Doctor of Nursing Practice spotlight: Meet Tukea Talbert
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the University of Kentucky’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program – the first of its kind in the country – we are highlighting some of our DNP graduates who serve as nurse leaders at UK HealthCare.
Tukea Talbert, DNP, RN, CDP
Tukea Talbert, a Lexington native, currently serves as the inaugural Chief Health Disparities Officer for the UK HealthCare system. A graduate of UK’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, she was one of the first six graduates in the nation to graduate with a DNP degree.
Her nursing career has been filled with many firsts and diverse experiences. Talbert served as a staff nurse for the first several years of her practice, where she focused on trauma and orthopaedic nursing. She has served in several clinical leadership roles and held positions as director over the Office of Quality & Reporting; enterprise director for Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance; assistant hospital director; and assistant hospital operations director.
What influenced your decision to work in health care?
My desire to ensure that people – especially individuals who looked like me – lived healthy, prosperous and successful lives. I always strived to do something that would be impactful, powerful, and most likely to influence people’s overall success in life … health & health care are critical to one’s success and ability to thrive.
What keeps you motivated in your career?
Nursing is a profession of limitless possibilities. No two days have to be alike, and the opportunities to give back to the community, society and those who we love are boundless.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at UK HealthCare?
It is hard to select one shining moment from my time at UK HealthCare. What excites me the most is the propensity to continue to do great things and create new memories for myself and others. … I believe that my favorite memory is yet to come because I am in a space that is willing to explore opportunities to position all people for achieving their highest potential and life success.
