August 2, 2022

We regularly evaluate our systems and processes to ensure effective operations at Texas Children’s. A reliable and secure timekeeping system is crucial to our success, and following the Kronos outage in late 2021, we conducted a thorough review of our system. We are now ready to make key improvements to provide a more secure environment, and during this time, Kronos will be unavailable for timekeeping purposes.

Downtime Schedule
  • Kronos timeclocks, mobile and web applications will be unavailable starting around 1:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8 and are expected to be down for approximately 24 hours to make the necessary updates. A global email will be sent Aug. 9 when Kronos is back up and running.
  • In order to update the Kronos desktop icon, Texas Children’s Health Plan, clinical and virtual desktops will automatically restart overnight, Monday, Aug. 8.
What’s Changing
  • The updated desktop application will use Single Sign On to access Texas Children’s network so users will no longer be required to enter their user name and password. If you utilize a shared work station, please log in and out of Kronos after utilizing the system.
  • Mobile users will be routed through Symantec VIP Multi-Factor Authentication to access the Kronos app. Symantec VIP requires two-step authentication to verify the identity of users before allowing access.
  • Kronos functionality will remain the same for all timekeeping and attendance procedures.
Action Required
  • During the downtime, all non-exempt employees will need to utilize the manual timekeeping form to record time.
  • After the migration, prepare for the following:
    • Please provide the manually tracked time to your leader and/or timekeeper by Monday, Aug. 15.
    • Your leader is responsible for entering the manually tracked time.

All timecards should be reviewed by staff and leaders prior to payroll Monday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m.

Support Resources

Ensuring our team members are compensated correctly for all their time worked continues to be a top priority for the organization. Resources will be available during and after the migration to help all team members and to ensure a smooth transition. Further details will be forthcoming.

  • For timekeeping and payroll questions: Timekeeping@texaschildrens.org.
  • For network and computer troubleshooting: IS Service Desk at Ext. 4-3512 (832-824-3512).

Cia Pappas describes why she became a nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital. Read more

In an effort to offer better solutions and support for its more than 600,000 plan members, on Aug. 1, the Health Plan launched the Tapestry module in Epic. This new system provides end-to-end integrated operations support by unifying multiple data platforms in one system to improve member and provider experience, revenue cycle and care coordination.

“I’m so excited to launch Tapestry for our members, providers and employees,” said Richelle Montgomery, president of Texas Children’s Health Plan. “This system will transform the way we support our members and providers and will take us to new heights in terms of service, efficiency and operations. I am so proud of the hard work, dedication and resilience of all the Health Plan team members who worked on this multi-year initiative. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!”

Benefits of the new Tapestry module include:

  • Improved compliance: ability to address compliance concerns faster, provides tools and reports necessary for NCQA compliance, simplifies AFRMR reviews.
  • Enriched member and provider support: one integrated database and detailed reports give employees a comprehensive view on how to better serve members, meeting their individual needs.
  • Better portals and information for members: Patient and member portals provide easy and thorough access to benefits and scheduling information.
  • Enhanced technology: consolidates multiple systems into one, automated resource simplifying the claims process and improving data security.
  • Positive business impact: systems consolidation is major cost savings and timing in advance of major state projects.

If you need support with the Epic Tapestry module, there are resources available. Please follow these steps.

  1. Contact your Super User (if you don’t know your Super User, ask your manager)
  2. The Super User will work with the Epic Command Center and open a ticket with the IS Service Desk on your behalf.
  3. After reporting the issue, please attempt to complete your workflow or find a workaround.

To celebrate the launch, all Health Plan team members are invited to participate in several fun activities during launch week. Please consult your leader for details.

July 27, 2022

What to read, listen to, watch, try and know this month on our journey to a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. Read More

July 26, 2022

Katie Mallet and her mother, Elizabeth Frazier, describe their family legacy of nurses at Texas Children’s Hospital. Read More

July 21, 2022

Summer is a great time to set well-being goals for yourself and find ways to stay healthy. With the booming interest in Peloton, the Well-Being team has started a Texas Children’s Peloton Community for employees who currently own a Peloton Bike or Treadmill.

