As the 2021 recipient of the Molly Mae LeBlanc Scholarship, Brittany Walters (pictured in the middle) shares why she applied and what this nursing education scholarship means to her. Read more
August 13, 2021
As we approach the back-to-school season, many of us are preparing our kids for another reconstructed school year in a continuously evolving pandemic. While more schools reopening the traditional classroom setting, our communities are also navigating through emerging variants and rising infections. It is natural for parents and caregivers to be anxious and concerned about their kids’ safety and well-being, especially with shifting masking guidelines.
Dr. Karin Price, Chief of Psychology for Texas Children’s, shares some helpful tips to help parents and caregivers manage their own anxiety, and more importantly, help their kids feel confident about returning to school.
Acknowledge the anxious feelings and worries, while also setting the expectation for bravery. Telling kids (or ourselves) “Don’t worry” or “Everything will be fine” disregards our natural response to a stressful and uncertain situation. Instead, we can help children learn to label their feelings by saying things like, “Sounds like you are feeling worried about going back to school.” We can then acknowledge that the situation is stressful, while also communicating that the child is brave and can handle difficult situations. “Lots of kids and families are feeling nervous about going back to school this year. It may be hard, but I know you can handle it because you’re a brave kid.”
Don’t let your (or your child’s) worries feed the anxiety. We know there is a strong connection between thoughts and feelings, and during times of uncertainty the “what if” thoughts can become overwhelming. These worries tend to build on one another and create a cycle of escalating anxiety. Instead of allowing these thoughts to feed the anxiety, try to focus on things that are within your control. For example, if a parent is worried that the other kids or adults in the school setting will not be wearing masks, they can redirect their thoughts to simple problem solving. “I can only control my child, and she will wear a mask to school every day to help keep her safe.” It is important to move on to something more deserving of your attention.
Model bravery and healthy coping with uncertainty. Kids often take cues about how to respond to a situation from their caregivers. If they hear parents in emotional discussions about more adult topics (such as whether rules around masking are appropriate, concerns about the efficacy of vaccines against new virus variants, or anxiety about illness or death), it may be very hard for them to feel confident and brave returning to school.
Instead, we can acknowledge their own anxiety while also modeling how to cope. “I am a little worried about everyone going back to school, too. It feels especially hard this year, but I know we will handle it together.” Modeling flexibility and acceptance of things beyond our control is also important during times of uncertainty, especially by avoiding negative talk about other people. A caregiver may say something like, “I also don’t like it that many of the kids in your class don’t wear masks. I wish everyone would, but I can’t control everyone. I can just make sure that the people in our family make the best choices for our own health and safety.”
August 12, 2021
Texas Children’s joins other medical entities across the country in recommending both masks and vaccination to protect against COVID-19
Like many hospitals across our region, Texas Children’s continues to experience a surge of COVID-19 cases, combined with a highly unusual summer surge of patients diagnosed with Respiratory syncytial virus.
To protect children and their families as school resumes, and in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Texas Children’s Hospital recommends everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, wear a mask indoors – including at school. We know how important it is developmentally for kids to attend school in-person, but it is of utmost importance that they do so in an environment that is as safe as possible.
As the largest children’s hospital in the nation, we, along with other leaders, are dedicated to doing all we can to protect those who are most vulnerable, including children under 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Now, more than ever, it is important for everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and remain vigilant about wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and thoroughly, maintaining social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. It will take all of us working together to get through this pandemic and we must ensure our children are protected in the process.
We also know that many of you are not only health care professionals, but parents as well. This is a challenging time, both personally and professionally, and we want to do all we can to help all children enjoy a safe and successful school year.
You are likely receiving questions from parents, schools and the community. Please click here to view available resources, including blog posts and a video about the Delta variant and how to help children cope with back-to-school anxiety, as well as high-level talking points about Texas Children’s response to this surge.
August 11, 2021
As announced by President and CEO Mark A. Wallace, Texas Children’s is requiring all members of our workforce to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – including all full-time, part-time and per diem employees and medical staff, contractors, on-site vendors and volunteers.
The decision to require the COVID-19 vaccine aligns with recommendations from the American Hospital Association, Children’s Hospital Association and hospitals and healthcare systems nationwide, including our partners at Baylor College of Medicine and neighboring institutions in the Texas Medical Center.
Under the COVID-19 vaccine requirement
Unvaccinated workforce members must receive at least one vaccine dose by 5 p.m. on September 21, 2021 and a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine by 5 p.m. on October 19, 2021.
Exemptions are available for certain religious beliefs or medical conditions that may preclude a person from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. To apply for an exemption, please complete the Exemption Request form, as well as a signed Medical Exemption Provider Statement for those submitting a medical exemption. All requests are subject to verification and approval. The deadline for submitting an exemption request for the first dose is 5 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2021, and 5 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2021 for the second dose.
Workforce members may receive their COVID-19 vaccine through Texas Children’s or any provider, pharmacy or facility of their choice. To schedule your vaccine appointment through Texas Children’s, please click here.
For more information about the vaccines, our requirement policy, how to submit proof of vaccination and what to do if you have been vaccinated but do not have a Vaccination Record Card, please reference our Information Guide.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best tool we have to fight the pandemic and finally bring this international public health crisis to an end, particularly given the vulnerability of Texas Children’s patient population and their inability to receive the vaccine themselves.
“I look forward to all of us at Texas Children’s taking initiative, being vaccinated and remaining the reason families from all over the world choose us to care for children and women. “I am profoundly grateful for your leadership and commitment to Texas Children’s and appreciate your dedication as we usher in the next season together. Leadership is never easy, but we have always done the right thing – and this will be no exception.”
– Mark A. Wallace
August 10, 2021
Food trucks, a DJ and a photo booth delighted and entertained team members at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus who gathered to recognize the Tomorrow, Together investment in our people.
The bold action, as announced by President and CEO Mark A. Wallace, includes increasing each employee salary by 2 percent and providing an additional week of highly-deserved paid time off.
About 400 staff participated in the Food Truck Jam at West Campus, which was held from 4 – 8 p.m. to give employees on day and night shifts an opportunity to enjoy the fun and festivities. Kudos to Krista Perez and Melissa Falcon, who were particularly instrumental in organizing the event.
To get a glimpse into the jamming time our colleagues had at West Campus, scroll through the gallery of photos at right. To see more snapshots from Tomorrow, Together celebrations that have taken place across the system, click here.
Charlene Barclay shares how taking on various nursing roles in her 30 years at Texas Children’s has strengthened her clinical experience and molded her into the nurse she is today. Read more
As we reflect on the many moments of triumph, determination and sportsmanship during a truly unique Olympics, we also wanted to congratulate Texas Children’s team members who participated in the Go for the Gold health and wellness initiative that’s all about improving physical well-being.
How to receive your free exercise band
Remember to complete the Go for the Gold post-challenge survey and send your tracker sheet to wellbeing@texaschildrens.org. Your exercise band will be sent to you via interoffice mail.
For a chance to win a Ninja Blender, tell us how you incorporated your 30 minutes of exercise in the post-challenge survey.
If you have been participating but did not have a chance to register, please click here.
