August 2026 Honoree
Marci Free, BSN, RN
In a single week, I witnessed Marci exemplify Intermountain’s values of clinical excellence, empathy, and partnership in health in ways that deeply impacted patients, families, and our team.
Marci first demonstrated exceptional clinical excellence and advocacy when a patient presented to triage for the second day in a row. While reviewing the chart, Marci identified a critical lab value that placed the patient at high risk—something that had been overlooked the day prior. Recognizing the potential danger to both mother and baby, Marci spoke up immediately and advocated with the on-call physician to keep the patient and proceed with delivery. Her clinical judgment and willingness to act ensured this patient received the safest care at the right time.
Just days later, Marci provided profoundly compassionate care to a patient experiencing a full-term stillbirth. She intentionally positioned herself at the back desk so she could remain fully dedicated to this family throughout the day. With quiet strength and deep empathy, Marci supported the patient and her husband through her grief, honoring their loss with dignity, patience, and presence. She also thoughtfully gathered food and snacks for the extended family who had come to surround them with love, recognizing that care extends beyond clinical tasks. Her kindness brought comfort in a moment when words were insufficient.
Marci also consistently shows up as a partner to her team. During a staff meeting about a new staffing matrix, she chose collaboration over complaint, offering thoughtful, creative solutions to help our unit meet new expectations while maintaining safe, high-quality patient care. Her leadership elevates those around her.
Marci is a nurse whose compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering support make a lasting difference. I am always grateful to work alongside her, knowing our patients and team are in the best hands.
Marci’s actions create meaningful, lasting impact for patients, families, and the entire team. Her ability to recognize a high-risk lab value and advocate for delivery directly impacted the safety and outcome for both mother and baby. By catching what had previously been overlooked and confidently escalating concerns to the provider, Marci helped ensure timely, appropriate care and reduced the risk of serious complications. Her vigilance reinforces a culture of safety where patients benefit from nurses who are empowered to speak up.
During the care of a patient experiencing a full-term stillbirth, Marci’s impact was profoundly human. Her intentional presence and emotional availability provided comfort during one of the most devastating moments a family can experience. By creating space for grief, honoring the family’s needs, and caring for extended loved ones through small but thoughtful acts, Marci helped transform an unbearable experience into one marked by dignity, compassion, and support. Families will remember not just the loss, but the kindness and respect with which they were treated.
Marci’s influence also strengthens the team and unit culture. Her solution-focused approach during staffing discussions encourages collaboration, reduces burnout, and helps maintain safe patient care during change. Her leadership fosters trust, morale, and resilience among colleagues.
Because of Marci, patients receive safer care, families feel deeply supported, and the team is stronger and more united.
Marci first demonstrated exceptional clinical excellence and advocacy when a patient presented to triage for the second day in a row. While reviewing the chart, Marci identified a critical lab value that placed the patient at high risk—something that had been overlooked the day prior. Recognizing the potential danger to both mother and baby, Marci spoke up immediately and advocated with the on-call physician to keep the patient and proceed with delivery. Her clinical judgment and willingness to act ensured this patient received the safest care at the right time.
Just days later, Marci provided profoundly compassionate care to a patient experiencing a full-term stillbirth. She intentionally positioned herself at the back desk so she could remain fully dedicated to this family throughout the day. With quiet strength and deep empathy, Marci supported the patient and her husband through her grief, honoring their loss with dignity, patience, and presence. She also thoughtfully gathered food and snacks for the extended family who had come to surround them with love, recognizing that care extends beyond clinical tasks. Her kindness brought comfort in a moment when words were insufficient.
Marci also consistently shows up as a partner to her team. During a staff meeting about a new staffing matrix, she chose collaboration over complaint, offering thoughtful, creative solutions to help our unit meet new expectations while maintaining safe, high-quality patient care. Her leadership elevates those around her.
Marci is a nurse whose compassion, clinical excellence, and unwavering support make a lasting difference. I am always grateful to work alongside her, knowing our patients and team are in the best hands.
Marci’s actions create meaningful, lasting impact for patients, families, and the entire team. Her ability to recognize a high-risk lab value and advocate for delivery directly impacted the safety and outcome for both mother and baby. By catching what had previously been overlooked and confidently escalating concerns to the provider, Marci helped ensure timely, appropriate care and reduced the risk of serious complications. Her vigilance reinforces a culture of safety where patients benefit from nurses who are empowered to speak up.
During the care of a patient experiencing a full-term stillbirth, Marci’s impact was profoundly human. Her intentional presence and emotional availability provided comfort during one of the most devastating moments a family can experience. By creating space for grief, honoring the family’s needs, and caring for extended loved ones through small but thoughtful acts, Marci helped transform an unbearable experience into one marked by dignity, compassion, and support. Families will remember not just the loss, but the kindness and respect with which they were treated.
Marci’s influence also strengthens the team and unit culture. Her solution-focused approach during staffing discussions encourages collaboration, reduces burnout, and helps maintain safe patient care during change. Her leadership fosters trust, morale, and resilience among colleagues.
Because of Marci, patients receive safer care, families feel deeply supported, and the team is stronger and more united.
Thank you, Marci, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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