July 10, 2024

Introducing the prince of the PICU, the top of the TICU, the heart of the Heart Center: Melman! Our newest facility dog to join the Pawsitive Play team, Melman (or Mel for short) has started his post in the PICU, TICU and Heart Center with primary handler Adair Winget. He will also be working in a secondary capacity in the library with Catherine Zdunkewicz, our Medical Center library coordinator.

Caring for patients the “Melman Way”

Even though Melman is new, Adair is learning too. Melman comes from Canine Companions, and Adair has taken the time to learn his command-based training and incorporate those commands into her physical and occupational therapy sessions. This allows her to co-treat even more effectively because she knows what he will do when given a command, meaning she can provide specific feedback to the physical and occupational therapists.

Patients are already loving watching Melman show off his skills. “He’s really good at fist bumping, and he can balance treats on his nose…he loves to speak, so I’m like ‘Melman, what do you think? Speak.’ And the kids say ‘Okay, I think Melman says we should stay here for 30 more minutes!’” said Adair with a laugh. While he is great for a giggle, he’s even better at what he’s trained to do – provide comfort and care to patients and families.

Melman’s temperament is a little different from Adair’s first facility dog, Bailey, who recently retired. Don’t be fooled by his name and wrinkly face, though. He is no old man, just all playful pup. “Melman is a go-getter. He is a working boy,” Adair explained. “Give him a task and he’s going to be there. With Bailey, her relaxation and ability to soothe was her greatest superpower. Melman is still able to do those things, just in a different way.”

Storytime with Melman

Catherine is over the moon to be a secondary handler to Melman. After 17 years at Texas Children’s, this is a new and exciting chapter in her role as library coordinator. “Besides giving Melman some down time in the library, I envision doing storytime where the kids can either read to Melman or we can all read a story together,” said Catherine. She even has a buzzer she can use to record different words or noises and will cue Melman to push the buzzer as part of the story.

During his time in the library, he will still be working with patients and families, just in a different environment. Here, he will have a bit of time to enjoy a slower pace while taking in a story or two. Lucky dog!

Big, blonde and beautiful

Melman is a big boy, but is the gentlest of giants. Catherine even fondly calls him a couch potato. “At first, I was like ‘Whoa, you’re a big dog…how in the world am I going to work with you in an ICU setting?’” Adair wondered. However, his size allows them to push patients in the best way to help them achieve their goals, and that’s what this is all about.

They have already begun their work serving the Medical Center PICU, TICU and Heart Center, and will continue fist bumping and tail wagging in the name of top-notch patient care. Stop by the library to see Melman at storytime – we hear he is quite the showman!

Texas Children’s reputation drew in Donna Layton, BSN, RN, CPEN, but helping patients and families find a way forward with compassion has kept her here for 23 years. As a program coordinator in Otolaryngology, she works with families to find the right care from the right providers. She embodies The Difference, shepherding patients through challenging times.

What made you want to work at Texas Children’s?

I have wanted to work at Texas Children’s for as long as I can remember. Reputation was a big factor, as it’s the best of the best and people are proud to work here. I envisioned how many lives I could touch working here, and with 23 years and counting, I get to make a difference for patients and their families every time I walk through the doors.

What is your favorite part about your job?

Smiles, hugs, handmade cards and pictures are the best! Most of all it’s the feeling of satisfaction after helping a family navigate through the system to get them connected to the right providers so their children can get the best possible care.

What is your funniest Texas Children’s memory?

While working in the ER, I treated a snakebite patient; the only report I did not receive was that the (dead) snake was in a clear plastic bag on the counter. Imagine my surprise when I turned to the counter to grab an extra blanket only to see a snake lying there. I jumped and shouted “SNAKE!” and quickly ran to the door. The patient and family were very entertained by my reaction, and we all had a good laugh.

Where is your favorite TCH spot to take a break or relax?

Call me crazy but my answer is the stairwells. I have spent lots of time in the stairwells over the years. It is a place to get away and they are usually quiet. Over the years, it has proven to be a good place to cry if you need a moment, before putting a smile back on your face and jumping right back into your shift.

