News

Midwifery Grant Federal grant expands midwifery care for North Carolina

Oct 04, 2023

At the end of September, officials at Betsy Johnson Hospital in Harnett County announced they would end labor and delivery services due to “declining demand for maternity services, recruitment challenges and financial realities.” In 2019, a hospital in Murphy ended labor and delivery services, forcing patients to travel an hour to have a baby. It’s an unfortunate trend sweeping across the country.

Heat Research Nursing researchers focus on heat stress in farm workers

Oct 04, 2023

Nurses take vital signs at a visit to the doctor. They are the constant at the hospital bedside, caring for our loved ones and answering endless questions. And they are the ones who tend to fevered kindergarteners in our schools.

ECU professor honored as NCNA Education Nurse of the Year

Oct 03, 2023

Dr. Mark Hand, an East Carolina University clinical nursing professor, was named the Education Nurse of the Year by the North Carolina Nurses Association at a gala event Sept. 14 in Winston-Salem.

College of Nursing Homecoming Events

Sep 06, 2023

Greetings from CON Alumni Affairs!

We are excited to extend an invitation for our upcoming Homecoming festivities. We are thrilled to create opportunities for our faculty, staff and alumni to connect and celebrate the amazing accomplishments of the College of Nursing.

Dual nursing, business degree program aims to improve health care administration

Jul 10, 2023

In April 2023, VCU Health in Richmond announced an inaugural chief nursing officer position. The 13-hospital McLaren Health Care system in Michigan did the same June 1, as did the WVU Health System in June 2022.

ECU nursing student uses language, cultural skills to improve rural health care delivery

Jul 07, 2023

The majority of the counties in eastern North Carolina are classified as rural.

While the state saw a downtick in migration overall in recent years, foreign immigrants moving to the Tar Heel state arrive mostly from Spanish speaking countries. The state has an established migrant worker outreach program, but an estimated 150,000 migrant farmworkers face the same rural health disparities as other North Carolinians in addition to the added burdens of language barriers and transportation.

Student Pirate Profile: Bonnie Chen

Jun 30, 2023

Bonnie Chen was too little, just weeks old, to remember leaving Taiwan for North Carolina. She has returned back to visit her family nearly every year since because family is important to her. Community is important.

ECU College of Nursing honors its preceptors of the year

Feb 09, 2023

When many think of a university education, the images that often come to mind are those of young adults sitting in neat rows in a lecture hall.

Advanced Degrees – Online master’s degree programs in business, criminal justice, education and nursing nationally ranked

Jan 24, 2023

East Carolina University’s online master’s degree programs in business, criminal justice, education and nursing are among the best in the nation in a new ranking by U.S. News & World Report.

ECU’s College of Nursing is ranked in the top 10% nationally and is the highest ranked public university in North Carolina. The college jumped to 18th place from 29th last year for online master’s nursing programs. Nursing ranked fifth for veterans, up from sixth last year. Additionally, the nursing education program was ranked seventh and the nursing leadership program was ranked 17th in the nation.

Emergency Training – Health Sciences students join forces for interprofessional medical emergency training

Nov 28, 2022

The bleeding mannequins, the cries of ‘help me, help me,’ and the eyeball drooping from an actor’s face? Not real.

But the learning was.

Rural Research – ECU, ECU Health research focuses on improving rural health

Nov 17, 2022

Doctors, nurses, therapists — none can do their clinical jobs without facts: proof, by way of blood tests, X-rays and hands-on observations in order to determine a clear path forward to progress a patient to wellness.

The College of Nursing welcomes Dr. Bimbola Akintade as our new dean

Jul 01, 2022

The College of Nursing welcomes. Dr. Bimbola Akintade as our new dean of the East Carolina University College of Nursing, following an extensive national search. Akintade will succeed Dr. Sylvia Brown, who has led the College of Nursing as dean since 2009

Endowment Honors Brown

Jun 02, 2022

A scholarship endowment established in honor of Dr. Sylvia Brown, dean of the East Carolina University’s College of Nursing, is already the largest in the college to date — and it’s still growing as her June 30 retirement date approaches.

ECU College of Nursing welcomes 9 into Hall of Fame

Mar 22, 2022

The ECU College of Nursing welcomed nine new members to its Hall of Fame and honored a longtime faculty member as its 2022 Distinguished Alumni during its induction ceremony at the Hilton Greenville on Friday.

