Front Lines Stories: Janell Crose-Myer
Learn how this brave Medical Assistant embraced the fight against COVID-19
Janell Crose-Myer is a Certified Medical Assistant currently working in Midvale, Utah. Working as a CMA has been her dream career, and helping her patients has become her greatest joy in life.
As an MA, Janell is responsible for assisting during medical procedures, performing swabs, and running tests. She loves the people she works with and enjoys being able to talk and laugh with her patients when they’re not having a good day.
Just like all of our healthcare heroes around the world, COVID-19 has had a serious effect on her everyday life. Janell not only has to worry about the health and safety of her patients and coworkers, but she also must ensure she’s protecting her family at home.
Janell draws inspiration from healthcare heroes around the world. She admires their willingness to work and sacrifice their lives for the greater good by caring for patients fighting COVID-19.
These are just a few reasons why we’ve chosen to feature Janell as one of our leading Heroes in Healthcare.
Janell Crose-Myer
Certified Medical Assistant
Graduate of Eagle Gate College, 2019
What made you choose your current career?
“When I was younger, about 20 years ago, I was in a CNA taking care of people. I ended up having a family, and then years just went by. When my children were older and able to take care of themselves, I decided it was time to get back to what I always loved to do. I love taking care of people in the community I work in. Being a Medical Assistant has been my dream career.”
What are the typical responsibilities for someone in your position?
“Rooming patients, assisting in some procedures, performing swabs, and running tests. Using PPE, administration of immunizations, and administrative work. Helping and caring for patients.”
Walk us through a day in your life. What does it look like?
“Get up at 8 AM. Then I’ll check schedules, call patients, and begin rooming patients. Then I’ll run strep or flu tests, assist the doctor while in rooms, fill out paperwork, and record vitals all while keeping up with training.”
How has the pandemic affected your work?
“It’s affected us a lot. Instead of being able to meet with patients, we are having to call them or visit them virtually. Also, we now have to wear PPE in the clinic. Everyone is on edge and having to worry about our families and our patients. We are also worried about our healthcare brother and sisters.”
What has been the most challenging aspect of your job in recent weeks?
“I’m constantly worried about how we can keep our family and my coworkers safe. I’ve been hypersensitive and more diligent about washing hands, changing clothes, and trying to stay away from family.”
What do you appreciate most about your job?
“I love the people I work with, other coworkers, nurses, providers, and everyone else I didn’t mention. I enjoy talking and laughing with our patients and being able to help someone who is not having a good day. I appreciate the diversity of the patients you get to meet.”
Where do you find the inspiration to endure this difficult period? What’s been your greatest source of strength?
“Watching all the healthcare workers around the world and admiring their willingness to work with people who are sick, sacrificing their lives for the greater good. Watching their fight, their emotions, and their kindness. I want to be as brave as they are.”
How do you find balance? What do you do to maintain your composure during stressful moments at work?
“I lean on my coworkers, on the people that are going through this. No one outside the medical field will understand.”
Any words of advice or inspiration you’d like to share with other healthcare workers who may be coping with similar challenges and responsibilities?
“I thank you! We are learning from one another, watching what works what doesn’t work. Just know we are here for you, we love you!”
What advice would you share with the future generations of healthcare professionals, currently in school?
“Don’t do this for the money. Do this for the love of humanity. You have to love other human beings and look past people’s wrongs. Look past homelessness, drug users. Be willing to get resources for someone in need. Look at everyone as people. If you can do this, you can work in the medical field.”
Thank You, Janell!
We want to thank Janell for taking the time out of her day to share her fantastic story during these hectic times. We would also like to express our sincerest gratitude to all our healthcare heroes for their tireless efforts in battling COVID-19.
Thank you all. We are so proud of you!
