June 8, 2020

 

June is transition time at academic teaching hospitals throughout the nation. Newly graduated medical students are preparing for orientation and the start of their residency education. At the same time, current residents and fellows graduate to either practice or embark on additional specialty training. Pediatric residents spend 3-5 years refining their clinical skills and are the frontline providers for countless patients in our hospitals and clinics throughout the Texas Children’s Hospital system.

On May 30, the Baylor Department of Pediatrics celebrated a virtual graduation banquet for the 57 pediatricians and four chief residents who are finishing their pediatric residency training at Baylor and Texas Children’s this month.

The majority of these graduates first began their training in Houston in June 2017 and quickly became essential personnel during Hurricane Harvey. They now end their residency training during a pandemic with the same flexibility, resilience and dedication with which they began it. Eighteen of the graduates will enter into practice in primary care clinics and hospitals and 38 are beginning additional training in pediatric specialties, the majority remaining at Texas Children’s.

We congratulate them for this milestone and appreciate their dedication and service throughout their time with us here at Texas Children’s.

Hope in a mess 

The following passage was written by Texas Children’s Chaplain Jessica Shannon.

One of my favorite ways to describe the Chaplain’s role is to say “We help people find hope in a mess.”  Everyone’s sources of hope are different and they can change with our situations.  Not only have we all found ourselves lost and in some sort of a mess throughout our lives, but it seems like 2020 is quite the mess itself.

When the pandemic began, we instantly started living in a time of uncertainty.  At all of our campuses, we have seen censuses drop and we see our colleagues less as our schedules are altered.  We have stayed at home as much as possible to protect ourselves and each other.  Lock downs, school cancellations, and businesses closing made it appear as if our city, our state, our nation, and the world, were all experiencing what our families feel when they are hospitalized unexpectedly. Everything was turned upside down in an instant.

The families we serve all are in some sort of a mess, and it is these very people who teach us how to cope in the midst of fear. In their normal lives outside of Texas Children’s, many of them find hope in their faith. They find hope in cheering on their favorite team with friends and fellow fans. They find hope in a good hike at a Texas State Park or walking their dogs. They find hope in a good book, board games with their kids, or someone offering to pray for them. When our patients and families are admitted, they may no longer have access to the things that help them. Perhaps their child’s diagnosis will keep them from attending school or playing soccer. Perhaps their admission is long, and visitation restrictions are weighing heavily on them without access to friends, family, and their faith community other than Zoom and FaceTime.  Despite the new normal, our families find new hope in the darkness.  They have to dig deeper sometimes, but they find the hope they need to move forward.

We can learn from our families and discover new sources of hope.  Even as our hospital and our city begins to reopen, we will find hope in ways we never have.  We find hope in live stream services held by our churches, synagogues, and mosques.  We find hope in people using their voices and comforting each other.  We find hope in giggles among staff.  We find hope in a great game of Emotional Uno with a patient and seeing the child laugh for the first time in a long time.  We find hope in teachers who make sure their students feel valued from a distance. Hope is there. We just have to look for it.

My encouragement to each of you is to pause and reflect on what helps you to take another step each day. As you watch the news, scroll through social media, provide compassionate care to a family, or adjust to changes at home and work, think about what gives you hope in the mess. Then, make an effort, to include your sources of hope in your day. We can get through any mess together.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” Desmond Tutu

 

 

 

June 7, 2020

Every year, the Department of Organizational Resilience holds a Hurricane Preparedness Bridge Event on The Auxiliary Bridge to offer tips on how to get ready for the year’s hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Due to COVID-19 and the safety measures Texas Children’s has put into place to protect our staff, patients and families during the pandemic, this year’s event has been moved online via Microsoft Teams Live. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Thursday, June 11, the event will include presentations from Texas Children’s Wellness Team and Employee Assistance Program, Texas Children’s Social Work Team, Texas Children’s Amateur Radio Team, Texas Children’s Decontamination Team, Organizational Resilience Team, Harris County Flood Control District, and the National Weather Service.

All presentations will repeat every 15-20 minutes with question and answer sessions. National Weather Service and Harris County Flood control district have two schedule sessions each.

To join the event, click here:

Social Work

Amateur Radio

EAP/Wellness

Organizational Resilience

Decontamination Team

Harris County Flood Control District Session 1: 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Harris County Flood Control District Session 2. 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

National Weather Service Session 1. 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

National Weather Service Session 2. noon to 12:30 p.m.

