Pearson Named Director of 5 North Unit at Iredell Memorial Hospital

Melanie Pearson has been named director of the 5 North post-surgical/orthopedic unit at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville. She most recently served as the unit’s assistant director.

Pearson brings decades of healthcare experience to the role and a career journey that began long before she became a nurse. In 1998, she started working as a cook at Davis Regional Medical Center, now known as Iredell Davis Behavioral Health.

From there, Pearson gained experience in several areas of the hospital, including emergency department registration, the switchboard, and phlebotomy. Her interest in patient care eventually led her to pursue nursing, first as a certified nursing assistant, then as a licensed practical nurse, and later as a registered nurse.

Throughout her career, Pearson has worked in a variety of clinical settings including medical-surgical care, perioperative services, behavioral health, inpatient rehabilitation, and geriatrics.

She earned her LPN diploma from Surry Community College and later received her associate degree in nursing from Catawba Valley Community College. Pearson went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Business Administration at Gardner‑Webb University.

Pearson said her passion for nursing comes from a deep love of helping others.

“I have a big heart for people,” Pearson said. “It truly is a blessing to be able to help someone else. Kindness and humility are the keys to being successful. Kindness is given freely without the expectation of return, and humility is the ability to listen, grow, and have room for grace, because true greatness never comes from being loud.”

Pearson said she believes compassion and humility are central to strong leadership and quality patient care. She added that being able to support patients and staff alike is what continues to inspire her in her role at the hospital.