Passionate Morris Hospital Respiratory Therapist Named March Fire Starter of the Month
March 25, 2024, MORRIS, IL – If there was one thing Morris resident Julia Banko was searching for in a career, it was the ability to help people. From an early age, Banko knew she had the desire to help people, but she was unsure which healthcare path she would choose. When she was re-applying to programs after taking a leave from nursing school to take care of her family, the first program that she heard back from was respiratory therapy. She took that as a sign to make the jump and has never looked back.
Nearly 34 years later, Banko is still pursuing her passion for helping people and making a difference in the lives of patients every day as a respiratory therapist and supervisor of pulmonary services at Morris Hospital. In recognition of all she does to make Morris Hospital an excellent place receive care, Banko was honored as the hospital’s March Fire Starter of the Month.
“Julia is an incredible employee and supervisor who always gives 100% of herself to her patients and the department,” says Morris Hospital Manager of Critical Care Services Laura Decker. “She is always lending a helping hand to anyone in need, and this makes her a great leader.”
Banko’s career at Morris Hospital began as an emergency room registration clerk while she was completing her undergraduate degree in respiratory therapy. Over three decades later, she is as dedicated to serving the community as she was on her first day. She credits this to the way Morris Hospital’s mission has continued to align with her desire to help people better their lives.
“Morris Hospital’s mission is to improve the lives of community residents, and I know the work I do helps contribute to that every day,” says Banko. “I also have enjoyed getting to help mold and shape the next generation of healthcare professionals who will someday be taking care of me.”
Banko says there are many rewarding aspects of her job, but some of the most impactful have been seeing the positive changes in the lives of the patients. “When you can’t breathe, or have difficulties breathing, it impacts every part of your life,” says Banko. “When I have a success with a patient, the warm and fuzzy feeling I get really feels good. It is rewarding to know that my help has made a stamp on helping to improve someone’s life.”
In early civilizations, fire starters were individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. With over 1,400 employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.
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