I have been working with Teresa Wiencke for the past 15 years in the operating room. Her work as a nurse has always been exemplary. Teresa is never too tired to deliver exceptional care and her whole life is dedicated to the service of her patients. Teresa's superb knowledge and clinical skills are coupled with kindness, attentiveness and empathy towards patients from all walks of life. On many occasions she made herself available in the middle of the night for OR emergencies when they were desperately looking for staff. Teresa was on my team several times when she went out of her way to give manicures, pedicures, or hair treatments to patients who were very poorly cared for previously. She did all this with joy and love. Before patients go to sleep prior to their surgeries, she holds their hands, provides comfort, is calm, and creates a deep human connection.