“I care for you like family,” reads the heart badge of health care veteran Melissa Cromer. Team member Cromer is grateful for the rewarding opportunity to work with patients and their families after experiencing the challenges of caring for an elderly or sick parent herself.
Cromer cared for her mother while she lived with her and her family for the last two years before her passing last year. A few months after her mom passed, she was reminded of those challenges when rooming a patient who bore a similar stature to her mother. The patient was also accompanied by her daughter. The mother-daughter duo made this particular appointment extra bittersweet.
Cromer’s heart went out to the daughter when she had a question about a medication. The compassionate professional she is, Cromer reassured her daughter she would call the pharmacy and help her figure it out.
“Health care is not for the faint of heart; we see patients and families at their worst moments and having a better understanding now has helped me to grow and truly ‘Care for patients like family,’” Cromer said.
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