Meet the Stroke Coordinator

Carrie Stokes, BSN, RN, stroke coordinator for UNC Health Wayne, became a nurse with a clear mission: to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Barton College in 2016. Early in her career, Carrie worked on the 7th Floor at UNC Health Wayne, focusing on medical/surgical care and later playing a key role in supervising and building the COVID unit during the pandemic.

In June of 2022, Carrie transitioned into the role of Stroke Coordinator at UNC Health Wayne, driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of strokes and to support patients in our community. Her primary goal is to help the hospital maintain its designation as a Primary Stroke Center, which ensures we deliver exceptional, high-quality care to stroke patients in our region.

Helping Patients Navigate Their Journey

As the Stroke Coordinator, Carrie assists patients throughout their stroke treatment journey, connecting them with vital resources both at UNC Health Wayne and in the wider community. She plays an essential role in educating patients and their families about stroke symptoms, risk factors, preventive measures, and post-stroke care.

Carrie views family support as a critical part of her role. "One of the most important things I do is support families during their loved one's stroke diagnosis," she says. From the moment families arrive at the hospital, Carrie ensures they fully understand the situation by explaining tests and procedures, educating them about strokes, and developing the best possible discharge plan to support recovery at home.

Stopping Strokes From Striking

In addition to her work with patients, Carrie is passionate about educating the community on stroke prevention. She frequently gives presentations at local venues, such as churches and senior centers, and engages in one-on-one discussions with individuals in the community. By providing information on healthy lifestyle habits and the importance of regular medical care, Carrie helps people understand how to reduce their stroke risk.

Seeing Results 

For Carrie, the most rewarding part of her job is witnessing stroke patients recover and regain their ability to enjoy life. “Seeing patients return to their normal lifestyles and reconnect with their families after a stroke is incredibly fulfilling,” she says.