THE POWER OF NURSES: The Story of Sunel, an ICU Nurse from Turkey

Some moments in nursing stay with you forever.

During the pandemic, Sunel worked as a charge nurse in a 20 bed intensive care unit in Turkey, caring for critically ill patients during one of the most challenging periods healthcare professionals have ever faced. Every shift carried uncertainty, emotional exhaustion, and the responsibility of caring for patients and families during unimaginable circumstances.

One experience, in particular, left a lasting mark on her. A patient arrived at the ICU with dangerously low oxygen levels and shared that her mother was also hospitalized in the same unit. Her mother had already been intubated and was in critical condition. Without realizing the connection between them, the ICU team had prepared the patient’s bed right next to her mother’s before admitting her into the unit. A few days later, the mother passed away.

Moments like this reveal the emotional weight nurses carry while continuing to provide care, strength, and compassion for others every single day.

Reflecting on her experience during the pandemic, Sunel shared how healthcare teams witnessed heartbreaking loss while also celebrating recovery, resilience, and hope. Despite the challenges, nurses continued showing up every day with dedication and courage, supporting one another and learning how to navigate an entirely new reality together.

She describes this experience as a moment that taught her the true meaning of nursing, teamwork, and compassion.
As part of her Nurses Week 2026 submission to ADEX, Sunel shared her excitement about continuing her nursing journey in the United States in the future. She also thanked ADEX for supporting nurses around the world and creating a space where their stories, experiences, and voices can be shared.

At ADEX, we believe every international nurse carries a story worth honoring. For more than 20 years, we have supported nurses from around the world through long term hospital opportunities, career guidance, and support throughout their professional journey in the United States.

Stories like Sunel’s are a reminder of the humanity behind nursing and the extraordinary impact nurses make during life’s most difficult moments.

To every nurse around the world, thank you for your strength, compassion, and dedication