Caroline Diedrich
June 2025
Caroline
Diedrich
,
BSN, RN, CMSRN
Medical Surgical Observation
Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital
MCHENRY
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

Having her there with me made it a little less scary in that moment.
I came into the ER with left hip pain that was so bad it made it impossible for me to walk. After many hours of observation and testing, I was admitted, and I was so fortunate to be placed under the care of Caroline in the emergency department. She was so kind and explained everything that was happening in a way that made it easy for me to understand. On my second day there, unfortunately, I got a call from my doctor telling me that I had endometrial cancer. The phone call was short and less than compassionate, with little explanation from my doctor, which left me terrified and overall hysterical given the news. Caroline was in the room when it happened, and she could immediately tell that I was upset. She offered a hug and the ability to talk through what I was feeling. It was so scary, but having her there with me made it a little less scary in that moment. I appreciated her so much, and I have no doubt that she shows plenty of others the same compassion that she showed me. I honestly don't know what I would've done sitting in that room by myself receiving that news, so I just want to thank her for being there to literally be a shoulder for me to cry on. I truly appreciate her and her kindness; it did not go unnoticed by any means. Thank you.