When my dad came to the hospital, I was so scared and the territory was so uncharted. The staff were all helpful, but one nurse specifically stood out to me, Rachel Farrar. Two weeks prior, I myself was diagnosed with an aneurysm, and was waiting on a call to find out what to do next. Scary is to say the least. Additionally, at this time, my daughter moved out for her Freshman year of college. Throw into the mix a son with Down Syndrome, I was overwhelmed and scared I was seeing my dad's last days in front of my eyes. My emotions were very raw, and I felt insecure in so many ways. I stayed 7-8 nights straight in the unit with my dad, and Rachel made certain I felt comfortable emotionally and physically had my needs met.

She was extremely attentive to my dad, who at the time I was faced with the questions of palliative care etc. I was hearing different opinions, and feeling fear. Rachel continued to reassure me without in any way guiding my decisions. She was the exact support I needed. I believe she even switched a shift with another employee to help us have that comforting bond we were relying on from her. She simultaneously was very attentive to responding to her other patients, but most importantly, never once made me feel like a bother. I additionally found out she is a newer nurse to the profession, and can only imagine after years under her belt she will be the nurse of the year!

I most definitely believe she deserves recognition, which is why I'm taking time today to nominate her. I'll be honest- I'm currently exhausted and am on constant duty for my dad's hospice, so writing this was one more thing-- HOWEVER I say that because that is how important it is to me she gets recognized. That I take this time to nominate her. I was so happy with the treatments my dad received at Southeast, and am grateful we had Rachel Farrar on the journey.