Fall 2021 College of Nursing ECU Excels List

Feb 17, 2022

Every fall semester, ECU Excels recognizes high-achieving freshmen and first-year transfer students by honoring students majoring in their respective fields who earned a minimum 3.0 GPA in their first semester at ECU.

Black Farmers: Planting Seeds of Opportunity

Feb 16, 2022

Please join the ECU College of Nursing at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 24, 2022 as we celebrate Black History Month with the presentation “Black Farmers: Planting Seeds of Opportunity.” The event will feature keynote speaker Reverend Richard Joyner, named a CNN Hero for his work creating new avenues to improve health and nutrition in Conetoe, NC. Rev. Joyner will discuss the history and legacy of black farmers and how they provide education to younger generations.

College of Nursing welcomes new students during ceremony

Feb 08, 2022

The ECU College of Nursing officially welcomed more than 140 future nurses with its Lamp of Learning Ceremony at the East Carolina Heart Institute on Thursday, Jan. 27.

College of Nursing honors 2021 Preceptors of the Year

Jan 11, 2022

The East Carolina University College of Nursing recently recognized its 2021 Preceptors of the Year, which included 17 individuals serving in state and national health care organizations.

TIME CAPSULE BURIAL

Dec 10, 2021

On a sunny early December morning, students and faculty from the East Carolina University College of Nursing came together — and some stood apart — to be a part of burying two time capsules containing relics of life and nursing school during a pandemic.

College of Nursing wins 3-Minute Thesis Department Cup

Nov 18, 2021

The College of Nursing won the Department Cup for ECU’s 3-Minute Thesis competition. This award is presented to the department whose students’ submissions score the highest.

ECU nursing students support abused children with cuddly donations

Oct 29, 2021

When there is need in eastern North Carolina, East Carolina University’s College of Nursing always answers the call to serve.

ECU nursing, physical therapy students team up for patient-centered training

Oct 07, 2021

A new partnership between the East Carolina University colleges of Allied Health Sciences and Nursing recently provided students the opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits of interprofessional health care delivery and how it can translate to better outcomes for their future patients.

College of Nursing COVID-19 News Update

Aug 06, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major concern locally, across the country and around the globe. The emergence of the Delta variant has brought into clear focus the continued risks associated with COVID-19 infection, particularly among people who are unimmunized…

Emergency Education – New courses are the first of their kind for NC nurses

Jul 01, 2021

The East Carolina University College of Nursing will offer four new courses in Healthcare Emergency and Disaster Management beginning in Fall 2021, making ECU the first university in the state to offer this kind of training.

Pirate Profiles: Dr. Pamela Reis

Jun 30, 2021

A car crash changed the future for East Carolina University’s Dr. Pamela Reis — and the future of thousands of students, mothers and their babies.

Biofeedback Lab uses collaborative projects to benefit eastern North Carolinians

Mar 31, 2021

A team of health researchers from East Carolina University have been using biofeedback to help patients manage involuntary bodily functions such as blood flow, blood pressure and heart rate. Now, they’re examining their work’s potential uses for those recovering from COVID-19.

ECU College of Nursing logging thousands of hours to help end COVID-19 pandemic

Mar 25, 2021

Alex Yllanes and Eric Japczyk Schuler began their nursing education just a few months ago, but they’re already playing a crucial role in helping to slow the global pandemic that recently marked its first anniversary.

ECU College of Nursing inducts 22 new members into Hall of Fame

Mar 23, 2021

More than 20 nurse leaders officially joined the ranks of the ECU College of Nursing’s most esteemed alumni and supporters on Friday, March 5, while two received the honorable Distinguished Alumni title during the college’s virtual Hall of Fame ceremony.

ECU becomes only public university in the state with a fully accredited nursing simulation program

Mar 08, 2021

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare recently granted full accreditation to the East Carolina University College of Nursing’s simulation program, making ECU the only public university in the state with a fully accredited nursing simulation program.

College of Nursing Black history celebration focuses on acknowledging past, advancing future

Mar 05, 2021

Centuries of misconceptions about and mistreatment of African Americans continue to cause health care disparities among the Black community today. The ways these issues contribute to inequities and how health care providers can combat them was the focus of the East Carolina University College of Nursing’s sixth annual Black History Month event on Feb. 25.

