Meet Laura Guerrero, emergency center nurse manager at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin. When our newest campus opens in February 2024, Laura looks forward to collaborating with a talented team of providers in the EC and using her experience to care for patients and families who come to us in their greatest time of need.
What brought you to Texas Children’s?
I’ve been an emergency center nurse for 10 years and have worked in various roles, including preceptor, charge nurse and house supervisor. In 2015, I worked at St. Luke’s in Houston and had the chance to visit Texas Children’s main campus several times for patient transfer and education. The staff’s happiness always struck me; it was almost surreal. I found the diversity within leadership impressive and noticed how TCH is very nurse-driven. When I learned that TCH was planning to open a hospital in Austin, I knew I had to apply. With encouragement from my sister, I applied for and was offered an EC nurse manager position.
What are you most excited about as we open North Austin Campus?
I am thrilled that families in Austin and its surrounding area will be able to receive world-class pediatric and women’s health care. This hospital will show the community what they’ve been missing all along. It’s inspiring to see an organization that values its employees as much as its patients and their families. I look forward to embarking on this new chapter with the team at North Austin Campus and creating a positive future for nursing and health care.
What’s your leadership definition?
Influential leaders inspire individuals to work together towards a shared objective by cultivating a supportive, collaborative environment that promotes empowerment, fairness and accountability. They prioritize the growth and development of others by offering mentorship and creating opportunities for learning and advancement, ensuring everyone can reach their full potential.
What makes Austin a great place to live and work?
I was born and raised in ATX. I left for two years and came right back. Austin is the place to be if you like Texas football, music, movies, hiking, festivals and food. A restaurant I hold dear is Dirty Martin’s Place off Guadalupe. I have frequented this restaurant since I was a kid; the burgers are amazing!
Why did you choose to pursue nursing as a career?
I pursued nursing because I have a deep desire to help people. As my career progressed, I realized I wanted to care for patients and our nursing staff. Now, as a nurse manager, I can do precisely that. I have experienced unsupportive managers in the past, and I strive to ensure my team knows I am here to support them.
North Austin’s 13-bed pediatric emergency center staff will include board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians, nurses and advanced practice providers. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it has two trauma resuscitation rooms and a dedicated sexual assault examination room.
Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for countdown updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.