There will be a virtual bridge event bingo game. Each presenter will end their presentation with a key word. You will write the key word down for that spot on the bingo card. When done, write your name and email address on the bingo card and email it in for a prize drawing. Instructions are on the card. Click here to view the bingo card.

The Department of Organizational Resilience also is offering virtual hurricane preparedness presentations to requesting departments. This year, these presentations will be given virtually via Microsoft Teams. To request a presentation, please email EmergencyMgmt@texaschildrens.org.

For more information on how you can prepare for this year’s hurricane season, click here.

June 2, 2020

National Running Day is just around the corner and what better time than now to become more active. All across the country Wednesday, June 3 is the annual appreciation for running as a sport — and as an avenue to overall health and well-being.

Getting out and exercising — especially during this pandemic — can help keep your stress levels down and your spirits high. In a world where social distancing is becoming normal, we can still get out and exercise with peers as a way to stay connected to one another. Now more than ever it is important to know that we are not alone during this pandemic. We are encouraging you to mask up, get out for a jog and consider becoming part of the Texas Children’s running community.

“Running has such great benefits for our physical health, emotional health and mental health,” said Kelley Hernandez, running team coordinator for Texas Children’s Hospital. “As we all continue to navigate life with the coronavirus, it’s especially important that we manage our stress as well so that we can take care of ourselves and others.”

What’s even better is that you can get healthy and support Texas Children’s Hospital at the same time through the Chevron Houston Marathon/Aramco Houston Half Marathon “Run for a Reason” program.

If you are interested in running the Chevron Houston Marathon/Aramco Houston Half Marathon — Sunday, January 17, 2021 — on behalf of Texas Children’s Hospital register at texaschildrens.org/houstonmarathon.

June 1, 2020

During the 2019-2020 school year seven students interned at Texas Children’s Health Plan as part of Project Search, a national organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities find employment. And although challenged with a global pandemic, they each persevered to complete the hands-on training.

They will enjoy a virtual graduation on Thursday, June 4. The graduates and their accomplishments are as follows:

Brian Buckingham
Ross Shaw Sterling Aviation High School
What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in the Marketing department, mainly in the warehouse. My main responsibilities were filling orders, loading the docking truck, and keeping the maintenance up on the trucks.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
The internship has helped me to be more confident. I no longer have a problem asking for help.

What are your future plans or desired profession?
I’d like to get a job within the warehouse industry.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
My advice to incoming students would be to finish what you start, follow directions and be on time.

From the Project SEARCH team:
It has been a great pleasure watching Brian grow into a mature, responsible, hard-working man. He is a fast learner who excelled at his internship in the Marketing Warehouse. He was able to move inventory, load and unload trucks, operate a pallet jack, take and fill orders, and make deliveries throughout The Health Plan. Brian has a calm demeanor and has expressed his interest in working in a warehouse or being a delivery driver assistant. With the ability and leadership he has shown during his internship, I know Brian will be successful in that job environment. Brian, we wish you all the best on future endeavors! We know you will be successful!!

Stacy Calvo
Sharpstown International School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in the Marketing department, as well as the Claims department. My main responsibilities were using Excel, making copies, shredding papers, organizing the Managed Care binders and other clerical duties.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
The internship has made me a better communicator and more confident. I am now more willing to make eye contact when speaking to people.

Future plans or desired profession?
I would like to work in a hospital in housekeeping or as a patient escort.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
My advice to incoming interns would be to follow directions and make eye contact when speaking to others.

From the Project SEARCH team:
Stacy has proven to be one of the most responsible, trustworthy, and dependable interns the Project SEARCH program has ever had the honor to work with. Not only does Stacy comply with rules and policies, but she exceeds expectations of integrity and professionalism. She is a fast learner and always has a smile on her face and a friendly word for others. It has been a pleasure working with Stacy and watching her grow and bloom into the professional woman she is. Stacy is anxious to enter the world of work and there is no doubt that she will be very successful in the path she chooses. We wish you well Stacy, and we look forward to hearing about all the accomplishments you will achieve!

Josseline Lopez
Northside High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I work in the StarKids department. My main responsibilities are assisting with the preparation for the TCHi orientations, organizing and sorting, and putting packets together for everyone that is hired at TCHP.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
I have become more independent and a lot more self-sufficient.

