Haywood Regional Medical Center is proud to continue its Humans Who Heal campaign by recognizing the dedication and compassion of Rachel Trantham, RN, who has been providing direct bedside care to patients on the Med Surg floor since 2011.

While physicians and bedside care teams are often in the spotlight, Humans Who Heal focuses on highlighting the full spectrum of roles that contribute to patient care, safety, and comfort. From support services to clinical leaders, the campaign tells the stories behind the scrubs, badges, and tools — reminding us that healing is a team effort, and every role matters. Each participant in the campaign is asked to reflect on their role and purpose in patient care through a series of six questions. Here’s what Rachel had to share:

What is your role at the hospital, and how long have you been here?
I’m a Registered Nurse on the Med Surg unit, and I’ve been working at Haywood Regional Medical Center since 2011.

What inspired you to go into healthcare or your specific role?
My grandmother was a nurse, and I always admired how she cared for her patients. Watching her and hearing her stories inspired me to follow in her footsteps and become a nurse.

What do you love most about your job?
I love taking care of people, helping them through both the low and high points in their lives. Being able to support and care for someone during those moments means everything to me.

Can you share a moment or memory that has stuck with you during your time here?
The people I work with have made a huge impact on me. We work together as a team and encourage each other to always do our best for our patients. That support and camaraderie are what keep us going.

What does “healing” mean to you — whether physically, emotionally, or in another way?
Healing, to me, means making sure patients feel happy, cared for, and loved both physically and emotionally. It’s about treating the whole person and making sure they leave feeling better than when they arrived.

What’s something people might not know about your role or department?
Many people don’t realize just how much teamwork happens behind the scenes on a Med Surg floor. It’s a fast-paced environment where we care for a wide variety of patients, and every day requires strong communication, collaboration, and support between nurses, techs, and providers. We truly rely on one another to deliver the best care possible.

The Humans Who Heal campaign continues to celebrate the individuals across Haywood Regional Medical Center who bring heart, skill, and dedication to the healing process every day — in every role and every department.