Rachael
Makrinos
February 2026
Rachael
Makrinos
,
MSN, RN, CMSRN
UPMC Washington School of Nursing
Washington
,
PA
United States
Rachael Makrinos helped me tremendously on and off the clinical floor. She went above and beyond for us. She understood what we were going through as students and would adjust to fit our individual needs. She would explain stuff on the clinical floor, while also making us critically think.
Rachael would always make sure that we were ok and help us overcome barriers. She would also lead by example during patient interactions and help us understand what we should be doing in situations. She is caring, smart, and shows empathy to everyone.
***
Rachael Makrinos deserves this recognition for her extraordinary ability to bridge the gap between complex theory, bedside practice, and patient advocacy. It is hard to narrow down one particular experience because she is the embodiment of nursing excellence. In the clinical setting, she demonstrates a level of critical thinking and technical precision that one truly aspires to achieve.
She also isn't afraid to get her hands dirty when her expertise is needed. She did not just teach us how to be nurses; she taught us how to be advocates. Her ability to model deep empathy for patients while maintaining rigorous academic standards has fundamentally shaped my identity as a future health care professional. She also has a unique talent for deconstructing difficult concepts like acid-based imbalance or hepatobiliary disorders and making them accessible to every student.
By setting a high bar for excellence and providing the hands-on guidance to help us reach it, she ensures that we graduate not just as students, but as safe, competent, and highly skilled nurses. I owe her the biggest thank you, and I am absolutely positive that she will have the same impact on future nursing students.
***
Rachael Makrinos never gave up on me, even when I struggled or doubted myself. She pushed me to grow while still providing patience, honesty, and genuine care. On the floor, she never once said “ew” or backed away from anything. Instead, she jumped right in and turned every situation into a learning opportunity.
She intentionally chose the “extra” patients so we could gain real knowledge and hands-on experience, rather than just take the easy assignments. She always kept it real, provided extra support when I needed it most, and believed in my potential even when I didn't. Her impact has shaped my confidence and growth as a future nurse.
Rachael would always make sure that we were ok and help us overcome barriers. She would also lead by example during patient interactions and help us understand what we should be doing in situations. She is caring, smart, and shows empathy to everyone.
***
Rachael Makrinos deserves this recognition for her extraordinary ability to bridge the gap between complex theory, bedside practice, and patient advocacy. It is hard to narrow down one particular experience because she is the embodiment of nursing excellence. In the clinical setting, she demonstrates a level of critical thinking and technical precision that one truly aspires to achieve.
She also isn't afraid to get her hands dirty when her expertise is needed. She did not just teach us how to be nurses; she taught us how to be advocates. Her ability to model deep empathy for patients while maintaining rigorous academic standards has fundamentally shaped my identity as a future health care professional. She also has a unique talent for deconstructing difficult concepts like acid-based imbalance or hepatobiliary disorders and making them accessible to every student.
By setting a high bar for excellence and providing the hands-on guidance to help us reach it, she ensures that we graduate not just as students, but as safe, competent, and highly skilled nurses. I owe her the biggest thank you, and I am absolutely positive that she will have the same impact on future nursing students.
***
Rachael Makrinos never gave up on me, even when I struggled or doubted myself. She pushed me to grow while still providing patience, honesty, and genuine care. On the floor, she never once said “ew” or backed away from anything. Instead, she jumped right in and turned every situation into a learning opportunity.
She intentionally chose the “extra” patients so we could gain real knowledge and hands-on experience, rather than just take the easy assignments. She always kept it real, provided extra support when I needed it most, and believed in my potential even when I didn't. Her impact has shaped my confidence and growth as a future nurse.