Rachel was my nurse for a few days of my 5 day stay in the burn unit at Harborview. Because of my burn injuries, I had a unique challenge for the nursing staff because I couldn't take a regular shower to wash my body and my long hair. Rachel sensed my anxiousness about being clean every day before the doctors made their morning wound rounds.

Between the difficulty of remaining mobile to use the bathroom and keeping positive is when Rachel helped me so much. She spoke to me so tenderly with genuine concern for my well-being, which made me feel so cared for, especially since my family was not able to visit me but once during my entire stay. I truly am so grateful for her caring, concerning and devotion to my special physical and mental needs as I began to heal from my wounds.

She gave me options for my hygiene care which turned out to be so therapeutic for my whole well-being. It felt so wonderful to have my body washed with warm water and have my hair washed in the tank room. Rachel went above and beyond her call of duty to make sure my needs were being addressed. She checked on me after to make sure I was comfortable. She made time to talk to me every day to see how I was doing. I never got to thank her properly for her love and care for me during my stay at the hospital.

She deserves the DAISY Award because patients will be better off for experiencing her wonderful care. When I asked why she chose nursing as a profession she told me it was something she always knew she wanted to do, because she likes to care for people. That is so true about her and it shows in her work.