When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina last September, it left a path of destruction that hit particularly hard in the counties served by Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. Roads washed out. Powerlines down. Communities cut off. But even in the storm’s darkest moments, there was light—and some of the brightest of that light came from our nurses.
As we celebrate National Nurses Week and reflect on this year’s theme, “The Power of Nursing,” the events surrounding Hurricane Helene remind us that this power is not just a phrase—it is a lived truth. At Blue Ridge Regional Hospital (BRRH), our nurses showed up with grit, heart, and unwavering dedication. They were the calm in the chaos, the hands of healing in the midst of crisis, and the lifelines connecting us all.
Here are just a few stories about our BRRH nurses from both Mitchell and Yancey counties who remind us why nurses are, without a doubt, some of the most powerful forces in healthcare:
Ashley White, RN, had been on the job for just four days when the hurricane hit—but you wouldn’t have known it. She immediately jumped into action, helping to stand-up a clinic in Bakersville, moving a physician practice so it could reopen quickly, and doing whatever needed to be done. She didn’t hesitate—she led with heart.
Rebecca Hensley, RN, was at home when the storm raged and for the next 24 hours she worked as a volunteer firefighter and joined search and rescue missions. The next day she made her way to BRRH where she worked in the Emergency Department. For 16 days she either worked in the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital ED or with the fire department. She helped coordinate food distribution, and organized donations. She served and supported everywhere she could.
Carrie James, RN, spent the night at BRRH to ensure the ED would be covered during the storm. Not knowing if her family was safe she stayed to care for the victims that showed up. Then, she walked across rivers to get home and then back to the hospital. Let that sink in. Her determination and sense of duty are the kind of quiet heroism that makes you believe in something bigger.
Wendy Woody, RN, stood strong in the Acute Care unit following the worst of it. She arrived to the hospital on an ATV to ensure her team was supported and patients cared for. Afterwards, she organized food, water, and supplies for the community, even opening her home to those that had nowhere else to go. She turned compassion into action, ensuring that even beyond the hospital walls, people felt cared for.
Elizabeth “Beth” Hughes, RN, whose regular home is the Infusion department, stepped into the Incident Command during the storm. She worked days and evenings, supporting the entire facility with grace, organization, and calm—literally becoming a lifesaver in more ways than one. She never faltered when asked to help with tasks for any department. Stepping outside of her comfort zone, she helped lead the hospital to a successful stabilization and recovery.
Danielle Vance, RN, was on duty the Thursday night of the hurricane as the Administrative Supervisor and never left. She remained until Saturday when others were able to arrive, offering leadership, spiritual support, problem-solving skills, and a steady hand that helped keep the team grounded and strong.
Sarah Griffith, RN, a Case Manager, stayed at the hospital Thursday night and was up working early Friday morning, helping wherever she was needed. From the cafeteria to Acute Care, even assisting Environmental Services—Sarah simply did it all, boldly and without hesitation. Leaving later Saturday to help transport team members to and from the hospital, she then began working in the community clearing roads and helping others at a local fire department.
In addition, every nurse manager gave more than anyone could ask—working around the clock with strength and resolve. They arrived first and really were the backbone of Incident Command helping to safeguard the hospital and ensuring their departments (patients and staff) were well cared for. That team included Emily Rowe, Nurse Manager of Acute Care and PSA; Amber Miller, Nurse Manager of ED and Switchboard; Kristi Lankford, Nurse Manager of Surgical Services; Denise Self, Nurse Manager of Infusion, Cardiac Services and Emergency Management Coordinator; Kayleigh Chrisawn, Nursing Educator; and Megan McKinney, Quality and Safety. They really deserve enormous thanks for the incredible job they did to support our BRRH team.
Alongside them were incredible leaders like Colby Boston from Human Resources, Teressa Neill, RN, Director of Clinical Operations, and Tonia Hale, our Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer, who all stood shoulder to shoulder with the team, embodying true servant leadership.
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital also received tremendous support from HCA Healthcare, bringing in supplies so our hospital could remain open and bringing in necessities for our staff such as food, water, toiletries and more. The support of HCA Healthcare was a lifeline to our region.
This week, as we honor National Nurses Week, let us remember what “The Power of Nursing” really means. It means courage under pressure, compassion in chaos, and commitment without limits. It means walking across rivers to serve others, organizing relief for children, and never once asking, “Is this my job?”—because, for a nurse, the answer is always yes when someone is in need.
To nurses around the world, thank you for all you do; to the nurses of Blue Ridge Regional Hospital — you are more than caregivers. You are the very heart of this community.
