I knew Rachel genuinely cared about me, not just as a patient, but as a person. Being a retired juvenile probation officer, I have a sixthsense about people and their motives. She monitored my pain level (which was severe) and gave me medication when appropriate. We talked and, more importantly, she listened to me. She asked me pertinent questions about how I got my pancreatitis and what my plans were to battle my alcoholism. She offered suggestions for programs offered by the VA. One day, after listening to my heart and lungs, she came in with a breathing exercise device, she instructed me in its use and said it was because she heard a "wheezing" sound and saw on my chart that I had pneumonia a few weeks before. It helped immensely!
Rachel exemplifies every ICARE principle (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence) to the fullest. She is an angel of mercy and I will never forget her.