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
The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 25 ECU Health nurses were honored, including Elizabeth Arnold, Dustin Bass, Allison Castelloe, Randy Mintz, Kaili Nixon and Wendy Minton.
Elizabeth Arnold
Two years ago, Elizabeth Arnold, a clinical informaticist II, celebrated when her twin sister, Elaine, was one of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina. Now, Elizabeth is the one to be celebrated.
Elizabeth attended East Carolina University (ECU) and received her degree in nursing, a decision she made after watching her mother work as a lab technician in a doctor’s office. She came to Pitt County Memorial Hospital in 1995 as a nurse extern, and in 1996, she joined the OR team, specializing in cardiovascular thoracic surgery. She spent 26 years in the OR, including many years managing the OR team, before transitioning to her current role in Informatics. Having just celebrated her 30-year anniversary, Elizabeth said ECU Health has always been home for her nursing career.
“I know the system,” she said. “If someone needs help, even if I don’t know the answer, I know the resources to find the answer. It provides a lot of community and innovation.”
Elizabeth said she is honored to be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse.
“The award doesn’t make me the nurse I am, but it puts that stamp that says you’ve achieved something,” she said. “If there is an emergency at work, I go to work,” she added. “My whole career has been about what the patient needs. I am dedicated to our patients and serve to help as much as possible when there is a patient or unit in need. That’s very fulfilling.”
Dustin Bass
Dustin Bass, a first-generation college graduate, said his whole career has been about emergency medicine.
“I knew I wanted to help people,” he said. “I volunteered at a hospital as a teenager, and when I saw a nurse jump on a stretcher and start CPR on a patient, I remember thinking, ‘I want to save someone’s life.’ I got my diploma in 2011, my first job was in the emergency department (ED) and I never looked back.”
The Yale graduate now serves as the vice president of system emergency services at ECU Health, a transition that provides challenges and opportunities to help patients.
“I try to inspire and uplift our team to be the best they can be, so they can be the best for our patients,” he said. “I like to get my hands dirty and get the job done. It’s a large, academic medical system, but it still has a family feel to it. That’s not something you see in larger institutions. I appreciate that and can be myself.”
Receiving this recognition as a Great 100 Nurse is humbling, Dustin said. “Some of my mentors have been recognized, so when I was nominated, I was surprised. You don’t always think about what’s on your CV.”
The award is also a recognition for ECU Health, he said. “This highlights how great of a system this is. Just because we’re rural doesn’t mean we aren’t the best of the best. We have so many great providers and nurses who strive to do their best, and you can see that in the care we provide.”
Allison Castelloe
Allison Castelloe has been with ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital for 16 years, a journey that began in the ED, where she discovered a strong passion for emergency nursing. That passion laid a foundation for her professional growth, leading to her current role as a quality nurse specialist III. She holds an MSN in nursing leadership and managements, and she is actively involved in improving the care of patients with stroke, sepsis and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). “I find this work both challenging and rewarding,” she said.
Health care has been a big part of Allison’s life, and she found inspiration to pursue her career from a variety of sources. “Watching my mom find her fulfillment in nursing and seeing the meaningful connections she built while caring for others left a lasting impression on me,” she said. “Working in a rural community hospital where team members feel like family – and where some truly are family – has created an incredibly supportive and fulfilling work environment. Being a part of ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital has deepened my commitment to the nursing profession and affirmed that nursing is truly where I belong.”
ECU Health has been a great fit for Allison, in part because it’s allowed her to work locally and serve her community. “Rural health care comes with its challenges, but it is incredibly rewarding to build relationships with the people you care for and to improve their health over time,” she said. She’s honored to now be recognized for the work she’s doing every day.
“This is a significant milestone in my nursing career, one that I will cherish forever,” she said. “To be celebrated alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring nurses in our state is uplifting and motivating.”
Yet, Allison is quick to share the credit for her success. “It’s not just because of years of hard work,” she said. “But also because of the incredible team members and leaders who have believed in me along the way. My family’s unwavering support – especially that of my husband – has also pushed me to keep striving. He never hesitated to step up when I needed him most.”
Randy Mintz
When Randy Mintz, a staff nurse III in ECU Health Beaufort Hospital’s ED, exited the military, he thought he would pursue a career in law enforcement. A nurse he worked with in New Mexico had different ideas, and she encouraged him to become a nurse.
