Turkessa has profoundly shaped the way so many of my fellow nurses and I approach compassionate care at the bedside. Her leadership goes far beyond managing schedules or overseeing tasks; she is truly present in every sense of the word. She leads with her heart and makes it clear through her actions that both her staff and patients are a priority.

One of the most memorable examples was when I was performing a sterile procedure, and my patient, a fussy baby, would not stop crying. Without hesitation, Turkessa stepped in, picked up the baby, and rocked them to sleep for nearly an hour, despite her own busy workload. That quiet act of care allowed me to stay focused while knowing my patient was being lovingly comforted.

That’s just one moment of many. She’s the type of leader who will jump in during a code, help turn patients, assist with feeds, or cover a break without ever being asked. On difficult days, she walks the unit with a smile, checking in on everyone with warmth and sincerity. Her presence creates a ripple effect because she embodies compassion and support; the rest of us feel empowered to do the same.

Turkessa has created a culture where compassion is the standard, not the exception. She reminds us that the smallest acts, a soothing voice, a gentle touch, a moment of presence, can make the biggest difference in a patient’s and nurse’s experience. Her example pushes us all to be more mindful, more present, and more kind in our care. She’s not just our leader, she’s our role model.

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Turkessa is an amazing nurse leader and charge nurse. She does so much to help the nurses when they’re understaffed and makes sure every staff member in the NICU is equipped with what they need to perform their job duties exponentially. She is also a pleasure to work with. We’re very lucky to have her on our team.