On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on Asheville, NC, leaving behind an apocalyptic landscape of flooding, landslides, and widespread destruction. Amid the chaos, one nurse practitioner emerged as a beacon of hope.

A career in care

Stephanie Turner, (MSN ’24) graduate of USC Nursing’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, had only been in her new role for two weeks when the hurricane struck. Before pursuing her advanced degree, Turner spent 14 years as a dedicated pediatric nurse. Encouraged by fellow alumnus Michael Goley (BSN ’00), she chose the College of Nursing’s FNP program for its comprehensive training and unwavering faculty support—despite living in Colorado at the time.

After graduation, Turner relocated to Asheville and joined Blue Ridge Health as an FNP. But just as she was settling into her new role, Hurricane Helene brought life to a standstill. Downed power lines and trees made travel impossible. Cell and internet services failed. Clean water became a scarce luxury. While Turner lost power for a week, parts of Asheville remained in darkness for months.

Answering the call

Faced with devastation, Turner didn’t hesitate. With her clinic closed and resources depleted, she knew her community needed help—and she was determined to provide it. Armed with her stethoscope and the skills honed in the college’s FNP program, she teamed up with the local fire department to secure vital supplies. Then, with no ambulances available, she climbed onto a four-wheeler and rode out to treat those in need.

Without access to an EKG or imaging equipment, Turner relied on physical assessments and clinical judgment to diagnose and treat patients. She encountered waterborne bacterial infections, Hepatitis A outbreaks, and an influx of injuries from residents hauling gallons of water. She also cared for patients with chronic conditions, ensuring those with CPAP machines, insulin needs, and high blood pressure had the resources to stay stable.

Community lifeline

Beyond medical care, Turner became a force for recovery—gathering food, fresh water, tarps for shelter, and life-saving medications for those cut off from aid. Her mission was simple: “Figure out who needs what and where.”

Reflecting on the crisis, Turner credits USC Nursing’s FNP program for giving her the skills and confidence to navigate such a disaster. "The College of Nursing gave me all the tools I needed," she says, "they were my compass."

Healing after Helene

Now, as Asheville rebuilds, Turner is back at Blue Ridge Health, caring for children, providing acute care, and ensuring her community remains strong and healthy. But to those she helped in the wake of Helene, she will always be more than a nurse practitioner—she’ll be a hero.