Children’s Hospital stalwart Givens leaving Vanderbilt
After nearly 20 years serving patients and their families at Vanderbilt, Pat Givens, R.N., is heading West.
Givens, chief nursing officer at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, is leaving Dec. 11 to assume the role of associate chief nursing officer at Denver Children's Hospital. She will begin there Dec. 14.
“Pat Givens has been a phenomenal leader of our nursing and clinical support services staff,” said Kevin B. Churchwell, M.D., executive officer and executive director of Children's Hospital. “Her dedication and
Pat Givens, R.N.
Givens will join her husband, Tim Givens, M.D., former associate professor of Emergency Medicine at Children's Hospital, who has been serving as medical director for the Emergency Department at Denver Children's Hospital since July.
Although her new role will be slightly different, Givens says the mission remains the same.
“The same opportunities exist — to be able to serve children and their families,” Givens said. “They have the similar needs, and that is the exciting part for me. I am passionate about the work I do and try to always focus on doing what is right for children, families and our staff.”
“Pat has been a strong support for Vanderbilt nursing and patient care during her 19-year tenure,” said Marilyn Dubree, M.S.N., R.N., Chief Nursing Officer. “She will be greatly missed.”
Givens came to Vanderbilt in 1990, where she served as charge nurse of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU). She continued to rise through the ranks, serving as manager of Patient Care Services for the PCCU and Pediatric Emergency Department, then as Administrative Director for Emergency Services at Vanderbilt University Medical Center before taking over as leader of nursing and clinical support services in 2002.
“I've had a lot of great opportunities and people have been very kind to me,” Givens said. “I have had a lot of mentors and many doors have been opened for me here at Vanderbilt. I've been fortunate to be able to grow and develop professionally and personally.”
Givens said she is proud of being a part of the planning for the new Children's Hospital and working in the new building, but says it's the day-to-day work of the hospital staff that makes her most proud to be associated with Children's Hospital.
“We're so privileged to do what we do,” Givens said. “I am truly honored to have worked for many of the best health care providers and leaders in the country.”
Donna Williams, R.N., administrative director of Operative Services, will take over as interim chief nursing officer.
“Handing the role over to someone like Donna is comforting as I say goodbye,” Givens said. “I know Donna and the nursing leaders in Children's Hospital will continue on providing the best clinical care, educating our future health care providers and continuing to advance pediatric nursing through inquiry and discovery.”
Givens earned her bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Calgary, and a master's degree in Education in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina.