Rachel Monheit
September 2025
Rachel
Monheit
,
MSN, RN
Labor and Delivery
Banner University Medical Center - Tucson
Tucson
,
AZ
United States
Her ability to balance medical expertise with compassion made me feel truly cared for—not just as a patient, but as a person.
1st Nomination
We were so lucky to have Rachel as our labor and delivery nurse. From the moment she came on shift, she brought a vibrant calmness into our room that immediately steadied our nerves and made us feel like we were in the best possible hands.
My wife is an anxious person by nature, and labor amplified every worry. She was worried that she’d be sent home too early, that something was wrong with her progress, that the epidural wasn’t working right, that her IV would have to be redone after a painful attempt. Rachel met every one of those fears with empathy, confidence, and grace. She didn’t dismiss them. She listened, reassured, explained, encouraged, and truly cared. It’s hard to explain how much relief that brings in a moment when you feel vulnerable and overwhelmed. Rachel made it personal.
She got to know us, joked with us, and made us laugh. We had inside jokes by the end of the shift. She made us feel like people, not just patients. And she was clearly invested. She told us she wanted to meet our baby on her shift, and she meant it. She sweet-talked the doctors into prioritizing us without ever making us feel rushed. She advocated for us. She coached us and taught the residents simultaneously. She was a master class in bedside manner. She recommended a position change that took us from 5cm to 10cm in what felt like a miracle.
She stayed past her shift, over an hour, just to help with postpartum and make sure she was the one who got to transfer us. That meant so much. Rachel is someone who obviously loves what she does and is exceptional at it. We don’t plan on having more kids, but I genuinely hope we cross paths with her again. The world is a better place with Rachel in it, and I know every patient who gets her leaves better for it.
2nd Nomination
During my third delivery, I had the privilege of being cared for by Rachel, who was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very beginning, she was compassionate, attentive, and consistently kept me informed throughout the process. As a nurse with over 10 years of experience, I was deeply impressed by her professionalism, clinical proficiency, and genuine kindness.
During labor, we faced a frightening complication, and Rachel was right by my side, guiding me through every step of the ordeal. She was attentive to the emerging needs of the situation, quick with her responses, and precise in following directions from my OB to help ensure our safety. She not only reassured me but also made sure my husband was included and supported, which meant so much to us both.
Her ability to balance medical expertise with compassion made me feel truly cared for—not just as a patient, but as a person. In contrast to my past birth experiences, Rachel made me feel that my well-being and my baby’s well-being were truly a priority. She knew the delicate balance of allowing me to rest while also making sure I never felt forgotten in the room.
She offered thoughtful suggestions to help move my labor along, assisted me with positioning using the peanut ball, and made sure to call and update the obstetrician team as needed. She even came to check on us the following day in the mom-and-baby unit, which showed the depth of her dedication and the genuine investment she had in our family’s care.
What amazed me most is that Rachel shared she had only about a year of nursing experience—something I would never have guessed. She carried herself with the confidence, skill, and grace of a seasoned nurse. She was a fierce advocate for me and my growing family, and I know she will continue to touch the lives of countless mothers in the same way.
We were so lucky to have Rachel as our labor and delivery nurse. From the moment she came on shift, she brought a vibrant calmness into our room that immediately steadied our nerves and made us feel like we were in the best possible hands.
My wife is an anxious person by nature, and labor amplified every worry. She was worried that she’d be sent home too early, that something was wrong with her progress, that the epidural wasn’t working right, that her IV would have to be redone after a painful attempt. Rachel met every one of those fears with empathy, confidence, and grace. She didn’t dismiss them. She listened, reassured, explained, encouraged, and truly cared. It’s hard to explain how much relief that brings in a moment when you feel vulnerable and overwhelmed. Rachel made it personal.
She got to know us, joked with us, and made us laugh. We had inside jokes by the end of the shift. She made us feel like people, not just patients. And she was clearly invested. She told us she wanted to meet our baby on her shift, and she meant it. She sweet-talked the doctors into prioritizing us without ever making us feel rushed. She advocated for us. She coached us and taught the residents simultaneously. She was a master class in bedside manner. She recommended a position change that took us from 5cm to 10cm in what felt like a miracle.
She stayed past her shift, over an hour, just to help with postpartum and make sure she was the one who got to transfer us. That meant so much. Rachel is someone who obviously loves what she does and is exceptional at it. We don’t plan on having more kids, but I genuinely hope we cross paths with her again. The world is a better place with Rachel in it, and I know every patient who gets her leaves better for it.
2nd Nomination
During my third delivery, I had the privilege of being cared for by Rachel, who was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very beginning, she was compassionate, attentive, and consistently kept me informed throughout the process. As a nurse with over 10 years of experience, I was deeply impressed by her professionalism, clinical proficiency, and genuine kindness.
During labor, we faced a frightening complication, and Rachel was right by my side, guiding me through every step of the ordeal. She was attentive to the emerging needs of the situation, quick with her responses, and precise in following directions from my OB to help ensure our safety. She not only reassured me but also made sure my husband was included and supported, which meant so much to us both.
Her ability to balance medical expertise with compassion made me feel truly cared for—not just as a patient, but as a person. In contrast to my past birth experiences, Rachel made me feel that my well-being and my baby’s well-being were truly a priority. She knew the delicate balance of allowing me to rest while also making sure I never felt forgotten in the room.
She offered thoughtful suggestions to help move my labor along, assisted me with positioning using the peanut ball, and made sure to call and update the obstetrician team as needed. She even came to check on us the following day in the mom-and-baby unit, which showed the depth of her dedication and the genuine investment she had in our family’s care.
What amazed me most is that Rachel shared she had only about a year of nursing experience—something I would never have guessed. She carried herself with the confidence, skill, and grace of a seasoned nurse. She was a fierce advocate for me and my growing family, and I know she will continue to touch the lives of countless mothers in the same way.