Winner Category | Nurse
Robin Cracco is the clinical leader in the Mandell MS Center and Outpatient Infusion Center at St. Mary’s Hospital.
She conducts patient navigation, helping patients with referrals and working through the complicated healthcare landscape. She also facilitates insurance validation, works on quality measures and manages staff.
What have been your significant contributions to your organization in the past year?
The most significant contribution to St. Mary’s Hospital, and to the community, during my time here has been participating and playing a role in the development of the Community Care Team (CCT). Prior to the creation of CCT, we did this hands-on work in the emergency department at St. Mary’s.
Through CCT, we can provide intensive case management and coordinate care for the most vulnerable in our community. In addition, I serve as a clinical instructor for Naugatuck Valley Community College in the department of nursing.
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Tell us about a challenge you were able to overcome.
Caring for patients with chronic, lifelong health concerns is difficult, but developing programs and processes to help them manage a sometimes-debilitating disease is rewarding.
Another challenge we strategically managed safely and effectively was coordinating my two services, multiple sclerosis care and outpatient infusion, which each have their own unique, specialized needs.
What’s your next major goal and/or challenge?
To bring the love of nursing to a new generation. It is the main reason I teach and mentor students. Nursing is the most -rewarding experience and I love it.
It is a passion. If I can get someone to love nursing, like I do, they’ll find fulfillment every day.
Personal Side
Favorite way to relax: Going to the theater and dinner with the girls!
Hobbies: Spending time with my two grandsons, Tyler and Dean; watching my son-in-law coach his Washington Mystics WNBA team.
Favorite movie: “The Sound of Music”
Currently reading: A book by Clare Keating, one of my former RN staff. “Thinking of Better Days – Discovering a Path of Hope and Healing Following a Stroke”
Favorite cause: Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
Fun fact: Our family raises puppies for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Since 2012, we have raised 10 puppies.
Also, I am the oldest of seven children. We grew up in Meriden. I went to the St. Mary’s School of Nursing and have been with St. Mary’s ever since, 48 years this year!
I have three daughters, the oldest is 34 and the youngest is 24.