurse. “It was all I knew; I was raised in a medical profession home. It fit me and my personality,” Myra said.
The East Carolina University graduate began her career with ECU Health right after graduation. During her clinical rotation on the medical intermediate unit, she had the opportunity to shadow in the MICU. This confirmed Myra’s conviction to work with the critically ill patient population. “I love that there’s a complexity, with more than one thing to treat,” Myra said. She also enjoys the MICU team. “It’s the place to be,” she said. “I love my team at work and outside of work. They call me if they need something, and I check in on them. They’re my people.”
Myra said it was amazing to find out she was named a Great 100 Nurse. “It’s an honor for me that the people I work with think enough of me to say what they did about me. It shows they’re exactly why I do what I do.” It’s also special that so many ECU Health nurses are recognized this year. “The nurses here work very hard across the system, and they deserve to be recognized. It makes you proud to work at ECU Health,” Myra said.
Alex Gilbert
Alex Gilbert, a staff nurse III in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), calls himself a “second generation nurse,” because both of his parents were also nurses. “Mom works in the ECU Health Cancer Center,” Alex said. “Dad was a flight nurse with EastCare. That’s how my parents met.”
Alex used to watch his father on the helipad and wait for him to get off work, which sparked his own interest in a health care profession. That spark was reignited when his grandmother got sick during his senior year of high school. “That renewed my interest and showed me I could care for people. I knew I had a calling.”
After graduating from East Carolina University with his BSN, Alex split his time between the SICU and the ECU Health EastCare Transport Team as a flight RN. He also serves as an EMT-B in the community. Alex said he was surprised when he discovered he was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “I can think of so many others who deserve this award,” he said. “We don’t do the job for recognition; we do what we do to care for people.” Alex did cite his passion for his work as a key factor in his success, as well as the support from his family and his co-workers. “It’s not just a nine to five job; it’s someone’s life. It’s an honor and a pleasure to care for someone. But I can’t take all the credit. My faith, my family and my co-workers all play a part. I’d put my team up against any in the country, and I wouldn’t be getting this award if not for them. I’m just a piece of the puzzle.”
ECU Health’s representation in the Great 100 Nurses is a testament to the care our nurses provide, and the education and support ECU Health provides its nurses, Alex said. “We’re the biggest level one trauma center East of I-95,” he said. “Our patients are the sickest of the sick, and our nurses are on the top of their game.”
Gina Coldwell
A Newport News, Virginia, native, Gina Coldwell knew she had an interest in nursing early-on, but she couldn’t go to school while caring for her four small children. “I was a stay-at-home mom for 15 years,” she said. “But then I got divorced and was working two minimum-wage jobs and I wanted to do something I enjoyed.” That’s when Gina went back to school and received her associate degree in nursing from Edgecombe Community College in 2019. “I started working at ECU Health that following summer,” Gina said. She began on the Neuroscience Intermediate Unit, but she also continued her education to complete her BSN from East Carolina University in 2021, followed by enrolling in a master’s program at Carson Newman University, with plans to graduate in 2025.
Gina said she didn’t know what specialty she wanted after initially graduating from nursing school. For her, the team on 3 North drew her to the neuroscience unit. It was a challenging first year, but Gina said she has grown to love the challenge. “It’s hard to not take the work home with me,” she said. “But it’s so fascinating. You get such a diverse group of people, from someone who fell and broke their back to someone who had a stroke. It’s not an easy fix, but you have the benefit of seeing the fruits of your labor and how your patients improve. It’s so rewarding and fulfilling.”
That passion is one reason Gina was nominated for and recognized as a Great 100 Nurse. “I was shocked when I found out,” Gina said. “I was proud because I still consider myself a baby nurse. And we have amazing nurses at ECU Health. We’re a Level I Trauma hospital, and everything we deal with is big. You must have your heart in it, and you must have good leadership that recognizes that heart.” Gina also works with new graduates and new hires. “I love to teach and train,” she said. “And if I don’t know something, I ask someone who does. We’ll find out the answer together.”
Lou Ann Proctor
Lou Ann Proctor, a staff nurse IV in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), calls herself a legacy Great 100 Nurse. “My mother, Janice Proctor, was in the first group selected to be a Great 100 Nurse in 1989, the year I graduated from nursing school at ECU,” Lou Ann said. “My Aunt Lucy Weaver and Aunt Becky Lewis were also chosen in 1994 and 1993. Sadly, I just lost my mother last year, and she would have loved this.”
