Nurses, doctors and other health care professionals help to ensure that patients feel comfortable during a hospital visit or that they get the help they need in the emergency room. Other professionals go beyond the call of duty, changing lives in the process.

During its ninth annual “Hospital Hero” award contest, the Alabama Hospital Association honored Janet H. Atchison, Vaughan Regional Medical Center RN, along with nine hospital employees and three physicians across the state, for their dedication to the healthcare field at a luncheon held Thursday in Montgomery.

Sponsored by the Central Alabama Regional Hospital Council of the Alabama Hospital Association, the contest is one of several regional awards that highlights health careers and recognizes the great accomplishments and compassion of hospital employees throughout the state.

“This contest is one of our association’s most meaningful events because it recognizes some amazing people,” said AlaHA president J. Michael Horsley. “It’s often said that working in a hospital is more than a job, that it’s a calling, and when you hear the stories of what these heroes do each day, you realize how true that is; They really are a special breed.”

Atchison, who has worked with Vaughan since 2001, has spent 33 years in healthcare. Atchison received her Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, or CAPA, in 2009.

Also the 2011 recipient of Vaughan’s coveted Mercy Award, which annually recognizes one hospital employee who personifies the spirit and values of caring, compassion and exceptional customer service, Atchison is known by her colleagues for her nursing skills and genuine, compassionate smile.

Vaughan’s chief nursing officer Verno Davidson said Atchison has a “mighty heart for people.”

“Janet Atchison has a quiet, graceful demeanor,” Davidson said. “Her loyal, dedicated character endears her to patients and co workers alike … Janet’s kind, caring (and) compassionate spirit is an example to all of us at Vaughan. Her daily commitment to her patients and to her co-workers is unwavering. She is one who truly has a healing hand and a helping heart …”