Becky Wagner, Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services at Iredell Health System, will retire on April 24 after a career spanning more than four decades, the organization announced on April 20.
Wagner’s retirement marks the end of an era for Iredell Health System, where she has served in her current role for the past 11 years. Her departure is significant as she has played a key part in expanding patient care services and mentoring staff across the health system.
Wagner said her interest in nursing began as a child during hospital stays for kidney infections. She recalled, “She read books to me, played games with me, and would rub my back. She really demonstrated the compassion and care that you look for in a nurse, and I looked up to her.” After initially pursuing business studies post-high school, Wagner decided to follow her calling into nursing. She transferred to Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) before beginning her career as a critical care nurse at Rex Hospital in Raleigh.
Throughout her career, Wagner has held numerous roles including cardiac/neuro trauma ICU nurse, diabetic clinical nurse specialist, stroke clinical nurse specialist, director positions, educator roles and even interim CEO of UNC Health Chatham. Reflecting on these experiences she said: “Nursing is the one career that gives you the option to be so many different things… when somebody said ‘Becky, would you?’ I’d always respond with ‘absolutely’ because I knew it would give me a much better foundation.”
During her tenure at Iredell Health System, Wagner led several capital projects such as expanding the endoscopy department and emergency department enhancements. Her leadership was particularly noted during the COVID-19 pandemic. John Green, president & CEO of Iredell Health System said: “Managing the largest group of our employees… through the pandemic was one of the most challenging situations that healthcare has faced in many years… Becky took imperfect and changing information and made strong and brave decisions to protect patients…”
Wagner expressed pride in advocating for both patients and staff at an executive level: “I always tell my team that my first priority is to advocate for the patients…” She also shared hopes that her successor will continue building relationships within teams while maintaining advocacy for patients.
As she retires from full-time work but not from service altogether—she plans travel time with family and volunteering—Wagner reflected: “I hope people remember me for my care for patients and staff… As for patients I’m proudest when they say ‘I got better because of…’ or ‘my family member died better because of what Becky did.’”
Green described Wagner as “such a kind and caring leader” who leads by example both within Iredell Health System and throughout community organizations.