How do you recharge your batteries away from work?

Exercise, and spending time with family and friends. However, my favorite place to recharge is on the water, paddling.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I belong to three paddling clubs! We paddle for fun and compete in races all over. The Lone Star Dragon Boat team has paddlers from Austin, Dallas, Houston and South Louisiana. I am excited to say, after trying out, I made the team for Lone Star Dragons Club Crew World Championship in Raveena, Italy in early September. Have paddle will travel – Italy here I come.

 

July 2, 2024

Born and raised at Texas Children’s, staff nurse Brian Fucanan, MSN, RN, is approaching eight years of working in the Emergency Center in the Medical Center. Considered a jack-of-all-trades in the EC with focuses on trauma, flow lead and preceptorship, he has always had a strong passion for teaching, helping and entertaining others.

What is your favorite TCH memory?

Working with my beautiful mother! In 2023, Fermilia Fucanan retired from being a Level II NICU nurse manager after 30 years. Starting as a new grad nurse, I met so many leaders who spoke of her legendary status and contributions to TCH. In appreciation of her outstanding leadership and commitment, the “F Pod” was dedicated in her name by NICU leadership. As I continue to walk the halls of Texas Children’s, I strive to leave the impression she has made here!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I was on season two of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, where I competed with SOREAL CRU/Architeks representing the Houston dance community. My little brother Mark, who is a nursing leader himself at MD Anderson, shared this journey with me. As professional dancers, we had the opportunity to open and showcase for various artists such as Drake, Chris Brown, Rihanna and Trey Songz, and we were blessed to perform, teach and judge dance all over the world. One of my proudest moments was representing the United States at the World Hip Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas, where we competed against over 55 countries! Dancing is a large part of who I am today and has given me the discipline to become a nurse.

How do you stay motivated and inspired away from work?

I was inspired by the phrase “made to be greater” from a dance teammate. I want to continue to make a difference for all the pediatric patients and families who come to Texas Children’s. Recently, I finished my Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care MSN program at The University of Texas at El Paso. Outside of work, I am currently preparing for my board certification. I want to take my career to the next level and hopefully contribute to Texas Children’s in another scope of practice.

If you could walk in the shoes of another Texas Children’s employee for a day, who would it be?

Jackie Ward, System Chief Nurse Executive! I would like to experience first-hand the decision-making behind leading staff management, patient outcomes, nursing performance, implementation of technology, streamlining operations and how these actions are carried out.

Where is your favorite spot at work to eat, socialize or recharge?

Meeting my favorite co-worker “iced coffee” at Starbucks.

Texas Children’s Hospital is excited to announce the opening of our new intensive outpatient programs (IOP) at two locations in Bellaire and The Woodlands. The program will serve adolescents and teens who do not require hospital admission but need a higher level of care than what traditional weekly psychotherapy offers.

The Bellaire IOP, which opened in June below our Specialty Care clinic at West Loop South, is a scaled-up version of the IOP in The Woodlands that opened in March. Ovintiv, a leading North American energy company, donated $4.8 million to fund The Woodlands IOP. Bellaire is funded through several donors in the community.

Meeting a growing need

Opening the IOPs marks our latest expansion of mental and behavioral health services as we combat an unprecedented pediatric mental health crisis. Texas Children’s has seen a 740% increase in behavioral health visits to our emergency centers over the past five years, rising from 618 encounters in FY 2018 to 5,182 in FY 2023.

“No matter how many beds we build, no matter how many programs we open…it hasn’t been enough yet,” said Chief of Psychology Dr. Karin Price. “I think that’s why, as a system, we’re trying to be very thoughtful and strategic about where in the community we’re providing services.”

Designed for patients struggling with chronic suicidal thoughts, self-harm, emotional regulation difficulties, family conflict and more, the IOPs can also serve as “step-down” care after discharge from a hospital. Services are individualized, family-centered, evidence-based and outcomes-driven. Only a handful of these programs exist in Houston, and Texas Children’s is one of the few that will take all forms of insurance and serve families regardless of their ability to pay.

