Rachel T Leonard
April 2026
Rachel T
Leonard
,
BSN, RN
Family Birthing Center
Corewell Health, Trenton Hospital
Trenton
,
MI
United States
During one of the most vulnerable times of my life—while caring for a newborn and recovering from delivery—she made me feel seen, heard, and truly cared for.
I was hospitalized for postpartum preeclampsia with severe features for a total of nine days. I was initially discharged on day four, despite ongoing treatment, and my blood pressure was still not under control. I left the hospital feeling as though my symptoms were being dismissed and my concerns were not fully heard.
Only three hours after arriving home, I was readmitted because my blood pressure spiked dangerously high, requiring me to be placed on magnesium sulfate for a second time. It was an isolating and frightening experience. I ultimately spent seven consecutive days in the hospital with my blood pressure still not adequately controlled—until Rachel became my nurse.
From the moment Rachel entered my room, she demonstrated a level of expertise, experience, compassion, and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. She took the time to truly listen to my concerns and never once dismissed how I was feeling. She showed genuine empathy, understanding, and confidence in her care. What stood out most was Rachel’s exceptional attention to detail and strong advocacy for my health. She meticulously reviewed every blood pressure reading, carefully comparing them with my medication dosages and the timing of each dose. She recognized patterns that others had not.
Rachel identified that there was a consistent time each day when my blood pressure was spiking and realized that my medication regimen was not providing adequate coverage during that critical period. She advocated for and adjusted the timing of my medications in a way that helped prevent the dangerous spikes I had been experiencing.
Rachel’s actions made a tangible difference—not only in stabilizing my blood pressure, but also in restoring my sense of safety and trust in the care process. She made it clear that my health was her top priority. During one of the most vulnerable times of my life—while caring for a newborn and recovering from delivery—she made me feel seen, heard, and truly cared for.
Words cannot fully express how grateful I am for Rachel’s care. Corewell Health Trenton is incredibly fortunate to have someone of her caliber on staff. She is a true example of what nursing should be and is profoundly deserving of this DAISY Award.
Only three hours after arriving home, I was readmitted because my blood pressure spiked dangerously high, requiring me to be placed on magnesium sulfate for a second time. It was an isolating and frightening experience. I ultimately spent seven consecutive days in the hospital with my blood pressure still not adequately controlled—until Rachel became my nurse.
From the moment Rachel entered my room, she demonstrated a level of expertise, experience, compassion, and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. She took the time to truly listen to my concerns and never once dismissed how I was feeling. She showed genuine empathy, understanding, and confidence in her care. What stood out most was Rachel’s exceptional attention to detail and strong advocacy for my health. She meticulously reviewed every blood pressure reading, carefully comparing them with my medication dosages and the timing of each dose. She recognized patterns that others had not.
Rachel identified that there was a consistent time each day when my blood pressure was spiking and realized that my medication regimen was not providing adequate coverage during that critical period. She advocated for and adjusted the timing of my medications in a way that helped prevent the dangerous spikes I had been experiencing.
Rachel’s actions made a tangible difference—not only in stabilizing my blood pressure, but also in restoring my sense of safety and trust in the care process. She made it clear that my health was her top priority. During one of the most vulnerable times of my life—while caring for a newborn and recovering from delivery—she made me feel seen, heard, and truly cared for.
Words cannot fully express how grateful I am for Rachel’s care. Corewell Health Trenton is incredibly fortunate to have someone of her caliber on staff. She is a true example of what nursing should be and is profoundly deserving of this DAISY Award.