Rachel has been a full time RN at Rhode Island Hospital for over 6 years. Her career path has excelled over the past few years from med-surg to critical care. Rachel has and continues to be an immeasurable asset to the Cardio- Thoracic Intensive Care Unit. 

Recently, a patient named Mr. Z was admitted to CTIC who fell ill with many post-op complications following his open-heart surgery. While everyone on the unit took part in caring for Mr. Z, Rachel Lussier happens to be the Nurse who had spent the most countless hours with Mr. Z and his family. Though all of us cared for him, there must be recognition given to the one person who went above and beyond each shift, as a whole, the CTIC staff felt this person was Rachel. She showed him a level of care and compassion that is above and beyond the usual.

At times, he was emotional, frustrated even confused while also being mostly non-verbal. Rachel encouraged him, consoled him, and tried to make him feel understood all while creating a strong relationship with his wife and son. Rachel showed Mr. Z’s family the same level of patience and compassion. As his illness progressed into multisystem organ failure and his fragile skin deteriorated, Rachel always went out her way to make him as comfortable as possible. Rachel continued to care for him when many other nurses would have needed a break. She was there for the family and the patient as they made the decision to transition him to comfort measures only, and when he passed. We believe Rachel deserves to be acknowledged for her dedication, kindness, and compassionate care she exhibited to Mr. Z as well as his family.