July 2026 Honoree
Rochelle Pacheco, RN, BSN, CNOR
I am honored to commend Rochelle Pacheco because she exemplifies the very best of perioperative nursing. She is not only an exceptional OR nurse, but also an inspiring leader, mentor, and teammate who has had a lasting impact on both my professional growth and our team.
As my preceptor, Rochelle has challenged me every day to become a stronger, safer, and more confident operating room nurse. She holds me to a high standard because she genuinely cares about developing competent nurses who provide excellent patient care. While she has taught me the technical skills and critical thinking required in the OR, the greatest lessons she has taught me cannot be found in a textbook.
One moment that will always stay with me happened when our scheduled case was unexpectedly moved to a later time. Like anyone else, Rochelle could have taken the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break. Instead, without hesitation, she looked around the board and said, “I’ll help out the other nurses. That’s what we’re here for.” We spent the next hour and a half relieving nurses for breaks and stepping into different operating rooms wherever help was needed. Watching Rochelle seamlessly walk into unfamiliar rooms, quickly assess each case, and provide meaningful support taught me far more than how to relieve another nurse during surgery. She showed me what true teamwork looks like. She taught me that being an outstanding OR nurse means supporting your colleagues just as much as caring for your patient.
Rochelle demonstrated that leadership isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about consistently choosing to help others, even when no one is asking and even when you could choose to put yourself first. That experience completely changed the way I view teamwork in the operating room. Rochelle didn’t just teach me the mechanics of circulating or how to manage a case. She taught me the importance of stepping up, being dependable, and recognizing that every act of support strengthens the entire team. Because of her example, I know that one day I will strive to do the same for others.
The respect Rochelle has earned throughout the department speaks for itself. Time and time again, I have watched colleagues seek her guidance, trust her judgment, and appreciate her willingness to help without hesitation. She consistently puts the needs of the team before her own, creating a culture where everyone feels supported. Her kindness, professionalism, and dedication are evident in every interaction.
Rochelle embodies the values of the DAISY Award through her compassion, humility, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She has made me a better nurse, and I know I am only one of many people whose career she has positively influenced. Our patients benefit from her expertise, our staff benefits from her generosity, and our department is stronger because of her presence. Rochelle Pacheco is an extraordinary perioperative nurse who leads through her actions every single day.
As my preceptor, Rochelle has challenged me every day to become a stronger, safer, and more confident operating room nurse. She holds me to a high standard because she genuinely cares about developing competent nurses who provide excellent patient care. While she has taught me the technical skills and critical thinking required in the OR, the greatest lessons she has taught me cannot be found in a textbook.
One moment that will always stay with me happened when our scheduled case was unexpectedly moved to a later time. Like anyone else, Rochelle could have taken the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break. Instead, without hesitation, she looked around the board and said, “I’ll help out the other nurses. That’s what we’re here for.” We spent the next hour and a half relieving nurses for breaks and stepping into different operating rooms wherever help was needed. Watching Rochelle seamlessly walk into unfamiliar rooms, quickly assess each case, and provide meaningful support taught me far more than how to relieve another nurse during surgery. She showed me what true teamwork looks like. She taught me that being an outstanding OR nurse means supporting your colleagues just as much as caring for your patient.
Rochelle demonstrated that leadership isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about consistently choosing to help others, even when no one is asking and even when you could choose to put yourself first. That experience completely changed the way I view teamwork in the operating room. Rochelle didn’t just teach me the mechanics of circulating or how to manage a case. She taught me the importance of stepping up, being dependable, and recognizing that every act of support strengthens the entire team. Because of her example, I know that one day I will strive to do the same for others.
The respect Rochelle has earned throughout the department speaks for itself. Time and time again, I have watched colleagues seek her guidance, trust her judgment, and appreciate her willingness to help without hesitation. She consistently puts the needs of the team before her own, creating a culture where everyone feels supported. Her kindness, professionalism, and dedication are evident in every interaction.
Rochelle embodies the values of the DAISY Award through her compassion, humility, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She has made me a better nurse, and I know I am only one of many people whose career she has positively influenced. Our patients benefit from her expertise, our staff benefits from her generosity, and our department is stronger because of her presence. Rochelle Pacheco is an extraordinary perioperative nurse who leads through her actions every single day.
Thank you, Rochelle, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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