Nurse recognized for positive spirit, dedication

Pat Davenport, R.N., is one of those people that brings out the best in others. But now, Davenport is also being recognized as one of the best.

The Keller resident has been named to the annual list of the Metroplex’s Great 100 Nurses, which is sponsored by the Texas Nurses Association and the North Texas Organization of Nurse Executives. The awards honor registered nurses in the D/FW area who exemplify excellence in the art and science of nursing.  Nurses are nominated by their peers, and may only be named to the list once in their career.

Davenport recalls what drew her into nursing 38 years ago.

“It is an opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life and see a miracle every day,” she said. “My mother was a nurse and I often heard phone calls from thankful neighbors and patients whose lives were improved by her care. The combination or art and science sprinkled with compassion and caring lured me in to a life’s calling.”

Davenport currently is manager of employee health services at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford. Her coworkers and hospital leaders agree that Davenport has found her calling.

“The Great 100 Nurses are the best of the best,” said Deborah Paganelli, FACHE, hospital president. “Our nurses set a high standard for each other, an example of excellence that is made up of hard work and dedication for every patient, every day. I am proud that their work was recognized among the best in our region.”

But her dedication doesn’t stop at the hospital’s walls either. Davenport volunteers at her church twice a month offering a “parents’ night out” service to families that care for mentally and physically handicapped children and teenagers. She also volunteers at elementary schools teaching children about health issues that individuals face in other countries. In her spare time she’s learning to read and write the Hebrew language.

“Her patience, acceptance, and forgiving nature make her someone that others want to pattern themselves after,” one nominator wrote. “She reminds those around her, through her actions, to always look for the positive in every situation.”