Cathleen 'Cathy' Friedrichs
June 2025
Cathleen 'Cathy'
Friedrichs
,
BSN, RN, CNRN
Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center
Richmond
,
VA
United States
I remember her exceptional care, kindness, and for getting me through one of the worst days I can remember.
I had a meningioma removed and cannot express how much pain I was in postoperatively. I had an extravasation of an IV in my left arm and severe ear pain on my right side. It was a miserable day, and around 7 pm, in came Cathy. She touched my arm and said, “We are going to get you comfortable.” She called the surgeon and, within an hour, gave me a dose of pain medication. I was able to relax and fall asleep for a while. My ear pain continued for weeks; however, the sharp pounding pain was much less after this and other modifications to my plan of care. For the IV site pain, she gave me an ice pack for my arm.
I knew she was right there all night. If it had been more than an hour since her last check-in, she apologized. I assured her I knew without a doubt that if I needed her, she would be there. She was consistently available without being called or asked.
At 4 am, we made a trip to the MRI and she made sure I was as comfortable as possible prior to. She reassured me the entire time. I've been a nurse for almost 45 years, but I can tell you it is much different and frightening from the patient side. At times, I did not know what day, time, or where I was.
She never once made me feel like a burden. Cathy made sure I had clean sheets as they had become sweaty and damp from the day. In the middle of the night, she helped me with mouth care without once being asked. Cahty was the kindest, most reassuring nurse I have seen, and I cannot imagine what it would have been like without her. I'm so thankful. If there are angels on earth, then I assure you she is one.
Before she went home, she came to check in, say goodbye, and asked if she could say a prayer with me, which I was very grateful for. I told her I would never ever forget her kindness and all the care she gave me that night. She smiled and said, “Oh, once you get out of here and feel better, you won't remember most of this.” But she was wrong. I remember her exceptional care, kindness, and for getting me through one of the worst days I can remember. I really cannot imagine what it may have been like had she not been there. She is a shining example of a nurse who most certainly deserves a DAISY.
I knew she was right there all night. If it had been more than an hour since her last check-in, she apologized. I assured her I knew without a doubt that if I needed her, she would be there. She was consistently available without being called or asked.
At 4 am, we made a trip to the MRI and she made sure I was as comfortable as possible prior to. She reassured me the entire time. I've been a nurse for almost 45 years, but I can tell you it is much different and frightening from the patient side. At times, I did not know what day, time, or where I was.
She never once made me feel like a burden. Cathy made sure I had clean sheets as they had become sweaty and damp from the day. In the middle of the night, she helped me with mouth care without once being asked. Cahty was the kindest, most reassuring nurse I have seen, and I cannot imagine what it would have been like without her. I'm so thankful. If there are angels on earth, then I assure you she is one.
Before she went home, she came to check in, say goodbye, and asked if she could say a prayer with me, which I was very grateful for. I told her I would never ever forget her kindness and all the care she gave me that night. She smiled and said, “Oh, once you get out of here and feel better, you won't remember most of this.” But she was wrong. I remember her exceptional care, kindness, and for getting me through one of the worst days I can remember. I really cannot imagine what it may have been like had she not been there. She is a shining example of a nurse who most certainly deserves a DAISY.