It was her mother’s work that inspired Lou Ann to become a nurse in the first place. “My father was a farmer, so when I turned 15, I wanted to get out of the tobacco fields and I went to work with my mother at Edgecombe General Hospital in Tarboro. I got to work beside her and see how amazing she was at her job,” she said.
Lou Ann has continued that legacy by being nominated as a Great 100 Nurse several times before being an honoree this year, although she remains humble about the work she does every day. “I’ve been a bedside nurse for 35 years and have been involved in Nurse Congress, Quality/EBP Council and my unit council, but there are so many nurses I would nominate for this award. That recognition is overdue and well deserved for them.” When she found out she has won the award this year, the moment was bittersweet. “My co-workers nominated me this time and I was both thrilled and heartbroken to be selected,” she said. “It would have meant so much if my mother was still here. But my Aunt Lucy and family plan to attend the Gala with me and that will make it special.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in September, to be held in Concord.
The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors the nursing profession by recognizing nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability as well as their contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 19 ECU Health nurses were recognized as honorees, including Kimberly Askew, Jessica Noble, Amber Oakes and Kathryn Jarvis.
Kimberly Askew
Like so many aspiring nurses, Kimberly Askew decided to pursue nursing because of her mother. “It was my dream to be a labor and delivery nurse like my mother,” Kimberly said. “She went to nursing school and graduated when I was in eighth grade, and I saw what a difference it made for her and our family. She has served as a great inspiration for me in all aspects of my life.”
Kimberly started working at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital 19 years ago as a certified nursing assistant, and through the Homegrown program, she attended Roanoke Chowan Community College to get her associate in nursing degree. In the ensuing years, she has served as a charge nurse, a preceptor, a childbirth educator, a unit educator and an ALSO instructor. She spent 12 years in labor and delivery, three in the medical/surgical unit and the last four years in the peri-operative unit.
To be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse is an honor, she said, one that acknowledges the work she does and the difference she makes. “It means a lot that others see what I’m doing. What we as ECU Health nurses do for our communities is so very important.” Yet, she also said it was a shock when she learned she’d won the award. “I could name at least a dozen others who deserve this recognition. We as humans always have self-doubt and I think everyone deserves to see how others see them.”
Jessica Noble
As a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in maternal health, Jessica Noble currently serves as the perinatal nurse champion and navigator for ECU Health Medical Center. She received her BSN from East Caroline University and a master’s in nursing education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and she is an active member in the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses and serves on the DHHS Maternal Health Task Force. These partnerships have, she said, “made eastern North Carolina and ECU Health the best place to have a baby.”
Her passion for nursing began when she was three years old. “My great-grandmother looked after me while my mother worked, and I vividly recall climbing to reach the kitchen cabinet to get her medicine,” Jessica said. “She cared for me when I was ill, and I cherished the opportunity to care for her in return.”
While she is proud to be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse, Jessica said the honor was due in part to knowing that the Great 100 recognizes exceptional nurses. “This recognition makes me feel accomplished and proud to be a part of such a distinguished group of nurses across North Carolina and from ECU Health. Having 19 nurses from ECU Health recognized reflects how much ECU Health values its team members and is committed to their success.”
Amber Oakes
An eastern North Carolina native, Amber Oakes received her associate degree in nursing from Pitt Community College and her BSN from Western Carolina University. She’s worked at ECU Health Medical Center for 14 years, and most recently she specialized in gynecology/oncology in the outpatient clinic at ECU Health Cancer Center.
Her desire to support patients with cancer began with a friend. “My desire to support a best friend who was fighting for her life launched me into a natural path of caring for others,” she said. “Building relationships with the care team inspired me to care for others with empathy and compassion, and I’m forever grateful for all those nurses did for my friend.” Amber also mentioned what she called her “dynamic” view of nursing. “I see it through the lens of a patient who lives with Multiple Sclerosis; a caregiver to my mother who battled breast cancer and a professional who cares for the oncology patients in eastern North Carolina.”
