Tara Rowe
February 2026
Tara
Rowe
,
BSN, RN
Operating Room
Western NC VA Health Care System
Asheville
,
NC
United States
In a busy environment where someone else might just relay a message to the patient, she made sure he and his son could hear each other’s voices and speak authentically, while calming both their minds before surgery.
I am pleased to nominate Tara Rowe for this award in recognition of her exceptional compassion and dedication to patient-centered care. She consistently goes above and beyond, not only for her patients but also for their families and her coworkers.
Tara embodies the true spirit of nursing. She approaches every patient interaction with genuine care, ensuring that each one feels safe, respected, and valued. Her gentle touch and calming presence provide comfort during some of the most vulnerable moments in their surgical experience. She prioritizes patient safety and well-being, placing the patient at the center of every decision and action.
Her compassion extends beyond the bedside. Tara frequently checks in on her coworkers, offering support and encouragement when needed. She fosters a positive and collaborative environment, making the workplace feel like a community where everyone is cared for.
Tara balances clinical excellence with heartfelt empathy. She doesn’t just perform tasks, she builds trust, listens deeply, and advocates for those in her care.
On a recent day, Tara was assigned as the nurse family liaison for the operating room. Tara went above and beyond to ensure a patient could speak with his son before going into the operating room for major surgery. The son called the hospital and was transferred to the pre-op holding phone, wanting to speak with his dad before surgery. Tara made it happen without question. She explained to the patient what she was doing, moved the stretcher to the phone, and held it for him because his arterial line immobilizer made it difficult for him to grasp it. She held the phone to his ear as he talked with his son. In a busy environment where someone else might just relay a message to the patient, she made sure he and his son could hear each other’s voices and speak authentically, while calming both their minds before surgery. The interaction was positive and calming, and the patient was grateful to have spoken with his son.
Additionally, the patient did not have any contact information written down on his pre-op sheet. Tara ensured she had the correct name and number to ensure timely surgical updates. Thank you, Tara, for always putting the patient, their loved ones, and others first. Your compassion and true nursing spirit do not go unnoticed.
Tara embodies the true spirit of nursing. She approaches every patient interaction with genuine care, ensuring that each one feels safe, respected, and valued. Her gentle touch and calming presence provide comfort during some of the most vulnerable moments in their surgical experience. She prioritizes patient safety and well-being, placing the patient at the center of every decision and action.
Her compassion extends beyond the bedside. Tara frequently checks in on her coworkers, offering support and encouragement when needed. She fosters a positive and collaborative environment, making the workplace feel like a community where everyone is cared for.
Tara balances clinical excellence with heartfelt empathy. She doesn’t just perform tasks, she builds trust, listens deeply, and advocates for those in her care.
On a recent day, Tara was assigned as the nurse family liaison for the operating room. Tara went above and beyond to ensure a patient could speak with his son before going into the operating room for major surgery. The son called the hospital and was transferred to the pre-op holding phone, wanting to speak with his dad before surgery. Tara made it happen without question. She explained to the patient what she was doing, moved the stretcher to the phone, and held it for him because his arterial line immobilizer made it difficult for him to grasp it. She held the phone to his ear as he talked with his son. In a busy environment where someone else might just relay a message to the patient, she made sure he and his son could hear each other’s voices and speak authentically, while calming both their minds before surgery. The interaction was positive and calming, and the patient was grateful to have spoken with his son.
Additionally, the patient did not have any contact information written down on his pre-op sheet. Tara ensured she had the correct name and number to ensure timely surgical updates. Thank you, Tara, for always putting the patient, their loved ones, and others first. Your compassion and true nursing spirit do not go unnoticed.