Over the last 10.5 years, I have gotten to know Teresa quite well. Initially, I felt intimidated by her strong personality and direct demeanor. I quickly learned that these qualities made me feel safer and more supported in her presence, especially when I worked in the ER with her as our Clinical Coordinator. Teresa has always displayed excellent clinical skills and has been a "go-to" person for difficult IV accesses before ultrasound-assisted IV placement was even an option. Her years of experience have gained her a wealth of knowledge on various units within our hospital.

Despite her years of providing care, she's never lost her ability to be compassionate toward her patients. Many probably aren't aware, but once Teresa left on her break to buy a young adolescent female clothes and personal care items that she hadn't had available to her while the patient spent many hours in the ER awaiting behavioral health placement.

On another occasion, I witnessed her offer and provide transportation to an elderly couple who had totaled their car in a motor vehicle accident. She took them to the pharmacy to pick up their prescribed meds and then to a nearby hotel for lodging post-discharge since they were from out of town with no local friends or family and we didn't have any other transportation availabilities at that time. These are just two instances of many that I have witnessed her care like family to our patients. Since her time in the ER, I have watched from afar as she shined in her current role on BHU. I have listened to some of her staff as they talk about how great their leadership is. I've even overheard them say they too feel safer and supported when she is working.

I'm proud to have worked with Teresa, and more so, to see that she continues to make a huge impact on our hospital, staff, and patients. I feel that often we forget to recognize our wonderful Nurse Leaders, but they were once wonderful staff nurses, as well.