Phadrea Hickman’s career at Akron Children’s began with family ties and, as she transitions into retirement, her family will remain firmly at the center of her life.
When Phadrea joined the Akron Children’s team in 1997, she followed in the footsteps of her mother, who worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and her aunt, who worked in the CARE Center.
She began her career in Admitting and Registration on night shift, later moved to Patient Accounting and eventually found a home in Rehab Administration as a patient service representative.
“When I started,” Phadrea reflected, “it felt like one big family.” As the hospital expanded over the last few decades, she noticed more faces but fewer familiar ones. “Now, I think it has grown so much. You can’t possibly know everyone.”
Despite significant changes to buildings and staffing, Phadrea found steady satisfaction knowing that her work with other departments and employees was always helping others.
Her advice to new employees is a simple reminder that kindness is a vital skill in health care. “Always be pleasant,” she said. “You never know what someone else is going through.”
As Phadrea looks ahead to retirement in October, she is excited for unscheduled time and the freedom to travel. When asked what inspires her, the answer was short and sweet: “My family.”
Phadrea looks forward to spending more time with her family
