Page 16 - JacksonHospital

GROWING UP, Kay Walters wasn’t quite sure which career path she wanted to take. From being a medical missionary to owning an antiques store, she had a broad spectrum of possi-bilities. But because she was afficted with severe asthma as a child, Walters became intrigued with respiratory care, and for more than 20 years she has practiced as a registered respiratory therapist.

“I had horrible asthma as a child, and my grandmother had emphysema,” she said. “I considered nursing and pharmacy, but caring specifcally for respiratory care patients was what I had a passion for, and I am very proud o profession.”

Walters has been a valued Jackso Hospital staff member since 1997 a has served as the director of respira care since 1999. Not only is she a re istered respiratory therapist, but she also a neonatal and pediatric specia and a certifed asthma educator. Wa ters also serves on the hospital’s cra cart committee and ventilator-assoc ated pneumonia prevention team.

free summer camp for children with asthma, which provides the opportunity for them to attend overnight, under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The camp provides disease management education and entertaining activities for children who would not otherwise be able to go to summer camp.

Most recently, Walters was honored as an Alabama Hospital As-sociation Healthcare Hero, an annual award that seeks to honor

erence not only in the lives of patients but of their co-workers as well. “I was extremely honored to be recognized by fellow co-workers and the Alabama Hospital Association,”Walters said. “As a clinician, walking into a room with a patient in respiratory distress and being able to calm them and help them breathe easier and then teaching them how to manage their disease makes it all worth it, and I am proud to work with such a professional respiratory team.”