CT Tech Recognized for All-Around Excellent Qualities
November 3, 2017 – Jeff Thompson, of Wilmington, was honored as Morris Hospital & Healthcare Center’s October Fire Starter of the Month for his all-around excellent qualities, most notably being a caring and skilled CT technologist, wise and inspiring leader, and overall joy to be around.
“Jeff goes above and beyond every time he works,” said co-worker Desiree Gates in nominating Thompson as Fire Starter of the Month. “He brings so much positive energy to the department. He’s also an amazing CT tech and takes great care of his patients.”
A lifelong resident of Wilmington, Thompson chose Morris Hospital as the site for his clinical training in 2003 when he was a student at Kankakee Community College. He had served as an EMT for Wilmington Fire Department, and whenever a transport took him to Morris Hospital, he felt comfortable. His exposure to Morris Hospital as a student led to a job as a radiology aide, and as soon as he graduated, he was promoted to x-ray tech on midnights. By 2006, Thompson was cross training to CT where he’s stayed ever since.
“I found CT very interesting as a student, and I’ve loved it ever since,” says Thompson, who has served as a lead CT tech at Morris Hospital since 2008. “It’s an ever changing modality, and I’m impressed with the way we keep up with the advances for a hospital our size.”
Thompson’s leadership and role model behavior have a great influence on the entire CT team at Morris Hospital. They say he is helpful to staff, makes everyone’s jobs easier, and contributes ideas that help improve the hospital and department.
When it comes to patient care, Thompson is noted for having excellent skills and great bedside manner.
“We get to know our patients and develop a close relationship, especially the ones we scan every 3, 6, or 12 months,” says Thompson. “We find that when we take time to interact with patients, they have a better experience. Mutual respect creates a better patient experience.”
Morris Hospital Imaging Services Director Liz Bates says Thompson demonstrates compassion toward both patients and his coworkers.
“Jeff is willing to do what is needed to provide excellent customer experiences and quality images for the physicians,” she says. “He has great enthusiasm for the imaging profession and a desire to continuously take initiative to learn and improve the care he provides.”
In early civilizations, fire starters were the individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. As Fire Starter of the Month, Thompson received a Grundy County Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, a Morris Hospital logoed clothing item of her choice, a special “Fire Starter” lapel pin, and a designated parking spot for the month. With over 1,200 employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employers in Grundy County and winner of the Advisory Board Company’s 2017 Workplace of the Year award.
