Due to the severity of my condition I needed multiple rounds of CPR and 4 external shocks from the AED as my heart had stopped beating completely and no part of my body, including my brain, was receiving oxygen. In medical terms, this is classified or diagnosed as Sudden Cardiac Death. If a person is to have Sudden Cardiac Death occur while outside of the hospital, the chance of survival is less than 6%. Of the 6% of persons who survive this event, less than 1% walk out of the hospital in less than a week without any neurological deficits. The care I received in the hospital from Rachel, the other nurses, staff, and Doctors helped me be one of those 1% who walked out of the hospital in 5 days with no neurological effects. While I was in the hospital, there wasn’t a day that went by where one of my nurses, doctors, or friends told me “You are so lucky." The care I received at the hospital from Rachel who put up with my smart-ass Irish mouth and sense of humor and who gave me just as much grief and bantering in a positive upbeat and fun way helped my healing process. The humor and one-line comebacks that we exchanged and shared during my stay made me feel right at home and comfortable. If it weren't for the excellent care I received pre-hospital and hospital stay, my family would have been planning my funeral instead of planning my hospital discharge. Today, less than 1 month after having experienced Sudden Cardiac Death, I am back in the gym doing cardio workouts, lifting weights, and even recently have started swimming in the pool again. I am alive today and will get to experience many more important moments including walking my daughter down the aisle this year. There is without a doubt, no way to truly say thank you for the excellent care I received from Rachel. Knowing how important nurses are as my two grandmothers were ER nurses, my aunt is a nurse, and my daughter is a nurse pursuing her DNP. WE need more nurses of Rachel's caliber in the field to provide the care, and knowledge and have the disposition to treat each and every patient as an individual which she did with me. She is a true DAISY Nurse. 

Note: This is Rachel's 2nd DAISY Award!