Amber said she is honored to be named among the Great 100 Nurses: “The legacy of the Great 100 Nurses of NC is revered throughout ECU Health and highly coveted. It is a testament to our organization’s emphasis on continuing education, advanced training, quality improvement efforts and exceptional patient care.” Her strong work ethic and her team help her apply her knowledge, skills and experience with the success of their clinic.
Kathryn Jarvis
Kathryn Jarvis, the senior director for Children’s Services at ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital, has been a nurse at ECU Health Medical Center for 12 years. She received both her BSN and MSN from ECU and her doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) with a concentration in nurse executive leadership from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Kathryn is also a part-time faculty member for ECU’s DNP program. Her hard work has been in an effort to improve the care for pediatric patients throughout eastern North Carolina. “I want every child who needs medical care at one of our facilities to receive best practice, compassionate, patient and family-centered care,” she said.
For as long as she could remember, Kathryn wanted to be a nurse. “I used to want to be a teacher during the week and a nurse on the weekends, but I quickly changed my mind when I realized a person needed a few days off now and then,” she said. Now she has a true passion for pediatric nursing, where she can “care for some of the most resilient patients out there.”
Kathryn expressed deep appreciation for even being nominated as a Great 100 Nurse, let alone to be an honoree. “I don’t think I can adequately express what it means to be recognized as a Great 100 nurse. I have known a multitude of amazing nurses who have received this recognition, and it makes me proud to join them.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in September, to be held in Concord, North Carolina.
The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors the nursing profession by recognizing nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability as well as their contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 19 ECU Health nurses were recognized as honorees, including Virginia “Ginny” Tripp, Rebecca Hagee, Jennifer Lewis, Kelly Trout and Kelly Elliott.
Virginia “Ginny” Tripp
Like many health care providers, Ginny Tripp, a professional development specialist in the Center for Learning and Performance at ECU Health Medical Center, found the inspiration to pursue nursing through her family. “My mother was a nurse, and she has always inspired me to be compassionate and care for everyone,” Ginny said. Her grandmother, also, was a huge support for Ginny and often prepared meals and helped take care of Ginny’s children while Ginny studied in school.
Ginny completed her associate degree in nursing in 1994 from Craven Community College and her BSN, which she received from East Carolina University, in 2006. She began her career at what was then Pitt County Memorial Hospital before transferring to a clinical practice closer to home. She always dreamed of returning “home” to ECU Health, however, and she did just that in 2009.
Now, Ginny’s mother can celebrate with her as she is honored as a Great 100 Nurse. “My mother cried for joy, and I was so excited to tell my family and leadership I received this recognition in my 30th year of service,” she said. Ginny said she was honored for her colleagues to recognize her service by nominating her for this award. “No matter what the need is, I try to find a way to support others and help them become the best version of themselves. I enjoy collaborating with an excellent team who strives to support each other.” Ginny was also quick to thank her leadership for supporting her along the way. “I am thankful to leadership who have helped me grow in my current role over the past nine years,” she said.
Ginny highlighted that having 19 Great 100 Nurse honorees was a nod to the support ECU Health provides its nurses every day. “I can only imagine that ECU Health is proud to know they have supported the professional growth and development of all the nurses who received nominations. For the 19 being honored, I am thankful I am a part of this elite group. We are living the mission and vision of ECU Health each day, and I feel blessed by God to be a part of something so much larger than myself.”
Rebecca Hagee
Rebecca Hagee, a staff nurse III in the surgical oncology clinic at ECU Health Cancer Center, began her career at ECU Health six years ago after graduating from Pitt Community College with her associate degree in nursing. She recently obtained her BSN from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2023.
While Rebecca always knew she wanted to be a nurse, she initially thought she wanted to work in pediatric oncology. “I saw the movie Patch Adams at a young age, and I had my heart set on pediatric oncology,” she said. “Then I started my career on a general surgical unit, but I knew I wanted to work in oncology. When my current role became available, it was a perfect combination of my two interests.” Whatever her role, Rebecca said her goal in life is to “make an impact, and nursing gives me the opportunity to do that every day.”
When she learned she was a Great 100 Nurse, Rebecca said it was a surprise. “I still consider myself a ‘new’ nurse,” she explained. “I never in all my life expected to be presented with such an honor, and I’m so thankful for this opportunity to be recognized for everything I have poured into my nursing career.”
