Melissa A Kretz, CRNP, MSN

Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:I have always been a ""people person."" I wanted to work closely with people and make a difference, so I decided to go to nursing school. I attended Reading Hospital School of Nursing and subsequently worked with cardiac patients as an RN for about 14 years. I loved being a nurse, but I wanted something ""more."" Eventually it occurred to me that I needed to further my education, and I was encouraged by several cardiologists to go back to school. I earned both my BSN and then MSN while working full time and being a mom! I sometimes miss being a bedside nurse.What I want my patients to know about me:I will always talk on your level, I will always take the time to answer your questions, and I will treat you like a member of my family. As a nurse practitioner in a specialty practice, I will sometimes need to ask the cardiologists questions about your care. This is important to me. I want you to receive the best possible cardiac care.What I do …when I'm not seeing patients:I am a busy person, and I love spending time with my family. I have a great husband, two active teenagers and two crazy dogs at home. We enjoy traveling, being outdoors and going to concerts together. I love reading and watching movies, especially sci-fi thrillers. I am working on increasing my regular exercise and eating healthy. I am actively involved in volunteering for a group that raises money for local kids with cancer.