Rachel Life
May 2025
Rachel
Life
,
BSN, RN
Labor and Delivery
AdventHealth Altamonte Springs
Altamonte Springs
,
FL
United States
Even in difficult situations when there is a grief-stricken family, Rachel comforts the families and offers resources to help them during their time of loss. While she may not tell others what she does, her team knows, and her patients are reassured that “she’s got them” even when it may seem scary.
On behalf of our nursing team, we would like to nominate Rachel Life for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. This nurse leader has been with the organization for over 11 years. Prior to joining the Altamonte campus, this Nurse Manager worked as a bedside nurse and was a night shift nurse leader. Even though Rachel connects with her team often, her commitment to her team far surpasses most leaders. Despite several newly hired nurses, many of them had not started on the unit yet or were not yet off from orientation. Without a second thought, Rachel not only stepped in to cover the charge nurse role, but she would not leave until she knew her team and her patients were safe. Even after working all day, Rachel would stay all night in the hospital, making sure to support her team. On several occasions, instead of going home, she would catch a quick nap so as not to leave the team alone. Before leaving in the morning, she would even send herself and her director the end-of-shift report to ensure no gaps in care!
Due to the unpredictability of the unit, Rachel would tell the night ANM or relief charge nurse, if you need me, call me, and I will come in. When she is called at 3am when help is needed, she would get her scrubs on and tell them, “I’m on my way in.” It is not unusual to see Rachel jumping in as a triage nurse, labor nurse, or scrub tech. Whether it’s an emergency c-section or a baby in distress, Rachel runs to the emergency to take care of the patient (even if it means jumping on the bed, providing suprapubic pressure, or holding in a prolapsing cord). Some leaders may talk about what they do, but Rachel jumps in, takes action, and doesn’t tell anyone. Even in difficult situations when there is a grief-stricken family, Rachel comforts the families and offers resources to help them during their time of loss. While she may not tell others what she does, her team knows, and her patients are reassured that “she’s got them” even when it may seem scary.
While her unwavering commitment may be put to the test lately, her dedication is evident by driving back and forth from her home in Merritt Island every day. She has made many sacrifices of family time, home cooked dinners, and a good night’s sleep knowing that her unit needed her. We are blessed to have a dedicated servant leader like Rachel for her continued excellence and compassion she demonstrates each and every day…(and night!)
Due to the unpredictability of the unit, Rachel would tell the night ANM or relief charge nurse, if you need me, call me, and I will come in. When she is called at 3am when help is needed, she would get her scrubs on and tell them, “I’m on my way in.” It is not unusual to see Rachel jumping in as a triage nurse, labor nurse, or scrub tech. Whether it’s an emergency c-section or a baby in distress, Rachel runs to the emergency to take care of the patient (even if it means jumping on the bed, providing suprapubic pressure, or holding in a prolapsing cord). Some leaders may talk about what they do, but Rachel jumps in, takes action, and doesn’t tell anyone. Even in difficult situations when there is a grief-stricken family, Rachel comforts the families and offers resources to help them during their time of loss. While she may not tell others what she does, her team knows, and her patients are reassured that “she’s got them” even when it may seem scary.
While her unwavering commitment may be put to the test lately, her dedication is evident by driving back and forth from her home in Merritt Island every day. She has made many sacrifices of family time, home cooked dinners, and a good night’s sleep knowing that her unit needed her. We are blessed to have a dedicated servant leader like Rachel for her continued excellence and compassion she demonstrates each and every day…(and night!)