While she acknowledged that she strives to be there for patients during the hardest times of their lives, Rebecca also credited ECU Health’s support in being an honoree. “I would never have had this opportunity without ECU Health’s leadership. It has presented me with two of the best managers and assistant managers who encourage and push their team members to be the best they can be.”
Jennifer Lewis
Jennifer Lewis, the outreach coordinator for ECU Health Medical Center Cancer Care, has worked for ECU Health for 32 years, 27 of them as a nurse. Jennifer got started at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital at the age of 18 as an emergency department (ED) clerk. “As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I’ve always been impressed with nurses; they’re intelligent, kind and relatable. I worked in the ED to see what the healthcare setting was like,” she said.
Jennifer liked what she saw, and she completed her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College before returning to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, now as a nurse. “I was born at that hospital and had all three of my daughters there. It was home,” Jennifer said.
After getting her BSN from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, which she was able to do through ECU Health’s tuition reimbursement program, she found a position at the ECU Health Medical Center and made the move to Greenville. “Life takes you down roads you don’t expect, but I love it,” she said.
Jennifer was shocked to learn she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “I’m pretty new at the Medical Center, so to know I’d been nominated by my peers was above anything I imagined,” she said. “It’s the ultimate compliment, and I’m humbled to be among the 19 who represent ECU Health.” Without the support of her team and ECU Health, Jennifer said she wouldn’t be who she is today. “I’m thankful ECU Health,” she said. “I appreciate working somewhere where they recognize nurses for their achievements and support and grow nurses. Becoming a nurse was by far one of the best decisions of my life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Kelly Trout
A staff nurse III in the medical oncology unit at ECU Health Medical Center, Kelly Trout has been a nurse, and has worked at ECU Health, for 15 years. “I got my bachelor’s in biology and psychology, but in 2007 I went back to school at Pitt Community College and got my nursing degree,” Kelly said. The inspiration to be a nurse came from her mother, who was a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse for 45 years. “I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but I enjoy direct care and hands-on patient interaction,” she said. A clinical rotation in medical oncology, as well as her family history of cancer, strengthened her decision to work in medical oncology. “It’s something I’m passionate about and it’s where I need to be.”
“I was shocked,” Kelly said of learning she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “These Great 100 nurses are doing something special, and I wondered – am I really one of those nurses? It’s a total honor.”
One of the biggest projects Kelly said she’s proud of starting in her unit is Santa’s Hope (previously Santa’s Workshop), where staff donate gifts for kids and adults and patients with cancer can then “shop” for their friends and family without compromising their immune system by going out in crowds. “We’ve had some wonderful stories. Little things like that make a difference, and I’m honored to be a part of this program.”
That ECU Health has 19 nurses on the Great 100 list is pretty special, she said. “It shows there are nurses who have their whole hearts invested in this and is representative of the care ECU Health provides,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to advertise the care we provide and put our name out across the state.”
Katie Elliott
Katie Elliott is a staff nurse IV in the radiation oncology clinic at ECU Health Medical Center, where she’s worked for nearly 15 years. She originally obtained her associate degree in nursing at Beaufort Community College and started her career at ECU Health the same year on the traumatic brain injury inpatient rehabilitation unit. In 2019, she transitioned to radiation oncology, and in May, she received her BSN from Fayetteville State University.
Katie knew from an early age she enjoyed helping people; however, a high school allied health class solidified her decision to become a nurse. Still, she was surprised to find out she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “I was so excited, I awakened my husband early in the morning, when I read the letter,” she laughed. “It’s an honor to know your teammates care enough to nominate you for such an amazing award.”
That nomination is the result of a dedication to her team and her patients. “I work hard, and my team sees how much I care,” Katie said. “Not just for my patients. I want to be sure our team is okay too. We take better care of our community by taking care of each other. I don’t just go to work, do my job, and go home. I want to be involved.”
That attitude is one that Katie sees reflected across the ECU Health system. “We go above and beyond in the care we provide for our patients and our communities,” she said. “I recommend ECU Health to anyone. Family members and myself have been patients here. It is comforting to know there’s a place close to home, delivering safe and compassionate care.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in September, to be held in Concord, North Carolina.