The 5 Best Nurses Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

From hospital floors to specialty clinics, the region's nurses are more than just caregivers. They’re collaborators, advocates and often the first point of calm when things get complicated. These nursing professionals were singled out by the community for their experience and empathy in the Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

Samantha Read – Tahoe Forest

Samantha Read brings clinical experience and a steady demeanor to her work with patients at Tahoe Forest. As part of a team serving a diverse community, she’s known for combining efficient care with personal attention. According to her colleagues, Read has a particular knack for anticipating patient needs — sometimes before they’re voiced. Her work reflects a thoughtful balance of science and sensitivity, making her a consistent resource for both peers and patients alike. Whether she’s preparing a patient for surgery or explaining a discharge plan to a family, Read remains focused on clarity and comfort.

Kristen Lane – TFHD

At Tahoe Forest Health System, Kristen Lane has developed a reputation for reliability, clear communication and a calm, methodical approach. She doesn’t just administer care — she builds trust, both with patients and within the broader care team. Her background includes roles in emergency care and inpatient services, giving her a wide lens on the challenges that come with living and healing in a mountain environment. Whether responding to an acute issue or guiding long-term recovery, she’s known for meeting moments of stress with clinical precision and human warmth.

Chris Hess – Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

In orthopedics and sports medicine, timing and precision matter. So does empathy. Chris Hess understands this intersection well. Working with patients recovering from injury or surgery, Hess provides support that goes beyond physical healing. He’s part of a team that helps active residents — skiers, cyclists, hikers and weekend warriors — get back to what they love. But he also brings a deeper layer to his care: he listens closely, respects the pace of each recovery and helps patients navigate setbacks with dignity. His role isn’t just technical. It’s personal.

Thanks, ChatGPT.