Rachel has truly shown compassion for her veterans, along with her coworkers. Rachel volunteers to jump in when short-staffed, covering the front desk when MSA is out of the office or away. Rachel will stop anything she is doing to come talk with a veteran who has comments, concerns, or questions, regardless of their assigned team.
Rachel recently volunteered to triage a full panel of patients assigned to PACT 2/Dr. Laniewicz, due to unforeseen circumstances, made phone calls to veterans to follow up on their concerns and complaints, then relayed to MSA when to reschedule their future visit.

Rachel also recently worked very closely with me on two patients with difficult circumstances. One of the veterans had recently been facing a DUI sentence and a lack of transportation or support, as he has no family. Rachel and I continuously called the veteran to check on him and his situation, including any needs he had. With that being said, the veteran had to give up his current home due to the possible sentence of 6 months to 1 year incarceration. Rachel and I were able to arrange transportation for his Ortho Surgical appointments in Erie to be done in one day, and have DAV transportation to attend the appointments. Rachel also asked the clinical manager if we would be able or willing to store any personal and sentimental items, as he has, due to losing his home, and placing them in a storage unit. The veteran only had a necklace pendant that he did not want placed in the storage unit and wouldn't be able to keep on him during incarceration. Rachel and I arranged to obtain the pendant and placed it under lock and key until the veteran is able/wanting to get back. The veteran was sentenced and became homeless, staying in a motel. Rachel assisted me with arranging rides and ensuring he had the support due to facing homelessness and not being incarcerated. Thankfully, the veteran was able and willing to relocate to Erie due to the area's increased resources.

Rachel has also assisted another veteran who was unfortunately flagged and removed from the Crawford Clinic due to some past incidents. The veteran is up for a review to remove the flag, and truly needs a local facility to receive the injections he relies on to remain in a good mental state. Rachel was quick to volunteer and assist MSA with ordering the injection, arranging the appointment date and time, and administering the injection. The veteran returned to the front desk and relayed to me how kind she was, how he felt welcomed, and he truly appreciated the interaction. Since then, Rachel has remained on top of ensuring the current orders are in, and he has been scheduled for future injections. Rachel has been persistent in checking in and reminding the appropriate staff to place the order so that he does not fall through the cracks.

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Rachel shows compassion, humbleness, and kindness to all the veterans she comes in contact with. Many veterans will come into the clinic and know her by name.

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Rachel is an inspiration to all around her and an encouragement to a fellow coworker who wants to further my career as an RN. She has shown me that, even after the pandemic and the conflicts within the health care field, there are nurses who still carry the same compassion we saw years ago! She is truly an inspiration and a key addition to our team here in the CBOC!