Nurse Honored by Houston Chronicle
Patient’s family nominates Ben Taub nurse for award
 

Alice Porter-Taplin

Despite complaints about parking at Ben Taub Hospital, Alice Porter-Taplin says it’s the on-site parking garage that brought her to the Hospital District 15 years ago.   

Today she’s recognized as one of Houston’s top nurses for 2005. Porter-Taplin, RN, in the Oral Surgery Clinic, had worked at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research before coming to HCHD in 1990. She wanted to expand her critical care work experience, so she sought an opportunity at Ben Taub Hospital.

For some reason, she thought being able to park onsite was a great perk, so she accepted a job at Ben Taub Hospital. And she’s had no regrets.

The Houston Chronicle honored Porter-Taplin and others in its annual Salute to Nurses issue on May 8. She received praise from colleagues, a plaque and an honorary luncheon.

As a child, Porter-Taplin was constantly ill and visited many hospitals and clinics. The work of her caregivers – particularly the nurses – fascinated her. Those positive impressions led her to join the nursing profession.

“Since I’ve been in nursing, I treat people the way I’d want them to treat me,” she said. “I listen to my patients and am compassionate with them.”

She was nominated for the Chronicle honor by the family of a former patient who came to Houston from Mississippi to await a heart transplant.

While here, the patient’s family ran into a string of bad luck, including having their car stolen.

When she learned about their predicament, Porter-Taplin arranged for Lakewood Church to provide the family a hotel in Houston and taught them to navigate public transportation.

“I’m touched that my nomination came from that family. It means a lot to me,” Porter-Taplin said.