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. Out of thousands of nominations that are submitted annually, 100 recipients are selected based on their outstanding professional abilities and contributions made to improving health care services to their communities.

This year, 14 ECU Health nurses have been selected to the 2021 NC Great 100. Read more about the honorees in the Newsroom.

Laura Barnes, RN, of ECU Health Medical Center, from the Utilization Management Department, received the Daisy Award for the compassion she provides and delivers patients and their families at their most vulnerable and often heart-breaking times​. Patients and families unload much grief, despair, loneliness, sadness and vulnerabilities with Deb. She works with the staff to best interact with patients who have these experiences. Deb is always a huge advocate for the patients. Throughout every unit in Women’s and Children’s there are a multitude of examples of Deb going above and beyond to meet the needs of patients and families. We are so fortunate Deb is part of Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Deb Pomeroy, MSW, RN, LCSW, LCAS of ECU Health Medical Center received the Daisy Award for the compassion she provides and delivers to patients and their families at their most vulnerable and often heart-breaking times​. Patients and families unload much grief, despair, loneliness, sadness and vulnerabilities with Deb. She works with the staff to best interact with patients who have these experiences. Deb is a huge advocate for her patients. Throughout every unit in Women’s and Children’s there are a multitude of examples of Deb going above and beyond to meet the needs of patients and families.

Patricia Jordan, MSN, RN, NE-BC, VMC, Cancer, Cardiovascular and Transplant Administrator at ECU Health Medical Center, received the Daisy Nurse Leader Award. Since Patricia joined VMC, she has always said “yes” when faced with opportunities to grow her team and to develop her leadership ability. She has a positive working relationship with physician leaders and that relationship enables us to be early adopters in evidence based practice in the care of the critically ill patients​. She has cultivated leaders to be their best and has grown managers from our clinical staff. “I know from experience that Patricia will work hard to make sure no patient that needs care at ECU Health is unable to find that care here. Patricia is a fine example of what a Daisy nurse leader looks like. She sets the bar high, helps people jump over the bar and celebrates them when they successfully get the results we know our patients deserve.”​

Donnie “DJ” Johnson, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, EMT-I, works for in the CLP as a PDS for nursing and received his nursing professional development board certified certification

Madison Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN,  works on the SICU and received her critical care registered nurse certification