September 16, 2024

In this interview, Dr. Grace Johnson and Dr. Carrie Eppes from Texas Children’s Hospital’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine department discuss their career paths and experiences at Texas Children’s. They explore the hospital’s recent expansion to Austin and the importance of collaboration between the Houston and Austin teams. The doctors also highlight how telemedicine has improved access to care and share personal insights on how motherhood has shaped their approach to patient care. Watch the video to learn more about the compassionate, patient-centered culture at Texas Children’s and the exciting future of maternal-fetal medicine.

Sleep is essential for a child’s health and development, but when sleep disorders disrupt rest, the entire family can be affected. At Texas Children’s West Campus Sleep Center, sleep technologists like Lydia Henry, RPSGT, CCSH play a crucial role in helping children achieve better sleep, which is fundamental to their well-being.

Lydia works overnight in the sleep lab, monitoring patients to ensure physicians receive high-quality data needed to diagnose and treat pediatric sleep disorders. Her expertise and commitment directly impact the care and recovery of our young patients, helping them to rest better and improve their overall health.

The rewards of being a sleep technologist

For Lydia, the most rewarding part of her job is connecting with the children and families she serves. She recalled one particularly touching experience when a nervous young patient, whom she had comforted during a sleep study, returned to the lab just to give her a hug before surgery. “Some kiddos come in very sick or scared, and seeing their resiliency is incredibly moving,” she said.

Lydia also enjoys the unique benefits of working the night shift. The schedule allows her to be available for personal matters during the day, attend her daughter’s school functions and spend quality time with her family. “It’s easier to visit my daughter during lunch or be there when she’s home sick from school,” she explained.

The quiet hours

Overnight, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the Sleep Center, the atmosphere is quieter compared to the bustle of the hospital during daytime. Lydia begins her shift by reviewing her assigned patient’s history and attending a team huddle with physicians and staff to discuss the evening’s patients and their specific needs. Afterward, she prepares the room and sets up the necessary equipment for the sleep study.

When the patient arrives, Lydia welcomes the child and their family, explains the procedure and goes over brief paperwork. Following the guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, she carefully places wires and sensors on the patient to monitor vital signs and sleep patterns throughout the night. “It’s essential that the sensors stay in place for accurate readings and patient safety,” she emphasized.

And, of course, there is the lighter side of working at night. Lydia and her team at West Campus often encounter mysterious noises and events. Whenever something odd happens, the team blames their mischievous “ghost” named Theo and carries on with a smile.

Lighting up lives

With 24 years of experience—eight of them at Texas Children’s—Lydia has touched the lives of many children and families. Her passion for sleep technology began as a teenager, when she would watch her sister (also a sleep tech) prepare for patients. Fascinated by the equipment and procedures, Lydia decided to pursue the same path, and her journey eventually led her to our Sleep Center.

Lydia’s dedication to her work is evident in her interactions with patients and families. Her ability to comfort nervous children, coupled with her skill in collecting accurate data, makes a significant difference in the lives of those she cares for. With her years of experience and passion for helping others, Lydia is a shining example of the exceptional care provided at the Texas Children’s Sleep Center.

Texas Children’s is always looking for ways to showcase the amazing things happening within our teams and in your departments. You witness magic, miracles and milestones and we want to know more.

We’ve received great story ideas in the last few months through our Connect submission form, such as the success of Camp for All 2U and the impact of our Milk Bank and Lactation teams.

Here are some details on the types of stories we can feature and some examples:
 

If you have a timely project or program, please reach out at least three weeks in advance, so we have plenty of time to work on the story and ensure there’s room on our calendar as spaces fill up quickly.

Whenever you have a story to share, be sure to fill out our Connect submission form. If the story is a good fit to feature on Connect, the HR Communications team will reach out for further details.

We can’t wait to hear more from our One Amazing Team!

September 9, 2024

Hurricane Francine final update Wednesday, September 11, 2024 7:40 a.m.

Hurricane Francine will make landfall later this afternoon on the Louisiana coast likely as a Category 2 hurricane. There is a chance for rain showers in parts of Houston and some storm surge on the coast, but generally, we expect minimal impact on our service areas.

Thank you again for your continued support and partnership throughout this weather event. Our thoughts remain with those in the path of the hurricane.

We will continue to operate as business as usual. This is our final message regarding this storm.

 

Tropical Storm Francine update Tuesday, September 10, 2024 4:30 p.m.

Tropical Storm Francine is now expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon on the Louisiana Gulf Coast near Baton Rouge and New Orleans as a Category 1 hurricane. As the storm continues to move east, the forecast for the Texas Gulf Coast has become more favorable, so at this time, we do not plan to make any operational changes. Please continue to monitor the local news and weather for traffic and safety alerts for your area as the forecast may differ across the region.

Thank you to everyone who prepared ahead of time for the storm, so we could ensure our care continued for our patients and health plan members. Your ongoing dedication and commitment makes all the difference for those who put their trust in us. While it appears we’re out of the woods this time, our thoughts are with those in the path of the storm in Louisiana.

We will monitor the weather overnight into the morning. We do not expect any major changes, but will send a final message tomorrow morning.

