Compassionate Respiratory Care Practitioner Named Fire Starter of the Month
March 11, 2025, MORRIS, IL- Compassionate, dedicated, and inspiring are just a few of the words used to describe Anna Raikes, a certified respiratory care practitioner at Morris Hospital who has been selected as the March Fire Starter of the Month.
For Raikes, a career in healthcare where she could help others in need was the only path she ever envisioned for herself. Over the past 16 years, the Ottawa resident has continued to make a lasting impact on those around her.
“Anna is an incredibly compassionate employee who always goes out of her way to help anyone she can,” said Laura Decker, Manager of Critical Care Services at Morris Hospital. “She radiates positivity, bringing a great attitude to work every day. That kind of energy is contagious and uplifting to those around her.”
Raikes recalls being inspired from a young age by her aunt, who spoke passionately about working as a CNA and then as a physical therapy aide at Morris Hospital. That inspiration led Raikes to eventually pursue her own career in healthcare.
“I always knew I wanted to help people; I just wasn’t sure which path I would take to get there,” Raikes said. “Throughout my time at Morris Hospital, I’ve had the opportunity to work in many different roles. From being a CNA on 2 South to a patient care tech in the Emergency Department, then a respiratory assistant—each experience helped shaped my journey and led me to where I am today.”
In her current role, Raikes evaluates and treats patients with breathing difficulties, administering respiratory therapy, oxygen therapy, breathing treatments, and mechanical ventilation. She also plays a crucial role in educating patients on managing their respiratory health.
Raikes’ strong commitment to her work is apparent to those around her. She received 10 separate nominations for the Fire Starter award, with Morris Hospital Emergency Department RN Abbey Owens describing Raikes as the “embodiment of a Fire Starter.”
“Anna is always willing to help any employee with any task, no matter how big or small,” Owens wrote in her nomination. “She leads by example, and anyone who works with her knows she provides the best care possible. Her professionalism never goes unnoticed—she truly exemplifies compassionate and exceptional care.”
When asked what she loves most about her job, Raikes says it is a combination of the incredible people she works with and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
“I’m so fortunate to work alongside amazing coworkers from different departments,” Raikes said. “I love being able to help people through some of the most challenging moments in their lives. I always try to bring positivity and a smile because you never know what someone is going through.”
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.
# # #
