I met Diane in August, 2015, when I was scheduled for a CT Scan. Diane is a breast cancer survivor, so I immediately bonded with her because I am currently fighting ovarian cancer. Meeting her just once would have been a blessing, but that's not where our crossed paths end. When I had my port put in a week later, Diane was there too. She kept me calm before, during, and after the procedure. I even asked her to scratch my nose while I was having my port placed and she lovingly scratched my nose for me. What a caring gesture from a truly caring person!
In early October I needed to have my port removed because it was exposed after the scab came off. Diane was working in I.R. that afternoon and remembered me from our previous two encounters. She immediately put me at ease and kept my spirits up while I waited to have the port removed and a PICC line placed. I was a little scared about having this procedure done, so I asked Diane if she would be in the room with me again. She said, "If you want me to be there, I will be in there with you." So I enthusiastically said, "Yes!" Unbeknownst to me though, Diane was supposed to be getting off work in a few minutes. Yet she stayed with me during the procedure and as I was recovering. She truly made an unfortunate situation so much better with her compassionate care.
I have had to go back to I.R. one to two times a week since I had my port removed, to have the wound re-packed and checked. Anytime Diane is there, even if she isn't the nurse looking at the wound, she always comes by to check on me. She is the very definition of a caring and compassionate nurse. I can tell she is loved by all her co-workers and especially by this patient! Diane is truly deserving of the DAISY Award and it is my honor to nominate her.