For our continued celebration of Patient Experience Month, we’re shining a light on gratitude and the opportunity each Texas Children’s team member has to express appreciation to the patients, families and colleagues who make a difference in our lives.
Whether you submit a Caught You Caring note to someone who deserves recognition, speak positively about others or just make time to be fully present and actively listen – sharing your gratitude can be a powerful way to show how much you care.
Ready to extend the thank-you that brightens someone’s day? Post this fun visual to your workstation with 21 ways to express gratitude in 2021, and read on for inspirational stories about our fellow team members who have made demonstrating and living with gratitude a part of their daily routines.
‘Their love for their job and their patients shines daily’
For Paola Arizmendi Sanchez and Criselda Solis, making patients at Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin feel special starts with art supplies and the roll of paper on the exam room tables.
Sanchez and Solis draw cheerful pictures that range from seasonal themes and holidays, to characters from Disney movies and popular cartoons. They also leave each patient a personalized message.
“The parents are really appreciative of the gesture,” said Solis, a medical assistant.
Sanchez, a nurse, added that the artwork helps patients feel more at home. “I hope to make the rooms less scary, especially now that providers and medical personnel have to wear masks and goggles,” she said.
The impact of their kindness isn’t lost on clinic providers, either. Dr. Ravneet Donegan has noticed that the drawings and messages help patients feel welcome and excited to be there, while Dr. Kavita Patel has seen the simple artwork make visits to the doctor more fun.
“It adds a personal touch and shows each patient that we see them as a unique individual. For the younger children, it helps allay fear and provides a positive distraction in what can otherwise be an intimidating experience,” said Dr. Alison Humphrey. “I am so grateful to work with these exceptional colleagues.”
‘She goes above and beyond to make sure every staff member feels appreciated’
Clinical educator Haley Visneau has an upbeat attitude, a ready smile and a playful sense of humor that helps her colleagues throughout Texas Children’s Urgent Care know they are appreciated and seen for everything they do.
No matter the time of day, Visneau makes herself available to support her fellow team members. She sparks engagement by sending out emails that provide important information in an eye-catching way, and strives to touch base with each of her colleagues to offer encouragement before she leaves the clinic each day.
“Haley’s energy and actions are always so positive and uplifting,” said Heather Journeycake, manager of advanced practice providers for TCUC. “Everyone is happy when they see Haley in the clinics.”
‘Creating magic for everyone is a passion of mine’
Anyone who has visited the second floor of the outpatient building at The Woodlands can tell you about Jessi Carcamo and the way she brings a smile to the face of anyone who steps through the door.
An ambulatory service representative with a natural flair for making any atmosphere feel festive, Carcamo dresses up in theme for every holiday – and on the days in between, she can be seen wearing costumes and accessories that delight everyone she meets. It’s all part of her daily effort to turn someone’s day around with a warm smile and heartfelt hello.
“I have always found a great sense of gratification in knowing I was able to help someone,” said ‘Ms. Jessi,’ as she is affectionately known. “I am passionate about customer service, kindness, empathy, inspiration and compassion. If you are ever in the area, stop on by and I promise you’ve got a friend in me.”
How do you show gratitude?
We want to see how you express gratitude to patients, families and/or colleagues. Submit a photo of your efforts to patientexperience@texaschildrens.org. Submissions will be accepted through Wednesday, April 21, and may be displayed on Connect in the virtual Acts of Gratitude photo gallery.
When you submit a photo, you will also be entered into a weekly prize drawing to be held on April 16 and 23. Prizes include an entertainment package, fitness package and outdoor package. Submit your photo early for more opportunities to win.
