Raquel has a gift for caring for others, and this has been evident in the care that she has provided to countless patients and their families at Ochsner Kenner. I witnessed one of the most kind and compassionate acts that I have ever witnessed in my time as a nurse. Raquel and I were helping care for a patient on the telemetry floor who was actively dying. Due to certain circumstances, the patient's family was not present at the bedside, and the patient was alone. Toward the end of the shift, I went to the telemetry floor to check on the patient, and when I entered the room, I found Raquel alone at the bedside with the patient. The room was quiet, aside from some gentle music playing, and I saw Raquel sitting next to the patient’s bed. She was holding his hand, praying with him, and comforting him. Although her shift had ended a few hours prior, Raquel stayed with the patient so he would not be alone in his final moments. She worked with his bedside nurse and his attending provider to ensure he was comfortable, and his needs were met. Raquel coordinated with the hospital chaplain to ensure his spiritual needs were addressed by having a priest come to his bedside.

Raquel has shown an unwavering commitment to her patients and their families, going above and beyond to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. Raquel’s selfless actions have impacted the lives of so many, including mine. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work alongside Raquel, and I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Award.