Greenville, N.C. – Nineteen ECU Health nurses have been named 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.
“ECU Health nurses have devoted their careers to caring for others and serving our community with exceptional dedication,” said Trish Baise, chief nursing executive, ECU Health. “I am so proud of the amazing nurses recognized by the Great 100. Thank you to this year’s honorees and to every member of the ECU Health nursing team. Your commitment to delivering excellent, compassionate care each day exemplifies our mission and makes a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.”
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.
The ECU Health nurses chosen as Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina in 2024 are:
Kayla E. Anderson, BSN, RN, CEN
Kayla E. Anderson, BSN, RN, CEN, is an education coordinator at the Center for Learning and Performance at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center. She has dedicated seven years to ECU Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Winston-Salem State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing education at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Board certified in emergency nursing, Kayla also holds provider certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), along with instructor certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Stroke Life Support and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. She is an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Kimberly Askew, RN
Kimberly Askew, RN, is staff nurse III at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. She began her journey at the hospital 19 years ago as a certified nursing assistant. It was her dream to be a Labor and Delivery nurse like her mother, who has served as a great inspiration for her. In her 15 years of nursing, she has served as a charge nurse, preceptor, childbirth educator, unit educator and an Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) instructor. During her years in Labor and Delivery, she helped the hospital achieve its 4 Star Breastfeeding Friendly designation. Since transitioning to peri-operative services, Kimberly has found enjoyment in creating a safe and comfortable environment for those who choose or require surgical services.
Dennis Campbell II, DHA, RN, FACHE
Dennis Campbell II, DHA, RN, FACHE, joined ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in December 2020 as vice president of Patient Care Services. He was named president in September 2023 after serving as interim president since February of that year. Dennis also serves as the interim president at ECU Health North Hospital, a position he has held since August 2024. Dennis began his health care journey as an intensive care registered nurse in 2004. Over the course of a progressive career, he has matriculated to the C-suite while gaining valuable experience in a variety of senior leadership and executive roles in nursing, quality, operations and compliance in North Carolina and Georgia. Dennis is a highly visible and collaborative leader skilled at navigating complex health systems to solve problems and execute strategic plans to deliver desired outcomes. He is a relationship builder who understands the value of relationships in developing strategies to promote health and wellness in the communities served. Dennis holds an associate and bachelor’s degree in nursing, a master’s degree in management and a doctorate degree in health care administration.
Gina Coldwell, BSN, RN-BC
Gina Coldwell, BSN, RN-BC, is a staff nurse II on the Neuroscience Intermediate Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has worked on this unit for the past five years. Gina earned her associate degree in nursing from Edgecombe Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Carolina University. She is currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner master’s program at Carson-Newman University. She is medical-surgical board certified. Gina is a proud mother of four adult children and grandmother of five grandchildren.
Katie Elliott, BSN, RN, CRRN
Katie Elliott, BSN, RN, CRRN, is a staff nurse IV in the Radiation Oncology Clinic at ECU Health Medical Center and has been with the hospital for 15 years. Katie received her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fayetteville State University.”. Katie is a certified rehabilitation registered nurse, serves as a co-chair on the ECU Outpatient Oncology Unit Based Council and is an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. In addition, Katie serves on ECU Health’s Coordinating Council and Environmental Council.
Alex Gilbert, BSN, RN, CCRN
Alex Gilbert, BSN, RN, CCRN, is a staff nurse III in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Alex has worked at ECU Health Medical Center for seven years and has spent time between the SICU and ECU Health EastCare as a flight nurse. Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Carolina University and obtained his critical care RN specialty certification. Alex is active in the community as an EMT-B and volunteering with community organizations in eastern North Carolina.
Rebecca Hagee, BSN, RN
Rebecca Hagee, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse III in the Surgical Oncology Clinic at ECU Health Cancer Center. Rebecca has worked for ECU Health Medical Center for six years. She earned her associate degree in nursing at Pitt Community College, and her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Brittany Harriett, BSN, RN
Brittany Harriett, BSN, RN, is the assistant nurse manager on the Medical Unit at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. She was the recipient of the 2022 Juanita Jackson award and a nominee for the 2024 Susan Gerard Excellence in Leadership award. She has worked with ECU Health for nine years. Brittany also works part time at the East Carolina University College of Nursing as a nurse consultant. Brittany earned her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Capella University. Outside of health care, Brittany is the mom of two active boys. They share a love for baseball, family time and their church.
Tracy Hobbs, BSN, RN-BC
Tracy Hobbs, BSN, RN-BC, is an assistant manager for the 3 East Hospitalist Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has worked at ECU Health Medical Center for the duration of her 27-year career. Tracy earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Barton College. She is specialty certified in medical-surgical nursing. She is active in endeavors to create positive change for the future of nursing at ECU Health Medical Center.
