We had many wonderful nurses in the NICU, but Marguerite took care of more than B's basic health needs. She took care of B, the person. She corrected an intolerable situation with the bridle on B's Dobhoff that had been that way for 14 days (since before she had last seen him). She always joked with B, trying to "get a rise" out of him and make him smile. She joked and bonded with all family members and friends and kept the atmosphere positive and upbeat. Marguerite is experienced and knowledgeable, always looking out for B's best interests, choosing to make things happen for him without me asking for them.

For example, every time she was our nurse, she went through a lot of extra effort to get him up in a chair. She knew that would be best for him, and in that position, he was the most responsive. She brought hot water for my guests and me to have tea, never acting like it was an imposition of any kind. Marguerite was singularly concerned about the condition of B's skin, rotating his boots, applying cream (that she had procured) to his legs, changing bandages that she thought didn't look perfect, washing his face every morning, and sponging his mouth frequently.

I usually slept in the room while B was in the NSICU. I once mentioned to Marguerite that the only thing I needed was a place to shower. She told me about showers that are available near the MICU in Galter and even walked me down there so I could find them. She took it upon herself to figure out how to shave B, a few times, and wash his hair. I always knew that Marguerite had B's back. I could leave the room and know that all would be well in my absence.

Marguerite's a bit of a Maverick, always doing what she thinks is right for her patients. She once told me that someone above her rank had told her to take particularly good care of a patient because he was a VIP, and Marguerite responded indignantly, "All of my patients are VIPs." That says it all. She is a nurse who truly cares!

Thank you, Marguerite!