Newsworthy

Stormont Vail Health is proud to celebrate Rachel MacNevin, a registered nurse (RN) in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), for her DAISY Award!

After years of hoping for a child, one family’s journey led them to the NICU—and to Nurse Rachel. Her calm presence, clear communication, and compassionate care during their daughter’s first nights made all the difference.

Rachel didn’t just care for a newborn—she supported a family through one of life’s most vulnerable moments.

Rachel’s Story

For seven years, my wife and I faced a heartbreaking journey trying to start a family. We saw multiple doctors, endured countless tests, and heard the same devastating words time and again: It’s impossible for you to conceive. But we never gave up, and finally we were blessed with a pregnancy.

However, the road remained difficult, filled with stress, uncertainty, and complications. When the time came, my wife had to undergo a C-section, and we believed we were finally at the finish line—ready to bring our daughter home in just a few days.

Then our world crumbled. Instead of going home, our daughter had complications and was admitted to the NICU. We were terrified. A moment we never expected and we weren’t prepared for.

In the midst of that fear and helplessness, Rachel became our anchor. Rachel was the night nurse for our daughter for the first three nights in the NICU, and those nights will stay with us forever. She is and always will be the standard to which I will hold all nurses.

Her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication turned some of the darkest moments into ones we could endure. From the very beginning, Rachel went above and beyond.

While my wife was recovering and resting, Rachel offered not only her expertise but also her kindness and compassion. She explained each step of my daughter’s procedures with patience and clarity, ensuring we understood what was happening and why. She never made us feel like another family with too many questions. We felt seen, heard, and cared for.

It is hard to put into words the impact Rachel had on our family. One thing is certain: she deserves the recognition of her peers as an incredible nurse and human being.

For all this, I’d like to nominate Rachel for the DAISY Award. She is a blessing to her patients, her profession, and to the families who will never forget the care she provided when we needed it most.