Greenville Reporter

Rebecca Zelnar transitioned from being a travel nurse to a full-time role at ECU Health Medical Center, finding a sense of belonging she had not experienced elsewhere. After nearly two decades in Florida, Zelnar, a Gainesville native, wasn’t initially seeking a permanent post. Her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, led her to travel and eventually settle in Greenville, North Carolina.

Referring to her path into nursing, Zelnar shared, “In my mid-to-late twenties, I went back to school. I worked a paper route and as a CNA to pay for school, and I graduated top of my class 24 years ago.” Her long-standing dedication to critical care was evident during her 18-year tenure at the University of Florida Shands Hospital and more recently as a traveling nurse in response to pandemic demands.

After serving in New York during the height of the pandemic, she traveled across Texas before her arrival at ECU Health in 2021. While her initial plan was to continue traveling, the work environment at ECU Health altered her perspective. Being closer to family and integrating with staff convinced her to take a permanent position. Her interactions with the local team were a key influence.

Rebecca Zelnar quoted Amy Sawyer, manager of patient care services in the PACU, as appreciating her contributions: “Rebecca brought the knowledge she had gained from working in multiple PACUs. Shared knowledge is so valuable because we always aspire to learn and grow in the nursing profession.”

Zelnar found the support and camaraderie at ECU Health compelling. “The talent of nurses in this unit is very high. It’s the best group of nurses I’ve worked with for a long time. It’s the best management team I’ve ever worked with,” she said.

Looking forward, Zelnar is considering further professional development, intending to earn her perioperative certification and engage more actively with her new community, aiming to build a long-term career at ECU Health. “I want to work at the bedside and take care of patients, and I love going to work,” she stated.

She is also advocating for others in her family to join the ECU Health team, reflecting her satisfaction and faith in the institution's professional offerings.