Michael Brown
Administrator on Call

 

Tropical Storm Francine update Tuesday, September 10, 2024 8:00 a.m.

As Tropical Storm Francine approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, we continue to closely monitor weather conditions. The storm is now expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon on the Louisiana Gulf Coast near Vermilion Bay as a Category 2 hurricane. The Texas Gulf Coast may experience up to three inches of rain with sustained winds from 30-35 mph with higher wind gusts possible. The storm surge potential is up to 3 feet, which could cause moderate flooding. Lighter rain and squalls are expected inland. Please continue to monitor the local news and weather for traffic and safety alerts for your area as the forecast may differ across the region.

Operations update

At this time, we do not expect to activate ride out. At campus locations, please be prepared for one-to-one handoffs to ensure coverage. Team members at outpatient community locations should consult their respective leadership for updates and details on business operations.

Safety is always our first priority, so we advise team members to continue preparing for potential inclement weather:

  • Monitor the local news and weather for traffic and safety alerts for your area
  • Avoid unnecessary travel during the weather event
  • Use caution when navigating roadways and plan for additional travel time to allow for detours around flooded areas and travel through heavy rains
  • Please save your leader’s contact information to your phone or mobile device and check in with them on your status

If you do not currently receive emergency texts and would like to, log in to Voyager, go to Contact Info and add the Home Mobile Phone field. Even if your home phone is your mobile phone, by adding this field, it ensures you are on the list. Please also be mindful the number is correct. Just transposing two digits will prevent you from receiving texts.

Visit the Organizational Resilience SharePoint site for hurricane preparedness resources and tips.

We will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as needed.

Michael Brown
Administrator on Call

 

Tropical Storm Francine update Monday, September 9, 2024 11:50 a.m.

As Tropical Storm Francine approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, we continue to closely monitor weather conditions. The storm will be offshore Tuesday and Wednesday morning bringing heavy rains, flooding and wind gusts to coastal areas. At this point, the impact to the Greater Houston area will depend on the track of the storm, but some rainfall is expected inland. The latest weather reports indicate the storm will likely make landfall along the Texas-Louisiana border late Wednesday and could become a hurricane. 

Beginning today, team members should begin preparing their work areas in case of a facility/office closure For those employees who are able to do their work remotely, please ensure you have a plan in place to do so, if needed.

Safety is always our first priority, so we advise team members to prepare now for potential inclement weather:

  • Monitor the local news and weather for traffic and safety alerts for your area
  • Avoid unnecessary travel during the weather event
  • Use caution when navigating roadways and plan for additional travel time to allow for detours around flooded areas and travel through heavy rains
  • Please save your leader’s contact information to your phone or mobile device and check in with them on your status
  • Prepare your at-work disaster bag if you’re on the ride-out team, in case this is needed

If you do not currently receive emergency texts and would like to, log in to Voyager, go to Contact Info and add the Home Mobile Phone field. Even if your home phone is your mobile phone, by adding this field, it ensures you are on the list. Please also be mindful the number is correct. Just transposing two digits will prevent you from receiving texts.

Visit the Organizational Resilience SharePoint site for hurricane preparedness resources and tips.

We will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as needed.

Michael Brown
Administrator on Call

A 15-year team member of Texas Children’s, Lindsey Zaremba, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CPHON, CPN, loves her work and her work family. She has been fortunate to have mentors invest in her and help her develop as an employee, and now she works to do the same. As a Clinical Staff Development Specialist in The Woodlands, she is dedicated to using her knowledge, skills and abilities to help others perform their jobs successfully.

What makes you happiest about being part of Texas Children’s One Amazing Team? 

In reflecting on the past 15 years at TCH, it is easily the friendships I have made that make me the happiest. I moved to Texas from out of state in my early twenties as a newlywed with no family nearby. The staff here quickly became my family and took me in as one of their own. I am forever grateful for that.  

Where do you see yourself in your career in 5 years? 

I hope to continue to be in professional development. About eight years ago, my passion transitioned from direct patient care to supporting clinical staff with the knowledge, skills and abilities to do their jobs successfully. This all started with a self-made oncology course for community nurses which was the catalyst in sparking my desire for education.

What is the best thing a Texas Children’s Buddy/friend did for you? 

Mentor me! Growth and development are natural needs for adults. I know I am professionally where I am today because people invested in me along the way.  

What has been your most joyful or memorable patient experience? 

My favorite patient experience was being reunited with a patient at TCH that I took care of at my previous out-of-state hospital. Though her circumstances for seeking treatment here weren’t favorable, I felt joy that I was a familiar face for her. I knew I was working at one of the best places for her to seek pediatric oncology care. 

How do you recharge your batteries away from work? 

My quiet time in the morning and getting into the Word always refuels my spirit! My faith is everything to me, and I find having that time equips me to handle any circumstances I may face.

 

Chef Tony McZeal is making a big impact at Texas Children’s Hospital. His kindness is comforting kids and their families during tough times. Click here to watch the story on ABC 13.

September 3, 2024

Alyssa shares her path to certification. Read more here.