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.
August 6, 2021

As teams across the organization continue to celebrate the recent Tomorrow, Together investment in our people, Texas Children’s is launching another special program to express our gratitude for our team members’ hard work and commitment.

In addition to the 50 percent discount on all purchases made at food courts and outlets at the Medical Center, West Campus and The Woodlands campus locations, we have sweet news we want to share.

Every Friday in August, all team members will get free ice cream, or another sweet treat, at all Texas Children’s locations. Make sure to grab a treat before or after your shift, overnight hours included.

  • Health Plan Building – 6330 West Loop South Freeway, Boardroom, Room #1436
  • Medical Center – Fresh Bistro at the Pavilion for Women and Food Court at Mark Wallace Tower
  • Meyer Building – Main Lobby
  • The Woodlands – Treehouse Café
  • West Campus – Dot’s Kitchen
  • Pediatrics, Specialty Cares, The Centers, Urgent Cares and other community locations – Please see your practice leader

Show off your smiles! Send your photos with your sweet treats and details to HR Communications for a chance to see your smile featured on Connect News and our social media channels.

August 5, 2021

The revamped and redesigned 2021 Annual Required Training (ART) is now available in HealthStream, giving Texas Children’s entire workforce an opportunity to stay up-to-date on the essential patient safety and quality of care information at the heart of our mission.

All employees, contractors and volunteers must complete ART by Friday, September 10, to meet compliance requirements from Joint Commission, OSHA, HIPAA and Texas Children’s.

It’s easy to do your part to help reach the 100 percent ART completion goal across the organization! Access the course and get started today by using this link or following these steps from the Connect homepage:

  1. Click on the “ART/Learning Academy/HealthStream” link under the “Quick Links” heading.
  2. Log into HealthStream using your Texas Children’s e-mail and password.
  3. On the “To Do” tab in HealthStream, click on the “Start” link next to the course labeled, “2021 Texas Children’s Annual Required Training.”
Helpful reminders for ART 2021
  • All members of Texas Children’s workforce are required to complete the training, which consists of four modules with a fresh new look and relevant content for 2021.
  • For credit, you must review all the slides and pass the test at the end of each module.
  • Employees who are on leave of absence must complete ART within 30 days of their return to work.
  • Contractors and volunteers will complete the alternate ART course, which will be administered by their leader instead of through HealthStream. Contact your leader for instructions.
  • Leaders can receive their HealthStream dashboard to track completion results for the team members in their cost center(s).
Need assistance?
  • For problems accessing HealthStream, contact the IS Service Desk at 832-824-3512, Option 2.
  • For questions about the ART course, send an e-mail to healthstream@texaschildrens.org.
  • If the course is not giving you the correct completion status or allowing you to advance through the modules, you may need to clear your browsing history. Follow these instructions.
August 3, 2021

As teams across the organization continue to celebrate the recent Tomorrow, Together investment in our people, Texas Children’s is launching another special program to express our gratitude for our team members’ hard work and commitment.

Beginning Monday, August 2, all individuals with a Texas Children’s badge will receive 50 percent off all purchases at food courts and outlets at the Medical Center, The Woodlands and West Campus hospital locations. The half-price discount will continue until further notice.

Our team members are encouraged to enjoy their discounted meal and something good to eat as a reminder of how much Texas Children’s values you and appreciates all you do.

To see weekly menus for the Coffee Corner and Fresh Bistro at the Medical Center, The Treehouse at The Woodlands and Dots Kitchen at West Campus, click here.

Items at the Food Court at Mark Wallace Tower in the Medical Center are also included in this half-price promotion.