margaret konieczny, BSN, RN, CMSRN, RN-BC

We had a very difficult patient/family situation that involved ethics and court involvement. The patient was a 99-year-old, cute as a pie lady. However, the daughter was not ready to let go. Many family issues occurred yet Margaret always kept her cool. She asked me one day if I wanted to take a walk to Walgreens. When we got to Walgreens she purchased shampoo, conditioner, a comb, and rubber bands so that she can go back and bathe this cute little lady of ours. When we got back, she placed a bed bag under the patient's head and washed her hair, conditioned it, and we braided her hair. Margaret then used a toothbrush to clean her nails, as they had been in mitten restraints for over a month due to her dubhoff and tube feeds she was receiving. The patient is usually non-verbal/minimal verbal and during her bath, she was speaking to Margaret and answering questions and smiling. When I asked the patient "does it feel good?" she smiled and said "yes." Margaret showed compassion and care as she has on numerous occasions. She is always a patient advocate and provides exceptional patient care. We are lucky to have her.