By Vickie Jenkins, staff writer
Compassion, patience and a love for children guide one Oklahoma nurse each day at Just Kids Pediatrics. For Heather Daugherty, nursing has always been about helping people feel better while offering comfort during difficult moments. As a nurse supervisor and LPN working alongside John Beavers, M.D. Heather has spent the last 10 years caring for children and families while balancing a variety of responsibilities that help keep the clinic running smoothly.
Growing up in Chattanooga, Oklahoma, Heather once considered several career paths. “When I was little, I wanted to be a nurse, a veterinarian or a lawyer,” she said with a laugh. “But nursing fit me best because I enjoy helping people and making them feel better.”
Heather attended Cameron University for her nursing degree and also studied at Cameron Tech. After marrying, she moved to the Oklahoma City area in 2010, where she continued building both her family life and nursing career. She has now been a nurse for 26 years.
Her first nursing job was at a pediatric doctor’s office with Dr. Cagle. She later worked in family medicine before returning to pediatrics, where she found her true passion.
“I like the diversity of pediatrics,” Heather said. “We see kids from newborns to age 21. Every age is different. The three to five-year-olds say the funniest things, and newborns are just so sweet.”
That variety is one reason she still enjoys coming to work each day. “Every day is different,” she said. “There are always new experiences and challenges.”
Today, Heather serves not only as a nurse, but also as a supervisor, trainer and organizer for the clinic. She helps train nurses, manages vaccine and supply orders, oversees projects and assists with scheduling responsibilities. She also travels among the twelve clinics when needed to help support other locations throughout Oklahoma.
Although her responsibilities are extensive, Heather still enjoys direct patient care the most. She sees approximately 30 patients a day and assists with vaccines, medications, sutures, shots and X-rays. She also oversees firefighter physicals and school and athletic physicals for children.
“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I helped someone feel better,” she said. “When patients come in sick and then leave feeling better, that means everything.”
Heather believes compassion, understanding and patience are some of the most important qualities a nurse can have. “Patience is probably one of my strengths, although my family might disagree with that,” she added jokingly.
During nursing school, Heather was encouraged by a mentor, an RN from California who worked in the emergency room. The mentor helped guide her through difficult studies and offered advice during challenging situations. “She really helped me follow the right path,” Heather said. “Having someone there who encouraged me made a big difference.”
Heather believes pediatric nursing requires a special type of personality and dedication. “You have to be ready for anything,” she said. “You need patience and you need love.”
Heather appreciates the close-knit atmosphere at the clinic and enjoys working alongside a supportive team. One of the greatest joys of her career has been watching families grow over the years.“I’ve watched these kids grow up,” she said. “Some of the families have been coming here for years, and that becomes very special.”
Outside of work, Heather stays busy with family life. She and her husband have two boys, two stepchildren and four grandchildren. Much of her free time revolves around her 14-year-old son’s baseball games. She also enjoys pickleball and spending time outdoors with family whenever possible. Despite the long hours and busy schedule, Heather feels confident she chose the right profession.
“I do feel like nursing is a calling,” she said. “I love knowing that I’m helping people, preventing illness and giving comfort when someone is sick.”
For Heather, nursing is far more than a career. It is an opportunity to serve others through compassion, leadership and care, one patient at a time.
