By Jessica Noble MSN-NE, RNC-EFM, Perinatal Nurse Champion and Navigator of ECU Health

As we celebrate Nurses Week, it is the perfect time to reflect on the heart of health care — our nurses — and the importance of building and sustaining a strong pipeline for the next generation, particularly in rural communities.

Nursing is the foundation of patient care, especially in my area of clinical focus: perinatal health. Nurses are often the first at the bedside, building trusting relationships with patients during some of the most critical moments of their lives. In perinatal care, where patients are navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery, that trust and open communication are vital. When patients feel safe confiding in their nurses, we are better able to help them achieve their goals — whether it’s a healthy delivery, managing complex postpartum needs, or simply ensuring they feel seen and heard during their care journey.

In rural health care settings, the role of the nurse is even more profound. Rural nurses frequently take on multiple responsibilities, often serving not just as bedside caregivers but also as educators, advocates, and community liaisons. This multifaceted role is essential to improving outcomes for mothers and infants. In rural areas, where access to specialized care may be limited, the nurse becomes a critical lifeline — providing continuity, stability, and compassionate care.

Understanding that mother is medicine for baby reminds us that supporting maternal health is inseparable from promoting infant health. Healthy mothers mean healthier babies and stronger communities. It all starts with having well-prepared, well-supported nurses who are ready to meet these challenges head-on.

At ECU Health, especially within Women’s Health, we recognize that the work does not stop once a nurse joins our team. Investing in ongoing support, mentorship, and continuing education is essential. By championing nurses’ professional goals and personal growth, we ensure they feel valued — not just as employees, but as integral members of our healthcare family. This continued investment reinforces a culture of excellence and compassion that directly benefits the patients we serve.

A strong nursing pipeline also plays a critical role in reducing burnout, a challenge that health care systems across the nation are striving to address. When nurses have mentors and peers to turn to, they are more resilient. They feel seen, heard, and supported — not just professionally but emotionally as well. This network of connection ensures that nurses are not working in isolation but within a community, that nurtures their passion and commitment to patient care.

Ultimately, by investing in the next generation of nurses — particularly in rural settings — we are investing in the future of health care. Our patients receive better care that is more compassionate and tailored to their unique needs. Our teams are stronger and more cohesive. And importantly, our profession continues to grow, evolve, and inspire.

At ECU Health, we are proud to prioritize the development of nurses through strong pipelines, mentorship opportunities, and lifelong learning. It is our way of ensuring that every nurse — today and tomorrow — has the tools, the support, and the community they need to thrive.

Happy Nurses Week to all who serve, mentor, and inspire. You are the foundation of healthcare, and the future is bright because of you.