Kathryn Jarvis, DNP, RN, NPD-BC
Kathryn Jarvis, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, is the senior director for Children’s Services at Maynard Children’s Hospital. She has been a nurse at ECU Health Medical Center for 12 years with experience in pediatrics, nursing education and nursing leadership. Kathryn earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from East Carolina University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a concentration in nurse executive leadership from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has also obtained specialty certification in nursing professional development. In addition to her role as senior director of Maynard Children’s Hospital, Kathryn is a part-time faculty member for East Carolina University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Kathryn thoroughly enjoys her roles, as she has a passion for both nursing leadership and education.
Jennifer Lewis, BSN, RN
Jennifer Lewis, BSN, RN, is the outreach coordinator for ECU Health Medical Center Cancer Care. Jennifer has practiced nursing for 27 of the 32 years she has worked for ECU Health. Prior to transitioning to her current role in 2021, Jennifer worked at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center in various inpatient and outpatient settings. Jennifer earned her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Jennifer believes in the value of cultivating strong partnerships with churches, businesses, schools and civic organizations to promote awareness regarding the prevention and early detection of cancer.
Jessica Noble, MSN-NE, RNC-EFM
Jessica Noble, MSN-NE, RNC-EFM, is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in maternal health. She currently serves as the perinatal nurse champion and navigator for ECU Health, advocating for equitable perinatal care in eastern North Carolina. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Carolina University and a master’s in nursing education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Jessica leads the “I Gave Birth” bracelet program and contributes to the Perinatal Quality Collaborative of North Carolina initiatives. An active member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, she has presented at conferences, co-authored a North Carolina Medical Journal article and serves on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Maternal Health Task Force.
Amber Oakes, BSN, RN
Amber Oakes, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse IV in the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic at ECU Health Medical Center. Amber has worked at ECU Health for 14 years. Amber earned her associate degree in nursing from Pitt Community College and later obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Carolina University.
Lou Ann Proctor, BSN, RN, CCRN
Lou Ann Proctor, BSN, RN, CCRN, is a staff nurse IV in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center and has been a nurse for 35 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the East Carolina University College of Nursing. She has been a member of American Association of Critical Care Nurses – Critical Care Registered Nurse for 18 years, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) instructor, charge nurse and a preceptor.
Deborah Rice, BSN, RN
Deborah Rice, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse III in the Palliative Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has worked for ECU Health for more than four years. Deborah earned her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University. Deborah works as a charge nurse, clinical coach and quality lead for her unit. Deborah also works as an adjunct clinical instructor for Pitt Community College and is a member of North Carolina Nurse Association.
Elizabeth Seawell, MSN, RN-BC, NPD-BC
Elizabeth Seawell, MSN, NPD-BC, RN-BC, is the manager of the ECU Health Medical Center Trauma Program. Elizabeth has worked at ECU Health Medical Center for 16 years with experiences as a surgical/trauma staff nurse and professional development specialist. Elizabeth obtained both her bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in nursing education from East Carolina University. Elizabeth has specialty certifications in medical-surgical nursing and nursing professional development. Elizabeth is actively involved in the development and growth of the eastern North Carolina Nursing Honor Guard, Trauma Survivors Network, Professional Practice Council and other local community activities.
Myra Barnes Thompson, MSN, RN, CNML
Myra Thompson, MSN, RN, CNML, is the nurse manager of the Medical Intensive Care Unit and the Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Program at ECU Health Medical Center. Myra has worked at ECU Health Medical Center for 17 years. Myra earned her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and her master’s degree from Western Governors University. Myra obtained her specialty certification as a certified nurse manager and leader from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.
Virginia C. Tripp, BSN, RN, NPD-BC
Virginia “Ginny” Tripp, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, practices as a professional development specialist in the Center for Learning and Performance at ECU Health Medical Center. Ginny has been a registered nurse for 30 years and has served at ECU Health Medical Center for the past 15 years. She earned her associate degree in nursing at Craven Community College and her bachelor’s degree in nursing at East Carolina University. Ginny has obtained specialty certifications in the fields of case management and in nursing professional development. Ginny’s passion is to elevate the profession of nursing and encourage and support others in achieving their highest potential. Her highest purpose is to please God and fulfill her God-given calling in nursing by being a blessing in others’ lives each day. She is an active member of the ECU Health Medical Center Nursing Professional Development Council.
Kelly Trout, RN, OCN
Kelly Trout, RN, OCN, is a staff nurse III in the Medical Oncology Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has been a nurse on Medical Oncology for 15 years and has obtained specialty certification as an oncology certified nurse. She serves as a charge nurse and clinical coach on her unit. She is also the head of the Medical Oncology Retention Council and has started programs on her unit, such as the HOPE Christmas workshop for immunocompromised oncology patients. She is an active member of the Oncology Nursing Society.