My husband worked on this unit 10 years before he had to step down due to disability. He knew most of his caregivers in October 2024, but Raquel was his nurse for all 4 days then. He was instantly put at ease, knowing the high-quality care and attention she had provided to all her patients for years. As a wife, I was worried. He told me not to worry, that “Raquel knows her stuff”. She was amazing! Got him tucked in and cared for immediately when he arrived in the room after surgery. She was great at including him in his plan of care and consulting with doctors when his pain medication orders were not right.

Later, when he was still in a lot of pain, she suggested a muscle relaxer as she could feel how tight the muscles in his thigh were. Once the pain was less and his muscles were more relaxed, she ensured that all his post-op moving and grooving occurred. After his first meal in bed right after surgery, she helped him up to a chair for every meal. By the second day, he was in the chair all day. She answered his call light quickly and helped him to the bathroom multiple times. I offered to change the bed, but she wouldn’t hear of it. She fluffed pillows and retrieved drinks. She sat and chatted with us numerous times. Her care really made a difference for him and for me. I stayed the first night because I didn’t want to miss the morning activities, including doctor rounds and breakfast, hygiene, etc.

I went home on the 2nd night, as I knew he was in great care. She brought comfort and peace to both of us. Yesterday, as I walked on the unit towards his room before his arrival, I saw his nurse sitting and charting outside. I stopped before entering to say hello, and she turned with the biggest grin, saying, "Hi!" With such joy. I was so relieved to see it was her again. We talked for about 10 minutes. She updated me on his PACU stay. It was like seeing an old friend. She didn’t know that I had cried and broken down in holding as I had 2 nurses helping me with his belongings in the chaos of him heading out. By the time we were done after a few seconds, he was already gone! They took him without warning, and I didn’t get to say goodbye or give a kiss before surgery. I was very upset that it had happened that way.

Raquel telling me how well he was doing allowed me to put that situation behind me. When I entered the room, she had it all set up already, just the way he likes it. The whiteboard was completely filled out, including my name and number. She had inspirational messages all over the bathroom glass wall. When my husband arrived, still groggy, he immediately noticed the room and then lit up when he saw her. He said, looked at Raquel, and told her he was happy to see her and that he was glad to be ‘home’ in his room and with her. She had already ordered him his dinner-she remembered his favorite! Cheeseburger, fries, and diet Minute Maid lemonade plus a touch of chocolate. She quickly got his medications in order after realizing they weren’t showing as ordered. She got him a muscle relaxer again, and he was quickly comfortable. This time, I went home to sleep.

If any nurse deserves this award, it is Raquel. She was everything a nurse can be: caring, compassionate, professional, and friendly, plus she came with amazing critical thinking and assessment skills. Thank you, Raquel! You have made a difference to us! We will never forget you.