Rachel Domanowski, Regional Clinical Director – Colorado at Innovive Health, has been named to the Frontline Honors Awards Class of 2025 by Home Health Care News.
To become a Frontline honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be:
- A dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes
- A passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into for the good of their respective industry, the patients and residents they serve, and their families
- An advocate for their industry and their fellow colleagues
Home Health Care News recently caught up with Domanowski to discuss her time in the home health & home care industry.
HHCN: What drew you to this industry?
Domanowski: I have always been passionate about nursing and behavioral health. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to become a nurse. Early in my career in inpatient medical settings, I consistently volunteered to work with patients experiencing behavioral health crises. These individuals needed someone who would truly listen, treat them with dignity and respect, and provide meaningful support.
Transitioning from inpatient care to meeting patients in their own homes has been an incredibly rewarding change in my career. In my role as Regional Clinical Director for Innovive Health in Colorado, I’ve been able to expand on this work further by supporting the agency’s critical work of serving the state’s behavioral health patients, which have traditionally been underserved. Being able to support these vulnerable patients and individuals in their own environments has deepened both the impact and fulfillment of my work.
HHCN: What’s a misconception you had about this work before you started – and how has reality differed?
Domanowski: Early in my career, I believed I would be able to help everyone. Over time, I’ve learned that while we, as nurses, cannot reach every person, we can make a meaningful difference for many. The most important thing is to show up, to listen, to care, and to take the time to understand the bigger picture of someone’s circumstances.
HHCN: Was there a moment in your career when you realized, “This work really matters”? What happened?
Domanowski: One defining moment occurred early in my career. I was sitting on the hospital floor beside a patient in crisis, allowing her space to cry and validating her feelings. I reassured her that it was okay to feel angry and that she was not alone. I watched her shift from feeling isolated and hopeless to believing she could move forward. Later, she sent me a thank you card explaining that she had been on the verge of giving up on her life, but that simple act of sitting with her and allowing her to process her emotions changed her decision. That experience reinforced just how profoundly this work matters.
HHCN: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve developed on the front lines that people often overlook?
Domanowski: One of the most valuable skills I have developed is communication. How we say something can be just as important as what we say. For example, the message, “I cannot do that right now,” can be delivered in very different ways. A dismissive tone can escalate frustration, while a response such as, “I will absolutely help you with that. Just please give me about 10 minutes, and I will come find you,” maintains respect and collaboration. Effective communication shapes outcomes.
HHCN: What’s one decision leaders make that has a bigger impact on frontline workers than they might realize?
Domanowski: How leaders respond to mistakes has a significant impact. Creating learning opportunities rather than defaulting to punitive action fosters growth and trust. It’s also important to evaluate procedures, policies, and protocols through a broader lens, examining not just what happened, but why it happened. This approach strengthens both teams and patient care.
HHCN: What’s a simple change – policy, tool, or mindset – that would make frontline work more effective?
Domanowski: A shift in mindset can make a substantial difference. Leaders who actively listen to frontline staff, create safe spaces for open dialogue, and foster inclusivity build stronger teams. Nurses bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. When organizations create an environment where those perspectives are valued and encouraged, patient care improves, safety increases, and staff retention strengthens.
HHCN: What gives you optimism about the future of this industry, despite its challenges?
Domanowski: What gives me optimism about the future of nursing is the next generation of nurses we have the opportunity to mentor. We can model what it means to be compassionate, attentive, and thoughtful caregivers – to listen deeply, care sincerely, and view each patient holistically. By investing in future nurses, we help ensure the continued strength and humanity of our profession.