Future plans or desired profession?
I would like to work in a hospital.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
I would tell the incoming students to follow the rules and instructions. Everyone is here to help you.

From Josseline’s Mentor, Aracely Olmeda:
Joselin has blossomed from a shy and timid intern to a bold and vivacious coworker. She was celebrated as a coworker in Care Coordination and it has been my honor to mentor her. She has excelled in time management and developing education training materials for new hires. She also has conquered the daunting task of organizing the 14th floor storage room and has taken an active role in managing inventory for new hire equipment. She is a quick learner and is adaptable to anything thrown her way! Congrats Josseline

Kirk Cole
Westbury High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I managed the TCHP Concierge Service. I worked on all floors, delivering supplies, mail, cleaning the common areas, and I made sure that each printer was stocked with paper on every floor.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
The internship has made me more responsible in many ways.

Future plans or desired profession?
My internship improved my job skills so much that our job coach was able to secure a job for me at my home church. I love working in my church and would hope that I am promoted to full-time soon.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
My advice to incoming interns would be to work hard, do your best and be honest.

From Kirk’s Mentor, Shamera Beckham:
Mr. Kirk, I am so proud of you! It was amazing to watch how you’ve grown throughout the duration of your internship. You did an awesome job in managing the Concierge Service at TCHP, and everyone looked forward to working with you. I am certain that you will be a great asset in working at your church and I hope that you keep in touch. We are always here rooting for you!

Christopher Batiste
Ross Shaw Sterling Aviation High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in Claims, Member Services, and Contracts. My main responsibilities in Claims were data entry and quality improvement. In Member Services I was responsible for receiving and sorting mail. In Contracts, I was responsible for entering all information into Excel.

In what ways did the internship make you stronger?
The internship made me more confident and more comfortable working with others.

Future plans or desired profession?
I’d like to work in a grocery store or in an office setting.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
Be honest and be on time. Enjoy Project Search and make good friends because everyone is helpful.

From Christopher’s Mentor, Ann Miller:
I would like to say it has been a great pleasure to work with Chris throughout this year. Even though it ended sooner that we wanted it to, I could not have asked for better help. Chris was very polite and never hesitated to accomplish anything ask of him. I would like to end with “Be bold, be courageous, be your best.” … I hope to see you again soon!

Bryan Barrera
Lamar High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in the Finance and Control/Compliance Department. My main responsibilities were working together with my mentor, Ms. Donna, entering data into excel, sorting, printing, and other clerical duties.

In what ways has the internship made you stronger?
The internship has made me more independent and confident to do things on my own.

Future plans or desired profession?
In the future, I’d like to work in a grocery store, checking expiration dates, sorting things, etc.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
I would tell an incoming intern to follow instructions from your mentor and the Project Search Teacher, Ms. Lisa.

From Bryan’s Mentors, Donna Jackson and Tzaddi Yanez:
Bryan, you will be dearly missed by us all on the 14th floor. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication. All the best and keep in touch – Donna Jackson
Congratulations, Bryan! Thank you for all of your help this past year. Keep your head up and stay determined! Prayers and blessings for all of your future endeavors! – Tzaddi Yanez

George Barrientos
Wisdom High School

What were the main responsibilities of your internship?
I worked in the IS department. My main duties were imaging computers and helping to deliver passwords and logins to new hires. I also installed replacement equipment, like a mouse or keyboard.

In what ways has the internship made you stronger?
It taught me what a real job is like. Like taking lunch, being on time, and being prepared.

Future plans or desired profession?
My goal is to be a video game creator. I want to get a job in store with a game department like Best Buy or Target.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Project Search at TCHP?
I would tell them to take all these opportunities. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

From the Project SEARCH team:
It has been a pleasure getting to know George and watching him learn new skills. He was friendly, well-liked by all his coworkers, was a fast learner, and very independent. The IT department was a good fit for George, as he enjoyed working with computers and had a good understanding of technology. He learned quickly how to reimage and configure computers and was a great help to the IT department. George has expressed his interest in getting a job in the computer field. We wish you all the best George, in your future endeavors!

When Jennifer Brinkley got a call from Texas Children’s asking if she wanted to reschedule her son’s dermatology appointment with the drive-through clinic, Patient Express, she breathed a sigh of relief.