Now pursuing his bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Randy said one of the best things about being a nurse is the opportunity and variety. “There are a thousand different jobs you can do within this field,” he said. “You can find what works for your life.”
Randy worked at the Medical Center, but he’s enjoyed working at ECU Health Beaufort because of the people and the small-town feeling. He loves the work, and he doesn’t do it for the recognition – but winning this award has been a nice surprise.
“To me, it’s just doing what you’re supposed to do, but to our patients and their families, you’re doing something phenomenal,” he said. “After 20 years of doing this, this is hands down the best award I’ve gotten. It’s a pat on the back that knocks you down.”
Randy said so many other nurses are deserving, and the fact that ECU Health represents a quarter of the Great 100 Nurses this year is no accident. “We have fantastic nurses,” he said. “This shows we’re doing something right. You couldn’t ask for better folks.”
Kaili Nixon
Twenty-one years ago, Kaili Nixon, a manager of patient care services at the ECU Health Chowan and ECU Health Bertie EDs, joined ECU Health in the medical surgical unit. She transitioned to managing the ED in 2014, and she now thrives in her leadership role. “I am firm that I don’t forget where I came from,” she shared. “I try to put myself in the nurses’ shoes and run the ED as if a member of my family was coming here.”
Kaili was inspired to pursue nursing after watching her grandfather battle Alzheimer’s, and watching the care he received inspired her to help others. She also wanted to make an impact on her community – one of the reasons she chose ECU Health. “I moved to Edenton and wanted to work locally. The atmosphere here is like a family, and you feel like your contributions matter.”
That’s exactly what she’s doing, and she appreciates being recognized as a Great 100 Nurse. “There’s nothing cookie cutter about the challenges we face in health care on a daily basis, and you have to think differently to meet the needs of our patients, their families and our team members,” she said.
It’s a special thing that 25 of the Great 100 Nurses come from ECU Health, she said. “Our dynamic in nursing is changing. The system has put a lot of work into retaining our talent, and this is yet another way ECU Health shows appreciation for the nursing team.”
Wendolyn Minton
Wendy Minton, who recently celebrated her 30-year anniversary with ECU Health, has worked at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital with specialties in critical care and emergency services. She always wanted to help people, and nursing was the only career she ever wanted. “I started as a new graduate in the intensive care unit (ICU) and floated to the ED when the ICU census was low,” she said. “I found I enjoyed the fast pace of the ED and transferred there.”
In those next 20 years, Wendy has served as the unit educator, emergency management coordinator, stroke coordinator, assistant nurse manager and currently the patient care manager for the ED, central staffing and hospital supervisor/coordinator group.
While she joined ECU Health as a part of a three-year agreement upon completion of nursing school, Wendy said she came to love the hospital. “I couldn’t see myself working anywhere else. This is my home and my coworkers are family. It has been a priority to be the best example I could be for my three children in having a strong work ethic and to serve others. It shows them hard work pays off.”
She can think of no better way to celebrate her 30-year anniversary than by being named a Great 100 Nurse of North Carolina. “It’s an absolute honor and very humbling,” she said. “I am grateful that my dedication to my patients, their families, my team members and the organization has not gone unnoticed. That so many of us were recognized this year speaks volumes to what a great organization ECU Health is.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in October, to be held in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Further Reading
ECU Health claims a quarter of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina
Twenty-five ECU Health nurses recognized among Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina
Greenville, N.C. – Twenty-five ECU Health nurses from five ECU Health hospitals have been named part of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina by the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Board of Directors, honoring their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This marks the highest number of ECU Health nurses honored as Great 100 Nurses in a single year.
“With over 4,000 nurses across our system, ECU Health is proud to celebrate the exceptional caregivers who embody our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina,” said Trish Baise, chief nursing executive, ECU Health. “Each nurse honored in the Great 100, and those recognized in years past, represents the skill, compassion and advocacy that define our nursing team. Their dedication is a powerful affirmation of the extraordinary care our communities receive every day.”
Since 1989, The North Carolina Great 100, Inc. has recognized and honored nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence and to promote a positive image of the nursing profession.