ECU College of Nursing welcomes 142 students into BSN, ABSN programs

Feb 10, 2021

The ECU College of Nursing officially welcomed 142 future nurses in the spring semester with a modified ceremony to safely celebrate their admission to the College of Nursing and introduction to the nursing profession.

13 Nurses receive 2020 Preceptor of the Year honor

Jan 26, 2021

The ECU College of Nursing recently recognized 13 nurses from hospitals and health care agencies throughout the state and beyond with the inaugural Preceptor of the Year honors.

Graduation Fall 2020

Dec 22, 2020

Dean Sylvia Brown congratulates our Fall 2020 graduates along with Faculty and Staff.

Pirate Profile: Marianne Congema

Oct 19, 2020

East Carolina University senior Marianne Congema has wanted to be a nurse since fifth grade, when her mother had a heart attack followed by an extensive hospital stay.

College of Nursing Celebrates 60 Years

Oct 12, 2020

The College of Nursing marks its 60th year during a pandemic—a true test of our profession and the preparation that will carry nurses through. The events over the past few months have reminded our students, faculty, staff and alumni why they do what they do—and why they are vitally important to people the world over. Our alumni are on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19, and our students are getting a first-hand view of the important role nursing plays around the world and right here at home.

From nursing students to rural health pros: ECU program takes aim at NC’s rural provider shortage

Sept 25, 2020

Amid the primary care shortage in rural North Carolina, an East Carolina University program is turning nursing students into rural health pros.

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE – ECU College of Nursing receives 4th straight Center of Excellence designation

Sept 21, 2020

As the College of Nursing celebrates 60 years of educating nurses to serve the state of North Carolina and beyond, the National League for Nursing (NLN) has designated it a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for a fourth time.

College of Nursing COVID-19 News Update

Aug 24, 2020

While ECU has felt it necessary to move classes online for undergraduates due to increasing cases of COVID-19, the College of Nursing and the University recognize that nurses throughout the world care for people with communicable diseases, and they take responsible steps to protect their patients, families and communities. COVID-19 represents a public health risk to everyone at ECU and the surrounding community. Being a nursing student requires professional accountability and responsibility.

Faculty: Dr. Holly Wei

June 29, 2020

Dr. Holly Wei is a magician. And as an associate professor in East Carolina University’s College of Nursing, she is teaching her students to become magicians themselves.

“When I was little, I thought that nurses had the magic to ease people’s pain and discomfort, which ignited my interest in becoming one,” Wei said. “Being a nurse allows me to help others, which makes me feel fulfilled.”

Addressing Nursing Shortage

June 25, 2020

An East Carolina University faculty member who helps Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students conceptualize and strategize their four-semester projects is now on the other side, working on her own project to improve population health across North Carolina.

ECU Nursing resumes clinical placements and simulation labs for select programs

June 09, 2020

The College of Nursing has begun welcoming back students for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic paused clinical placements and other experiential learning exercises – allowing these students to finish the hands-on work that will allow them to graduate on time.

COVID-19 Survey Project

April 23, 2020

ECU public health experts from the College of Nursing and @ECUBrodySOM are part of a statewide partnership that will explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on NC

PREVENTING COVID-19 BURNOUT

April 23, 2020

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors, nurses and other health care providers are being faced with unprecedented challenges, including shortages of staff and equipment needed to provide care to patients, fears about their own safety and that of their families, and new challenges at home such as home-schooling their children.

DAISY Awards

April 17, 2020

Congratulations to our 2020 DAISY Foundation Award Winners!

Accolades and Accomplishments Spring 2020

February 19, 2020

A roundup of the latest awards, accomplishments and accolades earned by our faculty, staff, students and alumni.

College Of Nursing Black History Month Focuses On Overcoming Fear

February 14, 2020

The College of Nursing celebrated Black History Month with a keynote address and a roundtable discussion with black nursing students, alumni and community members on Feb. 6.

ECU College Of Nursing Welcomes Its Most Diverse BSN Class

February 12, 2020

The ECU College of Nursing celebrated its most diverse class of future nurses ever as it welcomed 144 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and Accelerated Second-Degree BSN (ABSN) students during the college’s biannual…

Nationally Ranked

January 14, 2020

Master’s programs in business, criminal justice, education and nursing recognized

Breaking Barriers

November 11, 2019

ECU Nursing faculty member was first female in combat arms military occupational specialty…

College of Nursing Annual Diversity Day Focuses on Cultural Humility

November 6, 2019

Guest speaker Ismael Ruiz-Millán, director of Hispanic House of Studies, Global Education & Intercultural Formation at Duke Divinity School, discussed how life’s encounters with different people, places and cultures creates preconceptions and biases in everyone.