“In addition to psychiatric evaluation and medication management, the IOPs offer various modalities of therapies…we have a robust program and a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing a wholesome, holistic approach to behavioral health care,” said Chief of Psychiatry Dr. Kirti Saxena.

The program’s in-person sessions are four hours per day and multiple days per week, and utilize individual, group and family therapy, as well as art, music and mindfulness-based interventions.

Right care, right time

Until recently, a visit to the emergency center was the primary way for Texas Children’s patients in crisis to access mental health care.

Thanks to the work and planning of our behavioral health task force, the IOPs are just one part of a multifaceted approach to expand access to care and address mental and behavioral health issues as early as possible. This includes embedding behavioral health clinicians into all Texas Children’s Pediatrics locations across Houston and Austin, training frontline pediatricians and patient observation assistants, enhancing safe treatment spaces and more.

“We’re focused on running toward the problem…the goal is to immediately connect a child with a therapist instead of scheduling an appointment later,” said Executive Vice President Dan DiPrisco. “Getting children the help they need as soon as possible is critical to addressing mental health challenges.”

Please join us in celebrating this exciting milestone in our journey to expand mental and behavioral health services at Texas Children’s! See below for photos of the IOP spaces and ribbon-cutting events.

The Texas Children’s Pawsitive Play team grew by four paws this month! We are thrilled to announce the addition of the first black labrador retriever, Lawton III. Like Crosby and Angus, Lawton comes from Canine Companions and was trained extensively before making the trip to Texas Children’s. After several weeks of work and acclimation in the Simulation Center, he will begin his position in July in the Cancer and Hematology Center, serving both the inpatient and outpatient clinics.

A Dream Team in the Cancer and Hematology Center

Though not new to the role of Child Life Specialist, Teaghan Robinson and Julie Anne Joyner are also recent additions to the Pawsitive Play team. In a full circle “Texas Children’s” moment, Teaghan was Julie Anne’s TCH Buddy when she started in Child Life three years ago, and now they are working together again! Teaghan will act as Lawton’s primary handler, working with him on the inpatient floors of the Cancer and Hematology Center and Julie Anne will have him on a secondary basis (likely one to two days a week) in the Cancer and Hematology outpatient clinics.

Teaghan and Julie Anne have waited patiently for Lawton for almost two years. Through the process, Canine Companions asked numerous questions about the needs of the unit where the dog would work. “We were asking for a dog with a calm temperament that could also kind of flip their switch quickly to be more playful and energetic,” said Teaghan. “Working in the Cancer and Hematology Center, you might see some heavy situations, but then you’ll also see kids who are doing pretty well and coming close to the end of their treatment.” Lawton fits the bill perfectly with a loving demeanor, great instincts and an adorable tendency to “pounce” on his toys and fellow dog mates when it’s time to play.

Just the beginning

All three of them are ready to get to work! “You know the Pawsitive Play program here at Texas Children’s is one the greatest services we have to offer at the hospital. I’ve always had an interest in having a facility dog throughout my child life specialist journey, so it’s really exciting that moment is finally here,” Teaghan explained.

Julie Anne expressed the same sentiment, having worked with a facility dog during her internship. She’s especially looking forward to being a secondary handler. “It’s a great position because I’m able to work with Lawton but in a different setting while still doing my role out in the clinic,” she said. She already has a lot of ideas about how to incorporate Lawton into patient care, including infusion room programming, painting with patients, playing Tic Tac Toe with suction cups on the windows and helping soothe and distract kids during blood draws or IVs.

One thing is for sure, Lawton is already deeply loved. “He is the most perfect dog I ever could have imagined for myself. He was totally worth the wait,” said Teaghan. He has already bonded deeply with Teaghan and Julie Anne, as well as the rest of the Pawsitive Play team. “I can’t wait for him to fall in love with Texas Children’s as much as I love TCH,” she continued.

