Nurse Leader Shines Bright in Fayetteville’s Young Innovators List

Anastasia Jennings, 38, steers clinical operations at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Hoke County. She was honored as part of Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, a group chosen for their impact on the region’s future. Her nomination highlights her clinical skill, forward‑thinking leadership and dedication to improving health outcomes for patients, caregivers and the wider community.

A Multifaceted Role

Jennings balances a demanding role that covers:

• Patient care
• Team safety
• Project oversight
• Nursing strategy

She also serves on several boards:

• Greater Fayetteville Chamber
• North Carolina Nurses Association (foundation board & special projects committee)
• Raeford Hoke Chamber of Commerce
• NC Emergency Nurses Association’s Dogwood Chapter (President)

Beyond Bedside Care

“A nurse executive role extends beyond bedside care. It opens doors to project design, regulatory work and collaboration with non‑nursing professionals.”
— Jennings

Working closely with families and community stakeholders gives her a unique chance to shape care delivery on a larger scale.

Guiding Principle

“Take care of your team, and the rest will follow.”
— Jennings

She believes that supporting staff creates a healthy workplace where everyone thrives.

Journey to Success

• RN license
• MSN degree
• Board certification in emergency nursing (before age 30)

She credits persistence—pushing through fatigue, sadness or discouragement—as the key to her success.

Personal Life

Although she once dreamed of becoming a physician, Jennings found fulfillment in nursing and the ability to help thousands. When she’s not at work, she devotes herself fully to motherhood. Her twins—now in early childhood—fuel her enthusiasm for local adventures, from library visits to bakery outings. Coffee, energy drinks, a phone and snack‑ready lunches keep her energized between family time and professional duties.

A favorite song that lifts her spirits is “Don’t Stop Believin’,” especially when she belts it out at karaoke.