The Texas Nursing Association (TNA) recently announced that North Texas Medical Center (NTMC) Chief Clinical Officer Bonnie Hess has received the 2026 TNA 25 Outstanding Texas Nurses Award.
Hess was selected by the TNA Awards Committee after reviewing more than 240 nominations.
This award recognizes the contributions of registered nurses in Texas. These nurses have worked to create a culture of care, played a vital role in supporting health and wellness, and contributed to innovation and their communities.
Hess has served as NTMC’s Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Clinical Officer since 2021. Throughout a career spanning nearly 30 years, she has earned a reputation as a progressive executive who prioritizes operational efficiency, clinical excellence, and compassionate care.
During her tenure, NTMC underwent a significant transformation, elevating its CMS rating from 2 stars to a prestigious 5-star designation for patient satisfaction and quality. This achievement distinguishes NTMC as one of only two acute care facilities in Texas to reach this benchmark. Under her direction, the hospital has also been named to Becker’s Top 100 Community Hospitals for 2025 and 2026, and to Forbes’ Top Community Hospitals in 2025.
Hess’ leadership is informed by deep clinical roots, with 15 years specializing in maternal-fetal health and mentorship at Baylor Scott & White. She started at NTMC in 2012 as a labor and delivery RN, then became the Director of Nursing for the Women’s Center in 2019. In these capacities, she secured the hospital’s inaugural Maternal Designation from the State of Texas and spearheaded vital safety protocols, including a Neonatal Code Blue Policy and a comprehensive Hemorrhage Safety bundle.
She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis on Hospital Administration and is a certified CIHQ Healthcare Accreditation professional. Her specialized credentials include Inpatient Obstetric Nursing, and her professional contributions have been recognized with the DAISY Award, the Dan Wilford Award for Compassion and Community Service, and inclusion in Becker’s 2025 “CNOs to Know” list.
In addition to her clinical and executive responsibilities, Bonnie is an active advocate for regional healthcare. She contributes her expertise to the North Central Texas College Nursing School advisory board and partners with local emergency services and government officials to enhance healthcare standards throughout the community.
Hess and the other award winners will be recognized at the Texas Nurses Foundation Gala on June 11 at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine.
