March 2023
Marc
Galvez
,
BSN, RN
Chest Pain Unit
NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island
Mineola
,
NY
United States
I was and I am simply in awe of how well he responded to my father.
One might say my 74-year-old father is difficult. He was in the hospital on his second day and Marc had to give him Magnesium IV. My father asked why he couldn’t just go home and take a Magnesium vitamin. I tried to explain it, but my father wouldn’t listen to me. My father was growing more agitated and became seemingly focused on convincing Marc that it was appropriate for him to go home.
Well, Marc proceeded to explain to my father how and why Magnesium is important. Then Marc explained why IV administration is important and better than the oral form. He told my father that letting the hospital team treat him in the manner the doctor prescribed was best for him. Astonishingly, after Marc was done (likely 5-8 minutes of Marc speaking calmly as my irritated father often interrupted), my father said, “I understand.” My father resigned to comply with the treatment and stayed in the hospital…. (at least for that day).
Frankly, if I was in Marc’s position, I’d likely have duct taped and gagged my father. Marc, however, showed incredible restraint and patience combined with remarkable knowledge, not just of medicine, but how to translate that in a way for someone who has no medical background. I was and I am simply in awe of how well he responded to my father. I don’t think another individual could possibly have done better, and am certain anyone else (especially myself) would do worse.
Beyond the foregoing, Marc addressed our every need. We were told we’d speak with the kidney doctor by the endocrinologist, but no one came. I told Marc, who connected me with the PA, who I was able to convince to send the kidney doctor. I understand getting doctors to call and respond quickly is a challenge, but it wasn’t for Marc. Marc is a phenomenal caretaker; he interacts incredibly well with families and patients alike. Somehow was able to get my father to calm down and understand everyone was there to help him. Thank you, Marc, for all you do!
Well, Marc proceeded to explain to my father how and why Magnesium is important. Then Marc explained why IV administration is important and better than the oral form. He told my father that letting the hospital team treat him in the manner the doctor prescribed was best for him. Astonishingly, after Marc was done (likely 5-8 minutes of Marc speaking calmly as my irritated father often interrupted), my father said, “I understand.” My father resigned to comply with the treatment and stayed in the hospital…. (at least for that day).
Frankly, if I was in Marc’s position, I’d likely have duct taped and gagged my father. Marc, however, showed incredible restraint and patience combined with remarkable knowledge, not just of medicine, but how to translate that in a way for someone who has no medical background. I was and I am simply in awe of how well he responded to my father. I don’t think another individual could possibly have done better, and am certain anyone else (especially myself) would do worse.
Beyond the foregoing, Marc addressed our every need. We were told we’d speak with the kidney doctor by the endocrinologist, but no one came. I told Marc, who connected me with the PA, who I was able to convince to send the kidney doctor. I understand getting doctors to call and respond quickly is a challenge, but it wasn’t for Marc. Marc is a phenomenal caretaker; he interacts incredibly well with families and patients alike. Somehow was able to get my father to calm down and understand everyone was there to help him. Thank you, Marc, for all you do!