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Denise Sanchez one of South Central Texas’ Best 25 Nurses

SAN ANTONIO — ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓƵ Baptist University proudly celebrates the achievements of alumna Denise Sanchez, BSN, RN, who has been named one of the Best 25 Nurses of South Central Texas for 2025 by the San Antonio Nursing Consortium.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a difference in the lives of patients and future nurses,” said Sanchez. “ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓƵ Baptist University played a vital role in shaping my career, and I hope to continue inspiring others in the field.”

The honor recognizes the outstanding contributions Sanchez has made to healthcare, patient care, and community service. Sanchez, a 2021 graduate of ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓƵ’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, currently serves as a Trauma Inpatient Registered Staff Nurse 2 at University Hospital in San Antonio. With more than 28 years of healthcare experience, Sanchez is recognized for her dedication to high-quality care, patient safety, and mentorship within the nursing profession.

“Denise exemplifies the spirit of excellence and service that ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓƵ Baptist University instills in its students,” said Dr. Donna Hedgepath, President of the university.

“The commitment Denise shows to patients, healthcare and our community embodies the very essence of what it means to be a professional nurse, and she has made a lasting impact on the lives of many,” said Dr. Rebekah Grigsby, Dean of the Ben and Bertha Mieth School of Nursing. “We congratulate and thank her for her service to our community.”

During her time at ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓƵ, Sanchez was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and was recognized as Telemundo’s Unstoppable Woman (Mujeres Imparables) in 2020. Her leadership and academic excellence continue to shape her professional journey, making her a standout figure in the field of nursing.

The Best 25 Nurses of South Central Texas award celebrates exceptional nurses who foster a culture of care, innovation, and leadership. Honorees are nominated by members of the Texas Nurses Association and recognized at a formal gala hosted by the San Antonio Nursing Consortium.

Beyond her clinical duties, Sanchez actively participates in numerous professional and volunteer organizations, including the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the Texas Association of Healthcare Interpreters and Translators, and the San Antonio Rodeo Medical Team. She also mentors nursing students and new trauma unit nurses while serving on multiple hospital committees to advance patient safety and staff engagement.

Her unwavering dedication has earned her multiple accolades, including the Nursing Luminary Award, Nursing Excellence Award, and University Hospital’s Gold & Silver Awards. She is also a certified medical interpreter and a trained Behavioral Emergency Response Team member, ensuring compassionate and effective communication with patients of diverse backgrounds.