DOVER — Trina Turner, MSN, RN-BC, LNC, ONN-CG, CNEn, loves being an advocate for her patients. Nursing is not just her job; it is her calling.

Even after 29 years, she still looks forward to working with her patients every day. Ms. Turner is a lung and colorectal screening nurse navigator and tobacco cessation coach for the Bayhealth Cancer Center and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.

As we celebrate Black History Month, Bayhealth is highlighting some of their team members in a series called “Rising Above.” Read their inspiring stories of service and affecting change in our community and workplace on Bayhealth’s social media pages.

Ms. Turner effects positive change within her role at Bayhealth by providing education, outreach and resources for her community, but especially for her Black patients. Her team is aware of the health disparities that exist for underserved populations, and she is proud of the role she plays in ensuring that patients receive fair and equitable health care access.

In her role at Bayhealth and DDHS, Ms. Turner works with Screening for Life, a program that provides free and low-cost health screenings for cancer detection. Early detection is the key to improved patient outcomes.

Ms. Turner is dedicated to helping not only cancer patients quit smoking, but anyone who needs support and assistance to finally kick the tobacco habit. She dedicates her time to providing tobacco cessation services through the Delaware Quitline.

She is actively involved in many volunteer organizations that focus on improving the quality of life and health outcomes of Delawareans. She believes it is important to give back and support the needs of our community. Besides belonging to committees at Bayhealth, she is active in her nursing association, multiple sororities and civic community organizations.

“As an Afro-Latina nurse working at Bayhealth, the message I want to send to my peers at Bayhealth is that the role we play in the lives of our patients and the community is vital,” said Turner.

“Representation is important. No one’s role is insignificant. It takes a village to care for a village. Be proud of the work and contribution you make every day.”