Celebrating The Compassion of Nurses
Marilee Arnold, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer
Compassionate, dedicated, driven, and kind are just some things that come to mind when I think about the men and women who make up the nursing staff at UNC Health Pardee. Our nurses are the backbone of the hospital as they are most often the first and last touchpoint for patients throughout their time in our care. Their passion for caring for the whole person and working together in a tough and trying environment is what sets Pardee apart.
Whether a young new grad, a seasoned professional, or someone who entered the field as a second career, Pardee’s team of nurses is committed to advocating for and providing evidence-based quality care to their patients.
A first-generation nurse
Jolin Islas, RN, is a proud first-generation college student and nurse. “I became a nurse because I wanted to help people and be a part of their healing journey but I never knew just how rewarding this job would be,” she shared. Jolin’s positive attitude and true passion for her profession are reflected in the great care she provides to her patients.
While she is a new graduate, earning her nursing degree in August 2023, Jolin is no stranger to Pardee. She worked as a certified nursing assistant for the last two years, before pursuing higher education to become a nurse. “In school, I had the opportunity to do my clinical rotations at Pardee and I loved it,” Jolin shared. “You cannot find a community like this just anywhere.”
Jolin’s affinity for her colleagues, her patients, and her work, is a common theme shared by our nursing staff. Her achievements reflect Pardee’s commitment to teaching and encouraging the next generation of nurses.
Answering a calling
Abigail Karroubi, BSN, RN, spent almost two decades working in the tourism industry but never felt it was where she was supposed to be. She had always been very close with her Uncle Andy who suffered from ALS. Witnessing the cruel progression of this deadly disease and the toll it took on her and her family – while it scared her, she also had an intense desire to help in any way that she could. “Andy was ultimately the inspiration for me to pursue nursing,” she shared.
Having worked at several local hospitals during her nursing clinical rotations, Abigail shared that she immediately felt Pardee was the right place for her. “Not only did I have excellent clinical experiences, I also felt the culture and sense of community aligned with my values,” she said. Now, 20 years later, Abigail has been part of five different departments at Pardee and still feels that switching careers is the best decision she has ever made. “I don’t think there is anything finer than taking care of and improving the lives of others,” she shared. “I feel so lucky to be able to do what I do.”
A decades-long career
A registered nurse with Pardee OB/GYN Associates, Pardee runs deep in Betsy Cosgrove’s family history. Her grandfather and father-in-law were both physicians back when Pardee was Patton Hospital. Betsy has also been a familiar face at Pardee for decades, serving as a candy striper when she was 14 before becoming a nurse and devoting her more than 40-year career to caring for this community.
Betsy entered nursing school right after high school knowing she wanted to care for women and help deliver babies. With that passion in mind, she was excited to start working in the labor and delivery unit, a role she held for five years before going to work with Dr. Marion Ross and Dr. David Ellis at their OB/GYN practice. She would remain as Dr. Ellis’ nurse for over 30 years until he retired in 2022.
Betsy’s commitment to being a nurse is unparalleled – as it’s not often nurses spend the entirety of their career in the same community. She has spent years forging and fostering deep relationships with her patients – watching them go from young women to growing their families. To offer yourself to patients in the way Betsy has is truly remarkable. Her steadfastness helps make Pardee a safe, trustworthy and positive space for patients.
Celebrating our nurses
As we celebrate Nurse’s Week, I want to thank my nursing colleagues at Pardee for their commitment to providing compassionate care to our community. I appreciate your dedication, the way you depend on each other, and most importantly how you put our patients first. It’s an honor to work alongside you.
