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.”