Rachel has helped our family in so many ways, but this is one example of how she extends herself when someone needs extra help. Last Saturday night, my husband and I were 3 hours away from my mother and Rachel, who was not on call, went over to my mom's home, took care of her until the ambulance could come and take her to the hospital and kept us updated as to what was happening while we made our trip to the emergency room. She is an angel!

...

Thank you so very much for the outstanding services provided to my aunt by the staff of Holy Family Memorial Home Care. The enclosed letter to Rachel is intended to briefly outline her extraordinary nursing care.

Dear Rachel,

With this "thank you" from VSO, I also wanted to include a note of appreciation for the extraordinary nursing care that you provided to my aunt. From the first moment that I met you, after my aunt was discharged from the hospital and admitted to the Lodge, I knew that she had an exceptional home health nurse.

As you did a very thorough initial assessment, you asked my aunt about her concerns. When she answered that her toe nail needed attention, you immediately sat at her feet and took care of the toe nail while continuing your gentle conversation regarding her accident and her other major health care needs. Managing through my aunt's short term memory problems and difficulty hearing, you skillfully gathered the information you needed.

These same communication skills were applied when you taught my aunt how she could become more independent and about the health care options that were available to her. Your respectful manner of interaction was always evident, as you cared for my aunt, advised the Lodge staff of her needs and informed me of her changing status.

As a clinician, you were vigilant about potential side effects of her medication and potential complications regarding her health. Furthermore, you took appropriate actions to contact other health care professionals when additional medical evaluation was indicated. Your diligent practices regarding all aspects of infection control, always a challenge in a home care setting, were critical to her care. The fact that my aunt, with a significant open wound, did not acquire an infection is absolute evidence of your effective effort.

My personal nursing career has provided me with many opportunities, including roles such as a director of nursing in a hospital setting and a nurse educator at the university level. These varied facets of my professional life have enabled me to evaluate many nurses. Beyond a doubt, Rachel, you are among the very best professional nurses that I have encountered.