- Name: Nicholas Hamilton
- Graduating high school: Ridgeland High School
- Academic degree(s): Associate of Applied Science
- Credential(s): RRT
- Graduation year (RT program): 2014
- Place of employment: Travel Respiratory Therapist around the U.S
- How do you feel about your career choice as a respiratory therapist and why? I feel Respiratory was an excellent career choice. This profession has provided me
with a solid foundation in medicine and patient care and has broadened my horizon
to pursue other ventures in life.
- What drew you to the profession of respiratory care? My will to relate and understand patients with illnesses like mine (cystic fibrosis).
- What influenced your decision to choose Coahoma Community College to pursue your academic/professional
goals? I just wanted to be in a Respiratory Program, so I chose the first program that accepted
me.
- How well did the Respiratory Care Program prepare you for entering the local and national
healthcare workforce? Thanks to CCC, I'm grateful to have been well equipped skillfully, socially, and diversified
to exceed all expectations.
- Name one meaningful experience during your time in the respiratory care program. Many, but probably the talks our class would have on our nonclinical days. Those were
very insightful discussions.
- How has the recent pandemic affected the field of respiratory care?Alternatively,
why do you think Respiratory Care professionals are so needed at this time? I think the pandemic has highlighted therapists, especially in a critical sense.
We get to thoroughly break down the specifics of the ventilator and also utilize and
management modes we've learned along the way. We're needed to understand therapies
and manage ventilation critically. We have the most proficient knowledge under the
physician. We studied this for two years.
- Has graduating from specifically, the CCC Respiratory Care Program, changed your future?
If so, how? Yes. It expanded my view and outlook for the future
- What advice would you give to any individual interested in respiratory care in your
hometown or high school? If you have a passion, do it. Be aware of the future when you make the decision. Think
about vertical moves, not lateral ones
- What are your feelings about this year's respiratory care week theme, "Respiratory
Therapists: Resilience, Strength, Hope"? It's fitting, especially the Resilience part. That's respiratory, in a nutshell.
- If you would like to say any kindwords about anyone that played a significant role in you accomplishing your RT goals,
please take this opportunity to do so. Dr. Willie Lockett, Mr. Brooks, and Mr. Treanor were all there supporting me throughout
the program. They cared about the students and wanted to see us succeed. They've
exposed me in many ways that are beyond just coming to class. They've definitely put
me in a position to thrive in this world, with or without respiratory. I feel as
if they've given me connections and resources to this day. I honestly didn't enjoy
the actual school experience due to the College I came from, but I will always have
a special place for CCC respiratory program. It made everything worth it. Also, I
want to extend a tremendous thanks to all the therapists who've shown me new things
and taught me how to survive as a therapist.