You Won't Believe Why ECU Health's Trish Baise Was Named 2025's Must-Know CNO!

In a significant development for rural healthcare in North Carolina, Trish Baise has been recognized for her extensive contributions to nursing leadership. With over 30 years of experience in both urban and rural nursing environments, Baise oversees a nursing workforce that spans nine hospitals and more than 100 clinics within the ECU Health system. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing the Advancing Nursing Practice and Excellence (APEX) initiative, aimed at fostering innovation, research, and collaboration to elevate nursing standards in rural communities.

Under Baise's guidance, ECU Health achieved its third Magnet recognition, which signifies the organization’s unwavering commitment to nursing excellence. This prestigious designation is awarded only to healthcare institutions that meet rigorous standards for quality patient care and nursing practices, further reinforcing the importance of skilled nursing staff in rural settings.

Brian Floyd, the Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health, expressed pride in Baise’s leadership, stating, “ECU Health is proud to have Trish as our nursing leader – who has strengthened the culture and elevated the standard of care across eastern North Carolina. As the region’s leading health care provider and educator, we carry a responsibility to shape the future of rural health care, and Trish recognizes that our success depends on attracting and supporting exceptional nurses and care teams.”

The nurse leaders acknowledged by Becker’s Hospital Review play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. They are tasked with addressing pressing issues such as nurse staffing shortages, managing budgets, and creating growth opportunities for emerging nurses. Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) like Baise not only lead nursing departments but also drive innovative initiatives to uphold high standards of patient care. Their positions require a rare blend of clinical expertise and executive leadership, positioning them as key figures in the evolution of healthcare delivery.

What sets Baise apart is her advocacy for non-traditional pathways into nursing, reflecting her own unique journey. Before diving into the world of nursing, Baise started as a fire department dispatcher. She further advanced her career as a paramedic, flight paramedic, flight nurse, and emergency department nurse, eventually becoming a director of a flight program. Her ascent into senior nursing leadership roles illustrates the myriad paths available in the nursing profession, a crucial message as healthcare systems nationwide grapple with workforce shortages.

The commitment to cultivating new nursing talent is essential, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access often lags behind urban centers. Baise’s recognition not only spotlights her individual achievements but also highlights the broader challenges faced by the nursing profession. As staffing shortages become more acute, innovative leadership and support systems are necessary to ensure that rural communities receive the quality care they deserve.

As Baise continues her work with ECU Health, her emphasis on collaboration and excellence will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of nursing in North Carolina. The ongoing efforts to attract and retain exceptional nursing staff are critical not only for healthcare organizations like ECU Health but also for the communities they serve, underlining the vital connection between nursing leadership and patient care standards.