Rachel Stewart, RN, a first-year nurse working Shore Behavioral Health’s inpatient unit in Shore Medical Center at Easton, has already proved herself to be an exceptional caregiver — dedicated to the well-being of her patients and going well above and beyond to ensure that they are heard, respected, and cared for.
Stewart’s devotion to patients on the unit is enhanced by her strong communication stills, a critical asset when working in behavioral health. For example, a patient was on the unit with a litany of diagnoses and concerns. Prior providers had assumed that many of her physical complaints were psychosomatic, which would not have been uncommon. The patient was irritable and not very kind, but Steward completed her nursing duties and then took the time to sit down with her to discuss the pain she was describing in great detail, winning the patient’s trust and ensuring she felt heard and cared for. Stewart then took the initiative herself to read up on what could be causing the patient’s symptoms and presented her findings to the unit providers, who notified the hospitalists. Stewart’s selflessness ensured that a patient who struggled to help herself got the care and attention that she needed.
Stewart’s dedication and professionalism in going the extra mile for her patient earned her recognition as DAISY Award winner for 2024. As part of winning the DAISY award, Stewart will be internationally recognized on the DAISY website. She also received a certificate, a DAISY pin, and a “Healer’s Touch” Statue. As tradition holds, Stewart and her team were also treated to cinnamon rolls.