Growing up in the Philippines, where poverty is commonplace, Jenny Teppett understood that education, hard work and determination were necessities to breaking down the barriers to a better life and a solid future for herself and her family.

After the devastating eruption of the Mt. Pinatubo volcano in 1991, they lost everything, “Our home was wiped out, my father’s business, lost our dogs and lost everything my parents had worked for. We left with nothing but perseverance and a hope that one day I could fulfill my dream to work in health care and rebuild our lives.”

With support from her parents, relatives and a scholarship, Teppett earned her Bachelor’s degree and went to work as a volunteer nurse. “In the Philippines you pay the hospital to get experience as a volunteer until they hire you, so you work another job to support yourself. You don’t get enough rest and sleep”

In their culture, as the eldest, it was her responsibility to take care of her two siblings and support them through college. “Our country is very poor. When I got the opportunity to go to the UK and work as a nurse, I grabbed it. I applied in the U.S. and the UK and I said “whoever responds first, that’s where I’m going.”

Teppett embarked on her journey to the UK and experienced serious culture shock, particularly in the workplace. “As a nurse back home, you don’t have much support; you are providing complete patient care with very few resources. But people always managed to find solutions despite of the difficulties in their everyday life, here and in the UK, nurses get a lot of support for patient care plus the advanced technology.”

When her father unexpectedly passed away a year ago, she couldn’t do anything to help him. “It’s difficult to imagine, but the hospital charges the patient for everything. My sister asked for pillow and towel for my dad, but she was told that it will be charged to the patient if they need one. It makes you realized how many blessings we have over here”.

Her experiences working with people from different cultures and backgrounds has helped her to understand that an essential element of nursing and creating a healing environment, is learning about the diverse backgrounds, values, behaviors and cultural and moral beliefs of her patients.

Teppett exudes sincere love for her family, both at Tucson Medical Center, and at home. “One of the precious possessions in our life is family, we should treasure, love and take care of it. “

“Leaving my own country for a better life meant leaving my family and love ones, my life became a journey filled with uncertainty, and I grew in unexpected ways, faced new challenges and broadened my horizons. No matter where life takes you, don’t forget who you are and where you came from.”

Tucson Nurses Week Foundation recognizes, publicizes, and supports the accomplishments, innovations, and contributions of nurses to the health of our community by honoring 50 outstanding nurses as the Fabulous 50. Well done Jenny on being nominated and recognized as one of Tucson’s Fab 50. nurses