Our 28-year-old son went into cardiac arrest on a Monday and was stabilized at an outlying facility before being transferred to Vanderbilt. Rachel was assigned to be his nurse on the following morning, and that was just the beginning of an amazing journey. From the moment she first entered his room, she was very personable, caring, and understanding; but above all, she talked to K and treated him as if she had known him forever. Her clinical skills were outstanding and she did everything within her power to ensure he received the best care possible. Before she left her shift on Tuesday, she already seemed like part of our family. She told K it was her intent to see him through his entire stay. Thankfully Rachel was assigned to him on Wednesday and again did an amazing job clinically as well as supported us through many ups and downs. Our respect for her grew exponentially after her 2nd shift. On Thursday, we knew things were not looking good for K. Rachel never slacked in her professionalism and the care she provided. By this time, she had spent enough time with us she basically knew K and our family values as much as we did. Prior to ending her shift on Thursday, she knew what we would be facing on Friday and she was off work. She was quick to inform us that even though she was not working, she would still be there with us and K because she had promised him and us that she would see this through; and that's exactly what she did. Rachel came to the hospital Friday morning and was with us while we were making the hardest decisions of our lives. Instead of spending time with her own family, she remained with us as we continued to await final arrangements for organ recipients. Rachel stayed by our side and joined us in the honor walk as they rolled K to the OR at midnight to harvest his organs and tissues. Having a patient whose mother is a nursing director, sister and fiancée as nurses and a father in law enforcement must have been very difficult for her but she never once skipped a beat. Rachel exemplifies each and every quality of a perfect nurse. We told her several times throughout K's hospital stay how much she was appreciated and how it was obvious that she answered her calling of being a nurse.
In retrospect, the only thing I would wish to have been any different would be that we could have had her at our side 24/7 and that she had known K prior to his hospitalization. While all the staff was excellent, Rachel was just the special person that we needed during the most difficult days of our lives. Had it not been for her dedication, persistence, and holistic care; K most likely would not have been able to provide the gift of life to 6 organ recipients in the early hours of Saturday morning. Rachel didn't stop giving of herself at the end of K's hospitalization. She also attended the funeral and continues to support us all.