Melissa Duong’s focus and purpose for each day is right there in her job title: Patient Transporter.
“As a patient transporter, I interact with the patients from the moment I walk in the door,” she says. “My goal is to make them feel as comfortable as possible during their transport by introducing myself and making conversation.
“It’s really rewarding to be there for patients in their time of need and I love being a bright spot for so many patients who have a lot on their minds.”
Melissa chose a career in healthcare to satisfy her love of helping people. While admiring healthcare workers from afar for many years, she eventually decided to join the field after COVID-19 hit, and she saw an opportunity to make a difference.
Since joining Sentara as a patient transporter, Melissa has decided she wants to make an even bigger impact on patients—she will soon begin to pursue her nursing degree.
“I feel connected to Sentara’s mission because they support me as I try to better myself and become a nurse,” she says. “Every day we all work to advance the care and safety of our patients and I’m excited to continue to do that, no matter my job title.”
When Melissa isn’t at Sentara helping patients, she’s in her hometown of Newport News grabbing some food with her family at her favorite local Korean restaurant, Kyung Sung.
“I enjoy unwinding by spending time with my sister but also by going to the gym, listening to music or by painting or baking. It’s important to me to have a good work/life balance and I know that Sentara values that for their employees as well,” says Melissa, who also plays soccer and the piano.
Melissa Duong’s focus and purpose for each day is right there in her job title: Patient Transporter.
“As a patient transporter, I interact with the patients from the moment I walk in the door,” she says. “My goal is to make them feel as comfortable as possible during their transport by introducing myself and making conversation.
“It’s really rewarding to be there for patients in their time of need and I love being a bright spot for so many patients who have a lot on their minds.”
Melissa chose a career in healthcare to satisfy her love of helping people. While admiring healthcare workers from afar for many years, she eventually decided to join the field after COVID-19 hit, and she saw an opportunity to make a difference.
The Sentara Healthcare team is nearly 30,000 people strong, all working with a unified objective to create an environment of health and healing for our patients. Join us today.