Radiology Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse Laura Backus has dedicated 40 years to caring for children and families at Texas Children’s. Based at The Woodlands Campus, she has built a career defined by compassion, clinical excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning.
As Laura celebrates this milestone, we asked her to reflect on the experiences that have shaped her career and what continues to inspire her after four decades with our organization.
What does working 40 years at Texas Children’s mean to you?
It has been a privilege to care for children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Spending an entire career at one organization is rare today, and this milestone reflects the strength of Texas Children’s and its mission. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing this meaningful work.
How has your journey shaped you personally and professionally?
My years in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit built the foundation of my career. The PICU team taught me the impact of compassionate care and the true meaning of teamwork during life’s most critical moments.
What are some of your most memorable moments?
I’ve been fortunate to experience many milestones, from becoming the first registered nurse on the pediatric transport team before it became the Kangaroo Crew to caring for the first patient placed on an oscillator and working the first night shift in West Tower after the move from Abercrombie. I also created the multidisciplinary PICU flowsheet, served on ride-out teams during Hurricane Harvey, the winter freeze and Hurricane Beryl and helped open several new units across the organization.
What has meant the most to you over the years?
From the PICU to the PACU, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and adaptability. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptional clinicians who are passionate about teaching, and even after 40 years, I continue to learn from them. I’m grateful for the opportunities to grow and humbled that colleagues often turn to me as a resource. Currently, I’m partnering with the Cardiology team to help outside institutions develop cardiac stress magnetic resonance imaging programs, giving me another opportunity to share what I’ve learned throughout my career.
