Mardochee Meradieu, RN

Recently, my father endured a severe infection, landing him in the hospital for many days, with no end in sight. After a few days, we were lucky enough to have Mardochee Meradieu as one of his many nurses during his hospital stay. I say “we” because we were both lucky to have her with us. Our experience began less than stellar, with me having to chase down nurses for information, medications, and help moving him between bed and chair for meals. I understand the need for nurses, and how overwhelmingly busy they are, so I recognize that many of them are doing the best they can. Advocating for my dad is what I do best, and I don’t mind chasing people down.

The care Mardochee, “Mardo”, provided my dad was the best I have experienced in a long time. There was no need to chase her down; she popped in just to check in, check his pain, or just to see how I was doing. Mardo knew his scheduled mealtimes and ensured that she and her PCT were there to help get my dad to the chair. This was not an easy task as he is a larger man. Mardo made sure doctors talked to me, consistently asking if they had come in and talked to me. She encouraged my dad to get up and move when all he was asking to do was die because of the pain. The words, we don’t say that here, are something that meant the most to me during his treatment. I write this with tears in my eyes because he may have been just another patient to her, but she was a crucial piece of this journey to both of us. Knowing that I felt safe leaving my dad in her care when I wasn’t there is everything. I truly hope others can experience the care we received these past few days when they are in a less-than-ideal situation, as we were. Mardo, we are so very appreciative of you and your service.