April 2026
Rachel
Baham
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg
Harrisburg
,
PA
United States
Rachel is truly a special individual. Her warmth, compassion, and positive attitude are contagious.
I first met Rachel during her first semester at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, and one of the very first qualities I noticed was her unwavering positivity. She brings this uplifting spirit into every patient interaction, creating an environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
During the two semesters that I had the privilege of serving as Rachel’s instructor, multiple patients shared compliments about the care she provided. One experience in particular highlights Rachel’s compassion and advocacy. Rachel was caring for a patient admitted with hypercalcemia. Each time I entered the patient’s room, the patient expressed how much she enjoyed Rachel’s presence and even joked that she planned to “take Rachel home” with her after discharge. The patient liked Rachel so much that she even told her daughter-in-law she wanted to bring Rachel home with her.
Beyond forming this meaningful connection, Rachel demonstrated excellent patient advocacy. The patient and her daughter-in-law were confused about the plan of care. Rachel took the time to explain what she could and recognized when additional clarification was needed. She then proactively requested that the nurse update the family to ensure they fully understood the treatment plan. Rachel’s ability to connect with patients while also advocating for their understanding and involvement in care truly reflects the essence of compassionate nursing.
Rachel’s impact extends beyond her patients. She also builds strong relationships with her peers and the healthcare team. She is always ready with a smile, encouragement, or a kind word for her classmates. Her positivity creates a supportive learning environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
On one occasion, she even brought a large assortment of ice cream for her peers during post-conference, a simple but thoughtful gesture that brightened the entire group’s day after a demanding clinical experience.
Rachel is equally respected by the nurses on the clinical unit. In fact, after observing her exceptional care and teamwork, one nurse sought me out specifically to ask if he could nominate Rachel for the DAISY Student Award. This speaks volumes about the impression she leaves on the interdisciplinary team.
Rachel is truly a special individual. Her warmth, compassion, and positive attitude are contagious. It has been a privilege to watch her grow over the past two semesters. In my time as an instructor, I have rarely had a student receive as many heartfelt compliments from patients and staff. I have no doubt that as Rachel moves forward in her nursing career, she will be the kind of nurse patients remember long after they leave the hospital.
During the two semesters that I had the privilege of serving as Rachel’s instructor, multiple patients shared compliments about the care she provided. One experience in particular highlights Rachel’s compassion and advocacy. Rachel was caring for a patient admitted with hypercalcemia. Each time I entered the patient’s room, the patient expressed how much she enjoyed Rachel’s presence and even joked that she planned to “take Rachel home” with her after discharge. The patient liked Rachel so much that she even told her daughter-in-law she wanted to bring Rachel home with her.
Beyond forming this meaningful connection, Rachel demonstrated excellent patient advocacy. The patient and her daughter-in-law were confused about the plan of care. Rachel took the time to explain what she could and recognized when additional clarification was needed. She then proactively requested that the nurse update the family to ensure they fully understood the treatment plan. Rachel’s ability to connect with patients while also advocating for their understanding and involvement in care truly reflects the essence of compassionate nursing.
Rachel’s impact extends beyond her patients. She also builds strong relationships with her peers and the healthcare team. She is always ready with a smile, encouragement, or a kind word for her classmates. Her positivity creates a supportive learning environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
On one occasion, she even brought a large assortment of ice cream for her peers during post-conference, a simple but thoughtful gesture that brightened the entire group’s day after a demanding clinical experience.
Rachel is equally respected by the nurses on the clinical unit. In fact, after observing her exceptional care and teamwork, one nurse sought me out specifically to ask if he could nominate Rachel for the DAISY Student Award. This speaks volumes about the impression she leaves on the interdisciplinary team.
Rachel is truly a special individual. Her warmth, compassion, and positive attitude are contagious. It has been a privilege to watch her grow over the past two semesters. In my time as an instructor, I have rarely had a student receive as many heartfelt compliments from patients and staff. I have no doubt that as Rachel moves forward in her nursing career, she will be the kind of nurse patients remember long after they leave the hospital.