Published October 23, 2025
Westerly Hospital’s Rachael Silvia, RN, director of Patient Care Services, has been named one of 12 nurses in Rhode Island to receive this year’s Excellence in Nursing Award from Rhode Island Monthly.
Silvia’s responses to the September issue’s Q&A feature are shared here:
What drew you to the nursing field?
Motivated by a deep sense of empathy and the desire to help others, I chose nursing to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. The profession allows me to blend my passion for science and medicine with the human connection essential to healing. As a bedside nurse, I would strive to create a trusting, supportive environment for patients during their most vulnerable moments. Now, I create the same trusting and supporting environment for the nursing staff so that patient care is benefited and prioritized. Nursing is more than a career – it’s a lifelong commitment to compassion and care.
What are you most proud of in your career?
My greatest nursing accomplishment has been my ability to influence the fostering of a positive and collaborative workplace environment. Through consistent communication, team-building initiatives and advocacy for staff well-being, I assisted in creating a culture of respect and support. These efforts have driven high staff morale and retention as well as high-quality patient outcomes. Seeing long-term positive change in both team dynamics and patient satisfaction has been incredibly rewarding and reflects my commitment to creating a healthier, more effective work environment for everyone.
What are the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of the role?
Leading in nursing is challenging because it requires balancing clinical responsibilities with team management, navigating complex healthcare systems and making critical decisions under pressure. Yet it’s incredibly rewarding to inspire and support others, foster professional growth and improve patient outcomes. The ability to influence positive change, build cohesive teams and advocate for both staff and patients makes leadership in nursing a deeply fulfilling role that combines compassion, resilience and vision.
