Great 100 Nurses Of North Carolina Recognize Four Mission Health Nurses On 2026 List
This week, The Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina named four nurses to its 2026 list of the top 100 nurses in North Carolina. This organization has recognized the extraordinary contributions of nurses and elevated the profession since 1989. This is one of the highest recognitions a nurse can receive in North Carolina.
Mission Hospital’s 2026 honorees are Delena White, Kelly Pace, and Mary Chauvin, and from Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, Candi Fox.
“These four exceptional nurses embody what nursing at Mission Health is all about — caring deeply for our patients, supporting one another and always looking for ways to make care better,” said Ruth Kain, Chief Nursing Officer, Mission Health. “Delena, Candi, Kelly and Mary have each made an extraordinary impact through their leadership, compassion and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud to see them recognized among North Carolina’s Great 100 and grateful for everything they do for our patients, colleagues and communities.”
Here are the four nurses recognized on the list in Western North Carolina:
Delana White, Mission Hospital
White has served as a nurse for 36 years, earning distinction as a certified medical-surgical nurse, trusted preceptor, informatics expert and longtime Magnet Champion.
Candi Fox, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
Fox has been recognized for her perseverance and commitment to patients and colleagues. Curing the COVID-19 pandemic and aftermath of Hurricane Helene, her colleagues recognized her as a leader navigating difficult circumstances. She now serves in case management.
Kelly Pace, Mission Hospital
Pace is a flight nurse and mentor. She teaches national certification course, helps nurses prepare for specialty examinations and educates paramedics and first responders, while serving as a volunteer fire fighter for 23 years.
Mary Chauvin, Mission Hospital
Chauvin is a nurse educator who works to develop nurses across the organization. Her contributions include certification instruction, simulation, community stroke education, student programs, clinical-ladder support and professional governance.