Each year, the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Board of Directors asks patients, health care workers, friends and family members to nominate an outstanding nurse practicing in North Carolina. Thousands of nominations are reviewed, and 100 nurses are selected and honored at a statewide gala.
“Every day, our nurses bring skill and unwavering dedication to our patients and families of eastern North Carolina,” said Pam Rudisill, vice president of Nursing Excellence, ECU Health. “Having 25 ECU Health nurses named among the 2025 Great 100 Nurses is a powerful testament to the exceptional care they provide and a meaningful reminder to our community that we are here to care for them.”
ECU Health has built a strong culture of nursing excellence which is the backbone of patient-centered care. Last year, ECU Health Medical Center earned Magnet® recognition for its third consecutive accrediting period, awarded every four years and represents the highest national honor for professional nursing practice. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence and is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence.
ECU Health will be rolling out stories highlighting each nurse in the coming weeks at ECUHealth.org/Newsroom. The ECU Health nurses chosen as Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina in
2025 are:
- Elizabeth Arnold, BSN, RN, CNOR(E)
- M. Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN
- Britney Beeker, BSN, RN
- April Bracy, BSN, RN-BC
- Sheena Bunch, BSN, RN, VA-BC
- Allison Castelloe, RN, MSN
- Anne Chadwick RN, BSN
- Elaine L. Cudnik, DNP, CPNP-AC/PC
- Kathryn Freeman, RNC-OB
- Christy Harding, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC
- Robin Lanier BSN, RN
- Katherine Low, BSN, RN-BC
- Claire McFadyen, BSN, RN
- Connie R. Midgette RN, BSN
- Wendolyn Minton, BSN, RN, CEN
- Randy Mintz, ADN, RN, CEN
- Kaili Nixon, MSN, RN
- Victoria McIntosh Respess, MSN, ANP-BC
- Rebecca Simmons DNP, AGCNS-BC, APRN
- Stephanie Smith, BSN, RN
- Angela Still, MSN RN
- Megan Tripp, BSN, RN
- Gloria Waters, RN, RN-BC
- Sharon Watford, BSN, RN-BC
- Lindsey Woodlief, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
More than 500 ECU Health nurses gathered May 20-21 at the Greenville Convention Center for the 12th Annual Nursing Summit—a transformative two-day event dedicated to education, leadership and innovation in health care.
The summit featured a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers. North Carolina Senator Gale Adcock shared insights on leadership. Claire Zangerle, chief executive officer of American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and Trish Baise, chief nursing executive at ECU Health, sat down to discuss the power of influence at every level. Dustin Bass, vice president of System Emergency Services at ECU Health, emphasized the strength of unity in The Power of Us. Phil Gwoke, CEO of BridgeWorks, tackled the importance of cross-generational collaboration in health care.
For attendee Susan Hoover, director of Perioperative Services at Outer Banks Health Hospital, the event was a powerful reminder of the mindset behind leadership.
“Senator Adcock really reminded us that what we tell ourselves impacts who we are as a leader and as a person,” Hoover said. “That’s something that can get lost in day-to-day business, but having it put forward again was very beneficial.”
Attendees engaged in breakout sessions focused on research, innovation, leadership development, well-being and AI/tech. Nurses explored cutting-edge technology firsthand, with vendors displaying innovative solutions designed to enhance patient care.
“My favorite part was visiting the technology zone,” Hoover shared. “There were several vendors showcasing different modules that will be beneficial for our teams. I’ll definitely take that back to our senior leaders.”
As the event drew to a close, Baise reflected on the summit’s impact.
“What we witnessed wasn’t just professional development; it was a renewal of spirit,” she said. “In every breakout session, keynote address and hallway conversation, I saw the very heartbeat of health care—nurses exchanging ideas, supporting one another and embracing innovation with open arms and open minds.”
Kelly Barnette, nurse manager of Patient Care Services, OBGYN at ECU Health Duplin Hospital, emphasized how the event fostered meaningful connections.
“This is my third Nursing Summit since being in this role, and one of my favorite parts is seeing that I actually know so many people outside of my community hospital,” Barnette said. “The networking, the conversations and the shared energy make it truly special.”
“Our gathering served as a testament to the profound impact of collective energy,” Baise said. “When nurses unite, we don’t just talk about change—we create it. We empower one another to challenge the status quo, lead with empathy and uplift the communities we serve.”
Resources
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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