May 2026 Honoree
Caitlin McFadden, BSN, RNC-OB, CA-CP SANE, C-EFM
I was a patient in the Special Delivery Unit as my daughter was expected to be born, fighting for her life and needing the Level IV NICU care Dell Children’s provides.
From the beginning, Caitlin and I bonded over having the same name. I was terrified my entire labor, as one is when your whole life is about to change, and you have no clue what to expect. She remained calm while also reassuring me that my daughter was in the best place possible and everyone on her team was ready for her.
After a failed epidural and some intense pain, Caitlin sat at my bedside the entire time, trying everything she could to help me with my pain while also calling the anesthesiologist to come back. In that moment, I really felt like she cared for me, and I trusted her.
In a high-intensity situation, as I was ready to deliver and the OB on call was called to an emergency elsewhere, Caitlin quickly found someone to deliver my baby and had everyone prepared within minutes. I am sure she was internally panicked, but she handled the situation so well. Afterward, she told me how that was such an out-of-the-norm situation, but she handled it perfectly and acted promptly.
After my daughter was taken to the NICU, she was there to support me as a person. She asked if I wanted a moment to myself or if I wanted company to keep my mind off the chaos. She wheeled me to see my daughter for the first time.
A few days later, my daughter wasn’t doing well, and we were prepared for the worst. A room in the Special Delivery Unit was arranged for us, and Caitlin stocked it with all the postpartum essentials, toothbrushes, a pump, and anything else I might have needed.
I ran into her at the nurse station, and she just held me while we cried together. She made sure that if I needed anything, she was there.
There is already such a special connection between a laboring mother and her L&D nurse, but it is even more special when it is such a scary and stressful situation. She was there during quite literally the hardest moments of my life, and I will never forget her kindness.
Typing this story out doesn’t even do it justice because you cannot explain the comforting feeling someone gives you. I will remember Caitlin forever.
I am also happy to report that my daughter was discharged after 66 days and is home now, living a very happy life!
From the beginning, Caitlin and I bonded over having the same name. I was terrified my entire labor, as one is when your whole life is about to change, and you have no clue what to expect. She remained calm while also reassuring me that my daughter was in the best place possible and everyone on her team was ready for her.
After a failed epidural and some intense pain, Caitlin sat at my bedside the entire time, trying everything she could to help me with my pain while also calling the anesthesiologist to come back. In that moment, I really felt like she cared for me, and I trusted her.
In a high-intensity situation, as I was ready to deliver and the OB on call was called to an emergency elsewhere, Caitlin quickly found someone to deliver my baby and had everyone prepared within minutes. I am sure she was internally panicked, but she handled the situation so well. Afterward, she told me how that was such an out-of-the-norm situation, but she handled it perfectly and acted promptly.
After my daughter was taken to the NICU, she was there to support me as a person. She asked if I wanted a moment to myself or if I wanted company to keep my mind off the chaos. She wheeled me to see my daughter for the first time.
A few days later, my daughter wasn’t doing well, and we were prepared for the worst. A room in the Special Delivery Unit was arranged for us, and Caitlin stocked it with all the postpartum essentials, toothbrushes, a pump, and anything else I might have needed.
I ran into her at the nurse station, and she just held me while we cried together. She made sure that if I needed anything, she was there.
There is already such a special connection between a laboring mother and her L&D nurse, but it is even more special when it is such a scary and stressful situation. She was there during quite literally the hardest moments of my life, and I will never forget her kindness.
Typing this story out doesn’t even do it justice because you cannot explain the comforting feeling someone gives you. I will remember Caitlin forever.
I am also happy to report that my daughter was discharged after 66 days and is home now, living a very happy life!
Thank you, Caitlin, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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