“What I cherish most about working at ECU Health is that these individuals are not just patients; they are friends, family, and neighbors.”
Jessie Faucette, a diagnostic medical sonographer IV within the radiology-ultrasound team at ECU Health Medical Center, discovered her passion for caring for animals, but soon realized her true interest lay in ultrasound imaging. Originally from Creswell, North Carolina, Jessie has found her calling in serving the people of eastern North Carolina by providing compassionate care for patients during their most challenging moments.
“I began my career performing ultrasounds on animals. My first degree was in animal science, and I studied large animal reproduction at North Carolina State University and small animal emergency medicine at the Pet Emergency Clinic of Pitt County. During that time I became fascinated with ultrasound technology. We used it extensively, so I decided to specialize in this field. At that time, animal ultrasound wasn’t a distinct specialty; it was simply a part of veterinary medicine. However, my passion led me to specialize in ultrasound, and I pursued another degree at Pitt Community College.
“I embarked on my professional journey at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital as a recent graduate fresh out of school. I felt quite nervous at the time, given the significant responsibilities that come with working in ultrasound within the realm of radiology. At times, I was the sole sonographer responsible for imaging and any oversight on my part could lead to misinformation for the radiologist. Despite the initial anxiety, I relished this responsibility. I took it upon myself to ensure that each patient received the best possible imaging. Over the years, I became accustomed to the role.
“Transitioning from ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital to the cancer center at ECU Health Medical Center was a pivotal moment for me. It was there that I found my true calling—working directly with cancer patients and forming lasting relationships with individuals we saw repeatedly throughout their cancer journey. Being a significant part of their experience has been the most rewarding aspect of my career.
“What I cherish most about working at ECU Health is that these individuals are not just patients; they are friends, family, and neighbors. I have a deep connection to rural eastern North Carolina, and being able to serve such an underserved region is of immense importance. Some people travel long distances, up to two and a half hours, to seek our care.
“I adhere to a personal rule of always radiating kindness. I’ve been described as ‘annoyingly happy,’ which I wholeheartedly embrace. Once, a patient came in stressed and was quite harsh with me. Nevertheless, I persisted in providing the best possible experience for them.
“Eventually, they offered an apology and continue to come in for treatments. They send me birthday and Christmas cards each year, and they specifically request me for their follow-up appointments. Every time they visit, they express their gratitude for the positive impact I had on their life that day. I felt a deep connection, and it’s a memory I’ll always cherish. Performing ultrasounds is the easy part of the job; creating a caring and comforting environment is what truly matters to me. Annoyingly happy? That’s me.”