Rachael Suazo
May 2022
Rachael
Suazo
,
RN, BSN, OCN
Surgical Oncology
Sky Ridge Medical Center
Lone Tree
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

She lives, sleeps, and breathes caring for the people in her charge including her nurses, the patients on the unit, and her colleagues.
Rachael Suazo is the 2022 DAISY Nurse Leader for countless reasons, including her ability to be a role model for her staff, to create a safe and nurturing environment for her team and in the facility, and to motivate others to be their best.

In 2008, Rachael joined Sky Ridge as a traveler and knew she had found her home away from home on the Medical-Oncology Unit. She worked her way up the leadership ladder by first hiring on as a Sky Ridge employee, then serving as relief charge and being asked to be a permanent CNC for the unit. In 2013, Rach applied for the role as interim manager and it was a good fit. She was dedicated to the unit, could see the benefit of growing young nurses, and was an expert on the unit. In 2014 her title as manager became official. Rachael’s love and care for her patients and team led to her obtaining the role of Director of Surgical Oncology in 2018, a year later she also acquired leadership over the infusion team.

Rachael is a true servant leader and role model for both her staff and her colleagues. She is a steady force on the Nursing Leadership team; helping guide new leaders and providing a safe space and sounding board for those she leads. Rachael truly walks the talk- always willing to pitch in and help problem solve and provide support. The best way to describe Rachael as a leader is that she is a people’s person and she leads from every fiber of her heart. She lives, sleeps, and breathes caring for the people in her charge including her nurses, the patients on the unit, and her colleagues. When you have even the briefest conversation with her, you can feel how, in that moment, Rachael is solely invested in you. She has a keen ability to know the emotional needs of those around her and how to guide them towards success while uncovering that person’s strengths.

Rachael effortlessly focuses on her staff by providing compassionate support, coaching, and development so her staff are driven to be the best that they can be. Rachael makes every person she interacts with feel like a valuable part of the team and recognizes the unique strengths that they bring to their patients and colleagues.