Bad Pants Day honors contributions of Texas Children’s neonatal nurses

October 4, 2016

10516badpants640On September 22, nurses from Texas Children’s Newborn Center were recognized for their hard work and dedication at the annual Bad Pants Day celebration at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women.

Nurses traded in their scrubs for creative, yet cringe-worthy pants that probably wouldn’t get the nod of approval from Giorgio Armani or Gianni Versace: orange and yellow striped pants, polka dot pants and red slacks with stitched pom poms.

For nurses at Texas Children’s Newborn Center, Bad Pants Day was more than just dressing up in whacky attire. It was their day to shine and know how much they are appreciated for their efforts to enhance the outcomes of critically-ill infants in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Rebecca Schiff, assistant clinical nursing director in the Newborn Center, and her husband, Mike, shared their NICU journey when their twins, Jonah and Elliot, were born 24 weeks premature. They expressed their gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff who took such great care of them.

“I am reminded of what the doctors and nurses in this room gave to me and to my family,” Mike said. “These people invest themselves into such a heavy burden daily, as a matter of routine. While today is about fun, about celebrating contributions and paying tribute, we should honor these heroes not just for the rewards of their heroism, but the burden of that heroism on their capable but often weary shoulders. Each of us owe and readily give our thanks to them.”

Several NICU patient families attended the celebration including NICU Vice President Judy Swanson, NICU Nursing Director Heather Cherry and Rob Cooksey and Les Fox from the Bad Pants Committee. Several members from the local media served as judges for the Bad Pants fashion show. The contest winners from first to fourth place were Sara Somers, Stephanie Lopez, Jessica Gomes and Judy Swanson.

Bad Pants Day also marked the official kick off for the 19th annual Bad Pants Open scheduled for Thursday, October 20. Proceeds from the golf tournament will support Texas Children’s Newborn Center. Click here to register.