Marsha is a caring, compassionate caregiver and is always professional and courteous to her patients. Being a patient advocate is a priority for Marsha. She collaborates with all health care professionals to make sure everything that can be done for her patients is being done. She is not afraid to voice her opinion, concerns and issues to help benefit her patient's care.
This was evident when she cared for a seventeen-year-old patient on an outpatient basis who required multiple complex dressing changes with anesthesia due to a pilonidal cyst. The complexity of the wound required the use of negative pressure wound therapy. This therapeutic technique uses a vacuum dressing to promote healing by drawing the wound edges together, removing infectious material and promoting formulation of granulation tissue. Marsha could sense and feel the issues this seventeen-year-old was facing both mentally and physically. The location and extent of this wound created much more than a challenging, painful physical problem; it entailed an emotional, social, and body image component for this boy. He was missing school. His clothing did not fit correctly. He couldn't bathe. Having a VAC means carrying a machine with a canister collecting his wound drainage.
It was evident that throughout the course of treatment Marsha developed a close relationship with the patient and mother. He felt at ease with her because of her caring nature and concern. Marsha utilized her effective listening skills and directed his care accordingly. In talking with the patient, Marsha realized that when he was being driven to the hospital by his mother, he was kneeling on the car seat, since he was unable to sit due to the complexity of the wound. Due to her concern for safety, she contacted social services and arrangements were made for specialized transportation. She initiated a nutritional consult to ensure that there was proper nutrition to aid in the healing process. The level of care coordination was exemplary.
Over the course of time the transition was made to have the dressing change done without anesthesia. Marsha could feel and sense the anxiety that the patient had. She knew he was concerned about his level of pain. She coordinated his care with the wound care department to provide a seamless transition. On the first day that his dressing change was to be done in wound care, Marsha came in on her day off to be with the patient. She collaborated with the physician and assured the patient he would receive medication prior and during the dressing change. Her caring nature and concern was evident throughout this patient's care.
Another example of how comfortable the patient was with Marsha was when he shared with her that his Mom's birthday was coming. Knowing this, Marsha bought a birthday card for him to give to his Mother. Tears of joy were shared that day by both.
The beauty of this relationship continues on for Marsha. It was touching when she shared with me one day, "I think of him so often and wish I could send him a Valentine Card". You can feel and sense the bond that was created between Marsha and the patient.
The energy infused during this relationship established by Marsha Napientek AD, RN demonstrates that she has a love of nursing. She truly exemplifies the spirit of nursing.