Magdalena Mroczkowska
November 2024
Magdalena
Mroczkowska
,
BSN, RN
4 East Adult Psychiatry
Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

I believe her knowledge and expertise were instrumental in my recovery. Above and beyond every day. She is so kind. I felt heard and understood by her in a way I've never felt in my life.
When I was admitted to the unit I could hardly think straight. My pain level the previous month was 10/10. Emotionally I was reeling from finally understanding how I had been treated by my own father, brother and brother in-law. Physically, I had lesions on my face and body. I was hurting in a way I never knew was possible. Enter Maggie stage left. Her complete care included compassion, humor, wisdom, experience (from her time in the ICU), curiosity, and gentleness. She not only showed genuine interest in me and where I had come from, but she also followed the hospital protocols "to the T." I believe her knowledge and expertise were instrumental in my recovery. Above and beyond every day. She is so kind. I felt heard and understood by her in a way I've never felt in my life. If she didn't understand, she would ask questions and try. She was available to me in the most professional way. She never compromised in her care. I've met a lot of people and she is the rarest of sorts. Honestly, talking with her was and has been the best part of every day I've spent here in 4E. I hate needles and having my blood drawn. She stayed with me in the room and gave me such generous support.

I believe it's unsung heroes like Maggie that make places like UCLA so successful. She works her butt off in a thankless job. The unit at NPH has been full. I wasn't her only patient, but I have never felt that she was in a rush or needed to be somewhere else. From the lowest point in my life, Maggie has been a beacon of light. Even when I was wrong, she never made me feel small. She made me feel like we were equals even though I've been locked away in isolation. When I was scared and confused, she was my constant. When I was lonely, she was my friend. When I was in pain, she was my salve. In my humble opinion, Maggie deserves to be honored. 

***

My brother was admitted to the unit last Friday. Before he had even asked for anything, he was greeted by Maggie with a warm cup of tea and some fruit to snack on. My brother trusted her immediately for nourishing not only his body with nutrition but also his soul because he felt cared for. Maggie has been able to help in progressing his care on the unit because of the love and care he has received from her. He was willing to try some medication that has helped him that initially he was refusing until Maggie in a gentle way encouraged him to just try it and see if it helps. She has encouraged his healing and been able to be there when the family hasn't been able to be. My brother is so grateful for her care and can't say enough kind things about her. She respects him as a person, not just a patient- and he feels that. She has gone above and beyond to make my brother feel comfortable and cared for. Thank you, Maggie, for everything!