Lawton, Teaghan and Julie Ann are only just beginning their journey. There will be countless patients and families touched by their work and we wish them all the best! Be sure to do the same if you see them walking through the hospital or the Cancer and Hematology Center.

Together, we have built a community that not only provides exceptional care to women and children but also fosters a supportive and inspiring workplace.

Now you have a chance to share with all of Houston your pride in being part of our One Amazing Team. The Houston Business Journal is conducting its annual Best Places to Work survey, and our organization truly deserves to be recognized for the outstanding environment we have created together. Participating in this survey will allow us to highlight the unique aspects of our workplace, the camaraderie we share, and the exceptional care we provide. It is an opportunity for each of us to help tell our story and show all of Houston why we’ve earned a reputation as a top employer and health care leader.

Taking the Survey

The 2024 Best Places to Work Survey is now open through Friday, July 12. To participate, please click on or copy and paste this link into your web browser:
https://survey.quantumworkplace.com/bpsurvey/oc_QHWQ35321

HBJ administers the survey via Quantum Workplace, Inc., so all responses are confidential and anonymous. If you have questions, please contact the Best Places to Work team directly at bestplaces@quantumworkplace.com or 1-888-415-8302. As this is an external survey, Texas Children’s IS Service Desk is unable to assist with any issues.

Thank you for your dedication, hard work and the unwavering support you provide to our patients, health plan members and each other. Let’s seize this opportunity to celebrate our achievements and let the city of Houston know why we are such an amazing place to work.

The new Connect intranet site was designed with one thing in mind – you. With a more modern look and feel, simplified layout and intuitive sitemap, the new Connect on SharePoint Online makes it easy for you to find the tools and resources you need, stay up to date on organizational news and learn more about your fellow team members.

What has changed?

The new Connect has main landing pages (Home, Resources, News & Events, Sites and Help) instead of long drop-down lists, making room for a cleaner and more functional homepage. The homepage will still feature important news and updates, stories, upcoming events and current initiatives.

Also featured prominently on the homepage is a Quick Links bar with easy access to commonly used sites such as Voyager, Kronos and the IS Service Portal.

If you’re looking for a link from the old homepage, it is likely now on the Resources or Sites page. The revamped Employee Resources page features categorized links relevant to the majority of our workforce. For department-specific links, please visit those department or team SharePoint sites.

Where to find some of our most commonly requested links:

  • Event Reporting (Safety Scoop) – Click the Resources landing page and scroll down to Clinical Resources quick links. It’s also on the Help landing page under Quick Links (Report an Incident).
  • Spok On-Call Schedule & Directory – Click the Resources landing page and scroll down to Clinical Resources quick links.
  • Drug Information Formulary – Click the Resources landing page and scroll down to Clinical Resources quick links.
  • REDCap & Online External Referrals – Click the Resources landing page and scroll down to Employee Resources, click ‘See All’ and scroll down to ‘Data and reports’ on the Employee Resources page.
  • Concur– Click the Resources landing page and scroll down to Employee Resources quick links.
Want to learn more?

On the Help page, you will find frequently asked questions (FAQs) and quick links for the IS Service Portal, Confidential Hotline and Event Reporting.

Also on this page, you can watch short videos on how to navigate the new Connect. To make it easier to access the SharePoint sites you visit most, we encourage you to “follow” your frequently visited SharePoint sites (click the star on the top right of the page) and find them easily by clicking My Favorites on the Home page’s Quick Links bar. We also encourage you to set up bookmarks and favorites in Chrome and Edge for external websites.

If a page looks off or does not load correctly when navigating the site, please try refreshing your browser first.

If you’re having a technical issue, please reach out to the IS Service Desk. If you’re having trouble locating an item and can’t find it in the areas listed above, or have feedback you want to share, please reach out to HRCommunications@texaschildrens.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

We encourage you to take some time to explore the new Connect. For the next few weeks, stay tuned for new stories to help you navigate these exciting changes. We hope you’re as excited as we are to welcome the new Connect!