Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Names Defender of the Year

Brawler. Renegade. Warrior. Not words you would typically use to describe hospital employees. Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center employee recognition program, “Claxton Defenders,” shows that these are good characteristics in employees to ensure the best care is provided to patients. On December 7 at the Medical Center’s Annual Employee Holiday event, Melanie Kring, who has worked at the Medical Center since, 1988 was named Defender of the Year.

Earlier in the year, during one of our quarterly Defender ceremonies, Kring was nominated as our Renegade of the quarter. At Claxton-Hepburn, a Renegade is defined as a troubleshooter and problem solver; an innovator; and continuously seeks improvement. Some comments from the peers that nominated Kring to include, “Mel always goes above and beyond no matter who is requesting assistance. She is organized and upbeat. She can always pick out the positive in every negative situation. She is considered the ‘mother’ of the second floor. She continually works on ways to improve processes. She is kind, thorough, organized and efficient. She is willing to lend a hand even when she isn’t asked to do so.”

Mrs. Kring’s manager, Chief Nursing Officer, David Ferris stated, “Mel is one of the best assets Claxton-Hepburn has and is the definition of a Renegade. She is quick to recognize someone needing help and is always willing to lend a hand. Melanie takes any issue or problem and helps develop a solution to fix it or improve a process.” He continued, “She has taken on so many additional tasks and never says no to anyone. Thanks to Mel, most of our policies are online as well as most of the forms we use. She has a positive influence on those of us that work with her and her smile makes us all feel better.”

Mrs. Kring received flowers, a recognition certificate, gift cards, a special parking space, and lunch with CEO Nate Howell at a restaurant of their choice. New Claxton Defenders will be recognized each quarter. Employees are nominated by co-workers and supervisors.

Shown in the photo is Kring’s grandson Henry, her son Dr. Larry Kring, grandson Taylor, Kring, and daughter Kathy White.