Title: Nurse Practitioner
Company: Vidant Medical Group
Location: Greenville, NC United States

Although Donna Zekonis originally set out to be an exercise psychologist or a basketball coach, an unexpected personal tragedy shifted her path. A drunk driver hit the car carrying her, her father and her twin brother, killing her brother and father and seriously injuring her. Suddenly, Ms. Zekonis’ priorities shifted and she felt drawn by a calling to help the sick and injured. More than two decades later, she has followed her passion to Vidant Medical Group, a multi-specialty physician group, where she serves as a nurse practitioner and specializes in cardiac surgery.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Zekonis worked as a staff nurse on the night shift in the emergency room at Pitt County Memorial Hospital, where she handled everything from direct patient care to staff education to forensic evidence collection. She also spent time as a family nurse practitioner in the East Carolina Heart Institute at PCMH. The biggest challenge Ms. Zekonis faced along the way was gaining the trust of the physicians, but her experience in the emergency department and her critical thinking skills served as an asset. She is inspired by her desire to make the world a better place; sometimes it’s the little things that matter the most.

In recognition for her success, Ms. Zekonis received the Nurse of the Year award in 1999 and the Sigma Theta Tau Excellence Award in 1995. She prepared for her career by earning a master’s degree in nursing, taking an emergency medical technician course, and volunteering with Eastern Pines Fire and Rescue as a paramedic. Ms. Zekonis is also certified as a nurse examiner and as a family nurse practitioner. Looking forward, she hopes to become an adjunct professor and teach at the higher education level.

Contact Donna Zekonis