Pirate Profile: Liz Blumthal

October 7, 2019

Liz Blumthal wants to leave her legacy at East Carolina University while preparing to care for others.

ECU College Of Nursing Celebrates 122 Student Scholarships Provided By Generous Donors

October 4, 2019

An annual scholarship reception at the ECU College of Nursing on Sept. 27 celebrated 122 students receiving nursing scholarships totaling $327,550 – all made possible through the generosity of donors.

ECU Faculty Member Joins Leadership Of National Nursing League

September 27, 2019

Dr. Mark Hand has been elected to serve as a member of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Board of Governors for a three-year term beginning this year and lasting through 2022

Accolades and Accomplishments Fall 2019

September 26, 2019

A roundup of the latest awards, accomplishments and accolades earned by our faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Pirate Nurse Alumni Spotlight

September 20, 2019

Dr. Diona Martyn

Health sciences division marks Healthcare Simulation Week

September 20, 2019

Healthcare Simulation Week, a global observation of simulation as a tool to improve the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of health-care delivery…

College Of Nursing Welcomes 124 Future Nurses With Pin Ceremony

September 11, 2019

Family members and friends smiled as students crossed the stage to receive a gold lamp pin signifying service and light during the ceremony, which serves as an official welcome…

Kovar, 9 ECU Nursing Alumni Named Distinguished Public Health Nurses

August 29, 2019

“Being selected is a tremendous distinction and demonstrates that these nurses stand out as leaders in North Carolina’s public health workforce,”…

Student Profile: Brooks Holt

August 20, 2019

Undergraduate researcher Brooks Holt is studying how community collaboration affects public health initiatives in rural Guatemala.

ECU Nursing Faculty Member Receives Lung Cancer Research Grant

August 15, 2019

Dr. LeeAnn Jarrett-Johnson was selected to receive one of five Lung Cancer Research Fellowship Grants awarded by the Lung Cancer Initiative of North Carolina.

Nursing faculty member inducted as Fellow of the AANP

July 26, 2019

Dr. Michelle Skipper, a nurse practitioner and director of the ECU College of Nursing’s doctor of nursing practice program was inducted as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) at the AANP annual meeting…

ECU Nursing Professor Appointed To FDA Advisory Committee

June 24, 2019

Dr. Maura McAuliffe, was appointed to serve on the FDA’s Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee for three years. Her term began in March and will continue through 2022.

Accolades and Accomplishments Spring 2019

April 22, 2019

A roundup of the latest awards, accomplishments and accolades earned by our faculty, staff, students and alumni.

CON faculty member uses radio segment to discuss health topics

April 5, 2019

Wendy Bridgers, clinical instructor in the College of Nursing, hosts “Family Health Matters,” a radio segment that educates the public about a variety of topics in health and well-being

The ECU College of Nursing inducted eight new members to its Hall of Fame, and honored its newest Distinguished Alumni Award winner

March 26, 2019

The Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding contributors to nursing in education, administration, research and practice, has raised $125,000 for merit-based student nursing scholarships since 2011.

Graduate programs rated among nation’s best by U.S. News

March 13, 2019

Nursing ranked 83rd for its master’s degree program, and 67th for its doctor of nursing practice program. Both moved up in the rankings since last year.

Student Profile: Madison McCauley

March 6, 2019

ECU undergraduate researcher Madison McCauley is examining the learning outcomes of graduate nursing students to provide better care to patients.

A Key Step: Simulation program earns provisional accreditation

February 20, 2019

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare granted provisional accreditation to the East Carolina University College of Nursing’s simulation program, making ECU the only public university in the state…

ECU’s online programs ranked among the best in the nation

January 15, 2019

ECU’s online graduate programs in nursing also ranked the highest in the UNC system and tied for 13th overall in U.S. News’ listing of the best online programs for veterans.

New nursing students take next step

February 6, 2019

The ECU College of Nursing welcomed two new groups of future nurses during a ceremony at the Brody School of Medicine on Jan. 24

2018