They’re here when we need them most.
We couldn’t serve eastern North Carolina without the incredible 4,000+ nurses across the ECU Health system. ECU Health is also proud to support more than 300 nursing leaders, more than 400 advance practice providers and more than 200 international nurses caring for patients in the East. While we recognize their efforts and sacrifices each day, we’re excited to spend this week celebrating nurses in different ways. This year, we celebrate and honor nurses throughout May with local pop-up events, blessing of the hands events, and more.
The last year has been especially important for the nursing team at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. The team achieved Magnet® recognition, which is awarded every four years and represents the highest national honor for professional nursing practice, marking its third consecutive successful accreditation for exemplary nursing practice.
Below, you’ll find a selection of stories from ECU Health nurses from across the system and some words from Chief Nursing Executive Trish Baise. If you’re interested in joining ECU Health’s many other incredible nurses, visit our Nursing Careers page.
From Trish Baise, ECU Health chief nursing executive
Dear nurses and nursing support team members,
Trish Baise, ECU Health Chief Nursing Executive
The theme for National Nurses Week this year is “The Power of Nurses,” and I cannot think of a more fitting description for the incredible work you do every day. Your ability to transform lives, strengthen communities and inspire the future of health care is truly remarkable. Whether delivering high-quality care, driving innovation or leading with vision, you exemplify dedication, purpose and the pioneering spirit that shapes the future of nursing
I feel deeply honored to represent such a talented, passionate and dedicated group of nurses. It has been an amazing year, and I have witnessed firsthand your strength, compassion and excellence in every corner of ECU Health. I do not take it for granted that I work alongside some of the most exceptional nurses in health care today. Your impact on our patients, their families and communities is profound.
This Nurses Week, I hope you take a moment to truly celebrate yourselves — to reflect on the incredible work you have done, the lives you have touched and the powerful difference you make each day.
Together, we will continue to build upon the legacy of what it means to be an ECU Health nurse and becoming a national model for nursing excellence, innovation, research and education in rural health and beyond. I am dedicated to fostering your growth, encouraging innovation and ensuring your well-being, both professionally and personally.
Thank you for everything you bring to our team. You are the heart of ECU Health and your power to change lives is truly invaluable.
Happy National Nurses Week!
With appreciation,
Trish Baise
Nurses of ECU Health
Each nurse at ECU Health has a special story. Below, we’ve selected some stories highlighting nurses and leadership from across the system. Hear from some of ECU Health’s inspiring nurses!
Rebecca Zelnar
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.
After spending time working in New York during COVID-19, 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.
“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.”
Laura Respess, Dawn Tetterton & Jenny Parnell
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, Dawn Tetterton and Jenny Parnell 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.
“My hope is to help others grow and share things I’ve learned through the years,” Parnell said. “Even if you’re not the district representative, there are other committees that you can serve on.”
Dr. Teresa Anderson
When Dr. Teresa Anderson enrolled at East Carolina University, nursing school was not the path she thought she’d take. She started out in education but after a semester of tutoring, she realized it was not her passion. She started on her nursing course work and never turned back.
Dr. Anderson is a three-time ECU graduate with her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the university. She’s been recognized as a Great 100 nurse in 2016, received a Leadership DAISY Award in February of 2021 and in 2024, she was inducted into the ECU College of Nursing Hall of Fame.
She joined a number of colleagues, mentors, friends and former classmates in the Hall of Fame, which recognizes the accomplishments of ECU’s exemplary nursing graduates and faculty members.
Great 100 Nurses 2024
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. In 2024, ECU Health had 19 nurses named as part of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina by the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Board of Directors. The recipients are recognized for their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities.
