March 2022
Samantha
Glock
,
RN
5C
Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital
Fairfield
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

But before she died, she asked to have a real shower and have her hair washed. Her nurse, Sam Glock was determined to make this happen for her.
During the past 2 years, I have witnessed so much compassion and love given to the patients and their families, not to mention the expert medical care. This one particular gesture really touched my heart. We had a woman who unfortunately developed the post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis and could not be weaned off high amounts of oxygen and was just completely tired of fighting to breathe. She asked to be medicated for comfort and allowed to die. Arrangements were made. But before she died, she asked to have a real shower and have her hair washed. Her nurse, Sam Glock was determined to make this happen for her. So Sam used rubber bands to tie her own pant legs so as not to get drenched and found another nurse to assist and the two of them made this last wish happen. They had to place a chair for her to sit on – lots of oxygen – and do the work so she could conserve her oxygen demands; both were afraid she may die in the shower. The patient had said her mother would be furious if she entered heaven dirty – and she died later that day – ALL CLEAN.