In a profession that demands resilience, expertise, and unwavering commitment, nursing leaders don’t just rise to the occasion—they redefine it. At ECU Health, two remarkable nurse leaders, Laura Respess and Dawn Tetterton, are doing just that. Their dedication to advancing the nursing profession and shaping the future of healthcare leadership has earned them well-deserved recognition as the Nurses of the Week.
Respess, nurse manager of Patient Care Services in the Renal Dialysis Unit at ECU Health Medical Center, and Tetterton, vice president of Inpatient Nursing, have played pivotal roles in representing ECU Health on a statewide level. As leaders within the North Carolina Organization for Nurse Leaders (NCONL), they ensure that nursing voices are heard, best practices are shared, and the profession continues to evolve.
Transforming Nursing Leadership Through NCONL
NCONL, a state affiliate of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), is dedicated to strengthening the impact of nurse leaders across North Carolina. The organization empowers nurses through professional development, fosters nursing research, and influences health care policy, ensuring that nursing expertise shapes the future of patient care.
Respess and Tetterton have been instrumental in bringing ECU Health’s excellence to the forefront. Through their leadership, they have helped showcase innovative nursing practices, advocate for policy changes, and mentor the next generation of nurse leaders.
Laura Respess: A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Having just completed her tenure as District VI Representative for NCONL, Respess has led one of the largest districts in the state, serving as a crucial link between nurse leaders and the organization’s broader initiatives.
From coordinating quarterly meetings and educational sessions to driving participation in the NCONL annual conference, she has ensured that nurses at ECU Health stay informed, engaged, and empowered.
“One of the things we’ve always advocated for at ECU Health is having nurses on boards,” said Respess. “Being a representative comes with the benefits of staying informed about statewide developments and sharing best practices. As an NCONL representative, you gain a good understanding of legislative matters from the perspective of nursing and how our profession is being represented in the legislature.”
Her work has strengthened nursing leadership within ECU Health and influenced the broader nursing community in North Carolina.
Dawn Tetterton: Stepping Up to Lead the Next Chapter
With Respess passing the torch, Dawn Tetterton is stepping in to build on this legacy, bringing fresh energy and vision to the role. Having long admired Respess’s dedication, Tetterton is eager to continue advancing the profession and ensuring that ECU Health remains at the forefront of nursing leadership and innovation.
“Laura has done an amazing job,” Tetterton said. “And truly was part of the reason I felt like I needed to step forward. She has worked tirelessly the past six years, exemplifying leadership at this level.”
Now in her new role as District VI Representative, Tetterton’s focus is clear: expanding the district’s reach and ensuring that all nursing sectors—from acute care to ambulatory care and public health—have a seat at the table.
“Through NCONL, members can showcase the excellent work being done at ECU Health,” said Tetterton. “We submit several posters and abstracts annually and have had winners chosen for podium presentations to share nursing best practices they have developed.”
Respess has full confidence in Tetterton’s ability to drive the district’s diversification and expand its impact.
“My challenge for Dawn is to drive our district’s diversification, which is one of our strategic goals,” said Respess. “We primarily focus on acute care, but we recognize the need to reach out to nursing leaders in ambulatory care and health departments across the state. It’s important to involve these sectors because they play a significant role in our overall mission.”
Why Their Leadership Matters
Respess and Tetterton are not just leading—they’re paving the way for a stronger, more unified nursing profession. Their work within NCONL ensures that nurses at ECU Health and across the state have the resources, advocacy, and leadership they need to thrive.
By stepping up, sharing their expertise, and advocating for nurses at the policy level, they are proving that nurse leadership isn’t just about managing teams—it’s about shaping the future of health care itself.
Their well-earned recognition as the Daily Nurse Nurses of the Week is a testament to their passion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference—not just at ECU Health but across the entire profession.
Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.
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