Front Office Specialist Ciara Smalling returned to Texas Children’s to work for her pediatrician. She’s now a positive presence for parents and children. Read More
The more we know, the more we understand, the more we connect. Click to read this month’s DEI update. Read More
August 7, 2023
Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin is another step closer to expanding our top-ranked culture of care and clinical excellence. The team recently conducted its first simulation training, a Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) course, in their new Simulation Center – featuring a high-fidelity newborn manikin aptly named “Sim-antha.”
Drawing from the expertise of simulation specialists and a full scope of resources, Texas Children’s Simulation Center (based in the Medical Center) has developed a guided process to train and educate health care professionals through clinical simulation and debriefing. They utilize a combination of innovative technologies and medical equipment used in clinical areas to simulate as real of an environment as possible, such as ventilators, crash carts, defibrillators, ECMO circuits, etc.
The need for immersive hands-on training in Austin is more important than ever as hiring ramps up, and because the hospital is not ready for staff yet, establishing a simulation center marks a critical step in the journey to open North Austin Campus. Experts from Houston traveled to Specialty Care (MoPac) in February to help the team set up two simulation theaters and a control center where trainers can watch simulations through one-way glass and control the manikins and monitors with tablets.
“The success of our inaugural NRP course is a testament to the positive partnership between Houston and Austin,” said Assistant Clinical Director Michele Boettiger. “Simulation is a vital part of safe patient care among a multidisciplinary team, and Texas Children’s will continue to provide top-notch simulation opportunities to Austin team members during the onboarding experience and beyond.”
This includes training for PALS certification, PCAs and patient sitters, trauma staff and more. Click here to learn more about the Simulation Center at Texas Children’s.
With the first phase of Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women’s $245 million expansion complete, outpatient OB/GYN practices recently moved to their new home across the street at Pavilion Tower II. The former Baylor Clinic building (located at 6620 Main Street) will transform into Texas Children’s newest medical tower upon completion – adding 190,000 square feet to the hospital’s footprint, improving patient access and creating space for more adult inpatient and neonatal intensive care beds within the Pavilion for Women.
“This investment in our Pavilion for Women will allow us to increase delivery volumes significantly, but additionally the added space will allow us to continue to grow these specialized clinics that cater to women at every stage of life,” said Michele Birsinger, assistant vice president of Women’s Services.
First to migrate was the Women’s Specialists of Houston (WSH) team on June 12, followed by Partners in OB/GYN Care (POGC) on July 18. Both groups halted clinic operations for moving day, gathering bright and early to ceremoniously turn the lights out in their old space and walk together to the new tower. Clinic leaders shared inspiring remarks upon arrival, and a workforce chaplain was present to facilitate a Blessing of the Hands and gratefulness prayer before lights were turned on with excitement and cheer.
We want to emphasize the importance of the people, read the moving day pamphlet. The Pavilion Tower II is a state-of-the-art facility, but without the people, processes and programs in place, it’s just a facility…the dedicated, intelligent and passionate faces that light up our clinics will remain the same for our patients and families.
To mark the special occasion, team members participated in a scavenger hunt to get familiar with their new floors and were treated to gift bags and mini Zen gardens for their desks. Workforce Well-being was also on hand to provide resources and gather insights on how to best equip and decorate respite rooms.
Before the OB/GYN clinics relocated, our Women’s Physical Therapy team were some of the first occupants of the new medical tower.
“Although we’ve offered physical therapy services since 2012, this is the first time we’ve had our own designated space,” said Sarah Ammons, specialty therapy coordinator. “We now have eight treatment rooms and a gym area, including cardiovascular and strength training equipment…care will improve greatly now that we have the space and resources to treat our patients more completely and return them to their prior level of function.”
These clinics are now open for patient activity – you can find WSH on Level 13 and POGC on Level 11 of the new medical tower, just follow the signs on the sky bridge on Level 3 of the Pavilion for Women. Baylor OB/GYN will relocate by the end of 2023, and the full Pavilion for Women expansion will complete in 2024.
Click here to read more on this exciting development.
July 31, 2023
You still have time to participate in the 2023 Houston Business Journal Best Places to Work Survey before it closes on August 4. Don’t miss your opportunity to share what you love about being part of our One Amazing Team.
Share why you’re building your career at Texas Children’s by taking the annual Houston Business Journal (HBJ) Best Places to Work survey at https://survey.quantumworkplace.com/bpsurvey/oc_YSPB25170. Click or copy and paste this link into your web browser. Or, you can find the QR codehere.
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.
Thank you for your time and for being committed to our organization, our mission and each other.
July 28, 2023
This week, the Houston Health Department is reporting increased COVID-19 transmission and wastewater load. Our very own Dr. Peter Hotez joined FOX 26 Houston to discuss the uptick in cases and caution viewers to mask voluntarily in crowds – just like our Marketing team members who donned pink masks and attire to watch Barbie in theatres!
“The numbers are still generally good, but they are going up,” said Dr. Hotez. COVID-19 hospital admissions in the U.S. increased by 10% week-over-week, according to new CDC data.
“We still have to be cautious and recognize there’s a lot of COVID-19 transmission out there…if you’re under vaccinated or have risk factors, you probably want to wear a mask in any crowded indoor area,” added Dr. Hotez. Click here to watch the full segment.
Texas Children’s de-escalated masking guidelines in April 2023, but we continue to remain vigilant by monitoring these numbers and making adjustments as needed. Whether you are traveling for vacation this summer or buying tickets for a Barbie-Oppenheimer double feature, we want to encourage Texas Children’s team members to help stop the spread and mask voluntarily as added protection for themselves.
Masking is strongly encouraged for those with high-risk conditions and required for workforce members who have a COVID-19 or Flu vaccine exemption. Those experiencing respiratory symptoms should not come to work.
Thank you to our Barbies and Kens for your ongoing commitment to staying healthy and safe. Click here to see our current masking guidelines, and please visit our COVID Command website for past communications.
July 24, 2023
Factors beyond your physical well-being can influence your health. Texas Children’s understands the importance of providing team members with comprehensive benefits that include non-medical services.
In this week’s feature of our Summer Benefits Series, we are proud to highlight the identity theft protection program, which is a voluntary plan option available for benefit eligible employees. Through our partnership with Allstate, you can protect your identity and finances in a variety of ways. Login to our Benefits Portal, and explore available options that will help secure your financial future.
Allstate Identity Theft Protection Program
Protect yourself and protect your family from threats against your personal data.
Feel secure with enhanced coverage offerings
Financial account and credit monitoring with Allstate Identity Protection Pro+
24/7 real time alerts
Up to $2 million identity theft expense coverage
Social media monitoring
Personalized threat insights to assist you with the latest trends in scams and frauds
Receive reimbursements on certain out of pocket costs, with additional coverage for the following
Home title fraud expense reimbursement up to $1 million*
Professional fraud expense reimbursement up to $2 million*
Stolen wallet emergency cash up to $50
Enjoy special features
Learn about the Allstate Digital Footprint feature, so you can manage and control your personal data
Check your Identity Health Status to get insight on your risk potential
*Identity theft insurance covering expense and stolen funds reimbursement is underwritten by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, an Assurant company. Enrolled employees should refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage.