To connect and take classes with other co-workers who have Pelotons, employees can

  • Use the hashtag #TCHPeloton
  • Join an upcoming group session organized by the Well-Being team

If you’re already part of the Peloton family, you know that getting into a steady sweat routine has multiple benefits for your lifestyle. You’ll experience better sleep, improve your mood and reduce your risk of developing certain diseases.

Here’s what Peloton Community members are saying about their Peloton experiences…

“The Peloton Bike was the answer to working out at home in the midst of the pandemic. However, it has turned into so much more. It is a community of people from all over the world motivating each other, guiding each other, and providing support for a healthier lifestyle.” – Natashia Bush, Director of Nursing

“Wellness and self-care has always been a priority for me as an individual and also for my teams. I believe in order to be our best selves in our personal and professional lives that finding time for self-care is critical.” – Tarra Kerr, Assistant Vice President of Nursing

“One of things I love about the Peloton is the inspiring instructors, they keep you motivated, and each have a unique style. I also like the variety but even when I don’t want to ride, one of the quotes I won’t forget is…’when you want to quit, remember why you started.’” – Juanna Brandon, Director of Patient Care Services

“Peloton has excelled in making sure there is a workout program for everyone. It’s not just cardio, there is strength training, yoga, stretching, boot camp, and many more different options to choose from. There are also different intensities to cater to everyone’s fitness journey. One of my favorite quotes by Jess Sims, one of my favorite Peloton instructors is, ‘it’s a privilege to be able to exercise…you don’t have to, you get to.’ This resonates very deeply with me because during these times, with so much going on in the world, I am blessed to be able to take those moments for myself to work out and improve both my physical and mental health.” – Brittany Ross, Transplant Coordinator

Peloton has recently added “mood rides” geared to different emotions such as happy, sad or calm. These rides, as well as guided meditation classes, are examples of how Peloton is trying to raise awareness around the importance of mental health in addition to keeping in physical shape.

“The Peloton is more than a bike…it is a community of like-minded people who encourage and motivate one another to be the best versions of themselves, on and off of the bike. The community is diverse and inclusive which is one of my favorite things! Classes range from novice to fitness fanatic and whether you have five minutes or hours to dedicate to your workout, there is a class for you! Clipping in and riding with friends is priceless – we hold each other accountable and celebrate wins with each other as #oneamazingteam!” – Diana Harter, Director of Nursing

Join the Texas Children’s Peloton Community with the hashtag #TCHPeloton – see you soon!

How to get started on your Peloton journey

If you don’t have a Peloton Bike, you can rent one currently for $89 dollars per month from Peloton. Click here to learn more. Peloton offers discounts for medical professionals. If you are interested in the Peloton app, you can try it free for 30 days (new app trials only). You don’t need a Peloton bike to enjoy all the classes on this app. Click here to learn more.

Reach out to the Well-Being team with any questions at wellbeing@texaschildrens.org.

From our #2 ranking among the best children’s hospitals in the nation to the culture of inspiration we’re building across Texas and the world, it’s clear that Texas Children’s and our One Amazing Team are leading the way for pediatric and women’s health care.

Now, let’s keep the momentum going by once again earning recognition as one of the best places to work in the city. It’s time to share why you’ve continued to choose Texas Children’s to build your career in the annual Houston Business Journal (HBJ) Best Places to Work survey at https://survey.quantumworkplace.com/bpsurvey/oc_YYSD14056. Click or copy and paste this link into your web browser to take the survey before it closes on August 5.

This is your chance to offer your insights and reflections on what it means to be part of the Texas Children’s family, and why you’re so dedicated to helping drive our mission forward year after year.

As CEO and President Mark A. Wallace said, “participating in the annual HBJ Best Places to Work Survey is a special opportunity to show that Texas Children’s greatest strength comes from within, through our shared dedication to our mission and passion for building meaningful careers.”

HBJ administers the survey via Quantum Workplace, Inc., so all responses are confidential. If you have any questions about the survey, contact the Best Places to Work team directly at bestplaces@quantumworkplace.com or by calling 1-888-415-8302. As this is an external survey, the Texas Children’s IS Service Desk will not be able to assist you with any issues.