Rachel Kotsmith
May 2026
Rachel
Kotsmith
,
RN
Birth Center
CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital
St. Cloud
,
MN
United States
Though we only had her for one day, her impact was lasting.
Following my C-section, Rachel cared for our family during the day on our second day in the hospital. Her compassion, professionalism, and attentiveness stood out immediately. 

Rachel not only provided excellent care for our newborn but also ensured my own recovery and well-being were prioritized. She consistently asked how I was doing, listened with genuine concern, and offered reassurance to both my husband and me as we navigated questions and uncertainties. Rachel demonstrated exceptional skill and sensitivity in caring for our baby.

She thoughtfully timed evaluations when our daughter was calm and handled each task with gentleness, always striving to keep her as comfortable as possible. Her ability to balance clinical efficiency with such compassion was deeply appreciated. When I began the unfamiliar process of pumping, Rachel was instrumental in guiding me through it. She offered clear instructions, encouragement, and support that made a potentially overwhelming task feel manageable.

Throughout our interactions, Rachel anticipated our needs, responded promptly, and ensured we felt heard and cared for at every step. It was clear to us that Rachel approaches her role with dedication, empathy, and excellence. Though we only had her for one day, her impact was lasting. Rachel exemplifies the qualities of a DAISY Award nurse—providing not only outstanding clinical care but also extraordinary compassion that makes patients and families feel safe, supported, and valued.