Pirate Nurse Notes: Spring 2022

From the Dean: Our Year in Review


Dr. Sylvia Brown

Dear friends, 

 It is a pivotal time to be a nurse.

 It is an honor and a privilege to be a Pirate Nurse.

 It has been a remarkable experience to watch the ECU College of Nursing respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This once-in-a-lifetime event has not only transformed our profession in many ways, but it has also shown the world how vital nurses are in the knowledge, skill, compassion and tenacity that are crucial to excellent patient care. Nurses all over the globe proved their fortitude day in and day out, and through it all, nursing as a profession has not only survived but thrived. The College of Nursing is no exception; we have continued to see progress and excellence in classrooms and healthcare settings as we worked together to navigate this health crisis.

Read More


Black History & Health Care

Rev. Richard Joyner, founder of the Conetoe Family Life Center, discusses the history and legacy of Black farmers and how they provide education to younger generations with member of the ECU College of Nursing.

Rev. Richard Joyner, founder of the Conetoe Family Life Center, discusses the history and legacy of Black farmers and how they provide education to younger generations with member of the ECU College of Nursing.

How black farmers influence community health

This year’s Black History Month celebration at the College of Nursing centered around a discussion on the legacy and future of Black farmers in local communities. Keynote speaker Rev. Richard Joyner presented “Black Farmers: Planting Seeds of Opportunity” during the Feb. 24 event that was offered virtually and in person to students, faculty and staff.

Joyner grew up as the son of a farmer, watching the fruits — and profits — of his father’s hard labor being taken by others. Years later, following the deaths of too many beloved community members due to preventable health issues, Joyner returned to his roots and the fields to provide the nutrition, health and education his community desperately needed.


Celebrating the 2021 Preceptors of the Year

The Future Pirate Nurse Living and Learning Village

The College of Nursing recently named its 2021 Preceptors of The Year, which included 17 individuals serving in state and national health care organizations.


Excelling Online

ECU ranks among top 15% nationwide in online master’s nursing programs, 5th overall for veterans

Online master’s programs in the College of Nursing were ranked in the top 15% — 29th overall out of 194 schools — in the 2022 U.S. News Best Online Programs from U.S. News & World Report. The college also ranked fifth nationally in the Best Online Master’s Programs for Veterans category.

 “Delivering high-quality online programs that help nurses advance in their career while maintaining their practice has never been more important,” said Dr. Sylvia Brown, dean of the College of Nursing. “To have our online master’s programs consistently rank among the best in online advanced nursing education is a testament to the excellence of our dedicated faculty and IT staff.”


Welcoming new nursing students

• Nursing students Priscilla Gichaca, left, and Sophie Giddings, pin each other with golden lamp pins. (Photo by Jeremy Smith, ECU College of Nursing)

The ECU College of Nursing officially welcomed more than 140 future nurses with the spring Lamp of Learning Ceremony at the East Carolina Heart Institute.

Powering Pirate Nurses

Student Graduation

Philanthropy news, upcoming opportunities and new ways to support future Pirate Nurses.
Read More

Notable


Healthcare Emergency & Disaster Management
New post-baccalaureate certificate program

The new certificate was recently approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is now accepting applications.

The graduate-level courses are aimed at expanding nurses’ knowledge of emergency management and disaster preparation, response and recovery. The specialized instruction in these areas will prepare advanced nurses to lead communities and health care organizations to quickly find solutions and reduce suffering in the event of natural disasters, bioterrorism attacks, mass casualty events and pandemics.


Awards, Accolades and Accomplishments

Three-Minute Thesis Competition Award Presentation

The College of Nursing captured the Department Cup in the most recent Three-Minute Thesis Competition, with nursing PhD student Lesha Rouse taking Grand Champion honors. Read about the latest achievements from students, faculty, staff and alumni.


Upcoming Events

Collaborative Nurse Research Day — March 18
Presented via Live Webinar beginning at 7:45 a.m.

The annual Collaborative Nurse Research Day offers participants the opportunity to learn the importance of collaboration and connections between academic and clinical settings for interdisciplinary research success by examining specific research studies. This year’s event will feature remarks from College of Nursing Dean Dr. Sylvia Brown, alumna Dr. Daphne Brewington and faculty member Dr. Mark Hand, in addition to a presentation from special guest faculty Dr. Essie Torres.


Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony— Friday, March 18

The College of Nursing will celebrate nine 2022 Hall of Fame inductees and its Distinguished Alumni on Friday, March 18 at the Hilton Greenville.


Pirate Nurse 5K — Virtual: March 19-April 3
Pirate Nurse 5K — In-person: Saturday, April 9

Two ways to participate, two ways to support Pirate Nurse student scholarships! Join our virtual option to walk or run your 5K anytime, anywhere between March 19-April 3, or join us running our certified 5K course on the Health Sciences Campus on April 9. Register Today


Pirate Nation Gives — Wednesday, March 23

Pirate Nation Gives provides an opportunity to show your support for the College of Nursing. Every little bit helps! This year we’re requesting gifts toward faculty support, the Sylvia T. Brown Scholarship Endowment, College of Nursing student scholarships and other ECU College of Nursing funds.

Preview our Pirate Nation Gives challenges and prioritized funds.