“We are being very cautious, and to be honest, I was reluctant to come to the hospital for a minor procedure,” Brinkley said. “So, when I heard about the drive-through clinic I was thrilled! All we had to do was drive up. There was no wait and we were in and out in 20 minutes. It was great!”

Texas Children’s Dermatology is offering the drive-through service to patients who need basic dermatological treatments for conditions such as warts and/or molluscum. The clinic is set up near the ambulance bay at Wallace Tower. Patients call about five minutes before arriving, pull up and are seen by one of our dermatologists.

To ensure everyone’s safety, all patients and family members are asked a series of COVID-19 screening questions, their temperatures are taken and they are required to wear a mask. If they do not have a mask of their own, we will provide one for them. Texas Children’s employees participating in Patient Express are required to wear personal protective equipment including a mask, gown, gloves and facial shield.

“Patient Express is a great way for us to provide family-centered care while addressing people’s concerns about COVID-19,” said Rachel Brock, the practice administrator for Dermatology. “We are providing treatment in a new way that corresponds with the environment we are currently living in.”

View photos of the clinic below.

The first Patient Express clinic was held on May 14 and brought in 9 patients. The second happened on May 28 and 13 patients were treated. Brock said for now the clinic will be held every two weeks as a way to increase patient access to dermatologic care as concern for appropriate social distancing currently limits the number of daily patient appointments in the Mark Wallace Tower Dermatology Clinic.

Dr. Raegan Hunt said she is grateful to be able to serve patients in a way that is both convenient and safe. Although conditions such as warts and molluscum are common and relatively easy to treat, Hunt said they have an impact on patients and families.

“These conditions can cause itching or pain, and they can be stigmatizing,” she said. “In addition, early treatment of molluscum may reduce spreading and lessen the number of overall legions.”

Based on feedback she’s received thus far from patients and families, Hunt said she feels that Patient Express is a win-win for everyone involved.

Texas Children’s Well-Being team has launched a new series of Virtual Self-Care Sessions to help our team members focus on their own well-being, and better manage the stress that health care workers around the world are feeling during this pandemic.

Click here in to begin watching the series of short videos that explore five different self-care topics: mindfulness, deep breathing, stretching, progressive muscle relaxation and unwinding before bed. Facilitators also help viewers experience the effects of each practice by taking them through guided exercises that can be done practically anywhere, at any time.

In the Mindfulness Guided Meditation sessions, Employee Assistance Program Specialist Pilar Valenzuela Silva explains how mindfulness is the practice of actually being present in the moment – which in turn trains us to become more mindful throughout the day – and takes you through a guided meditation.

Mindfulness Guided Meditation – Part 1: https://youtu.be/Kc1bgwtl_PI
Mindfulness Guided Meditation – Part 2: https://youtu.be/ieMTWbjG-K8

Silva returns for the Deep Breathing sessions, which explain how breathing from the belly instead of the chest can induce relaxation. You’ll also have the opportunity to try out the proper deep breathing technique.

Deep Breathing – Part 1: https://youtu.be/KA0RtzmuRlM
Deep Breathing – Part 2: https://youtu.be/vhHZ97_diJ4

Relax your muscles and increase your blood flow in the Stretching sessions, where Health Coach Jackie Pacheco speaks about how stretching loosens tight muscles and leads you through some simple exercises.

Stretching – Part 1: https://youtu.be/dwchISuKIxQ
Stretching – Part 2: https://youtu.be/_rtdkEQUII4

Registered dietitian and Cigna On-Site Health Coach Staci Tobolowsky Astrein leads the Progressive Muscle Relaxation sessions, demonstrating how the practice can be used to tame stress and increase awareness of the sensations associated with tension.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Part 1: https://youtu.be/-S00SRQZA_A
Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Part 2: https://youtu.be/ZcLXywCEBbM

Astrein also leads the Unwinding before Bed sessions, which discuss how being mindful before bedtime can boost the quality of your sleep and help you sleep longer – while also relieving stresses during the day, and helping you fall asleep faster.

Unwinding Before Bed – Part 1: https://youtu.be/7cOZYa5LzSw
Unwinding Before Bed – Part 2: https://youtu.be/80ZF-AqlDAE

The pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us. We want you to know that you are not alone and that if you find yourself feeling stressed about the situation, there are resourses available that can help support your mental, physical and spiritual needs. If you have any questions, please contact the Well-Being Team at wellbeing@texaschildrens.org.