I first met Tutu in 2008; I had just left Mission Hospitals and was in the first stages of my orientation to Oncology/Cardiology. My Nurse Manager at that time paired me with her as a preceptor and I soon began to see her more as a mentor and friend. Tutu's journey to becoming a nurse is special and unique. Tutu arrived in the US in 1979 as an immigrant from Nigeria. She attended university and graduated with a degree in applied mathematics. Upon its completion, she and her husband settled down in Florida with plans to begin a family. Following the birth of her first child, Tutu's desire to be a nurse was awoken by the kindness of the nurses caring for her, "I thought to myself, this is something that I could do for someone else". Thus, began her journey of nursing school with small children, and trying to juggle all the things that go with having a career and family. Upon graduation from nursing school, Tutu began her career in Oncology and has never looked back.
Over the years, I have watched as she mentored, precepted, taught, advocated, listened, challenged and encouraged those around her to provide a better and higher standard of care. She has an exceptional work ethic that leads others to recognize her for her dependability and confidence. She does all these things while being willing to help, generous with her time, and compassionate to those around her. She is direct and will advocate for patients, self, and staff. Her dedication to these Veterans and the VA is even more poignant when you recognize that this is not the country of her birth, but is where she has chosen to call home. She often reminds staff that we should be grateful and appreciative of all that we have, and can provide to Veterans. This "perspective" is just one of the wonderful gifts that Tutu brings to our unit.