Meet Alli Stilwell, outpatient staff nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin and Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin. When North Austin Campus opens its doors, she’ll be working with fourth floor outpatient clinics, specifically pulmonology, where she’s excited to help create workflows and start treating patients.
What brought you to Texas Children’s?
I started out in the PICU at University Medical Center in Lubbock (Wreck ‘Em) and after a year there, my husband and I relocated to the Austin area for his job. I loved working in the PICU, and I’m so grateful for the experiences, learning and growth from my time there. However, I knew it wasn’t where I was meant to be. I used the move as an opportunity to transition into the ambulatory setting and accepted a position with Dell Children’s Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Clinic. My time there confirmed my partiality for outpatient nursing and reignited a passion for leadership. That is what ultimately led me to Texas Children’s Austin. The idea of joining such a prestigious organization during an unprecedented time of growth and development seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Tell us about your work in Austin’s Allergy & Immunology clinic.
Our Allergy & Immunology clinic went through a transition period earlier this year when both our providers left the clinic. I was able to leverage my experience and knowledge to serve as a resource in Austin for our AI patients. This opened the door for me to collaborate extensively with the Medical Center AI team. We did a thorough review of processes and procedures within the clinic and modified them to prioritize patient safety and experience. Together, we took huge steps towards streamlining and optimizing AI care across the Texas Children’s system. Thank you to Dr. Sarah Nicholas and Kathy Green for allowing me to be a part of this initiative and for all your continued support!
What are you most excited about as we open North Austin Campus?
As we get closer and closer to opening day, I’m eager to just get into the space and have our patients here for the first time as well. We recently started dress rehearsals, which was very exciting as it was the first time a lot of us saw the hospital. It looks amazing! I am excited to continue participating in those walk-throughs. These will be crucial learning experiences for us to feel confident and ready to provide exceptional care for our patients starting day one. I’m honored to be a part of this One Amazing Team as we epitomize Texas Children’s culture, values and outstanding care for the people of Central Texas.
What makes Austin a great place to work and live?
Being fully transparent, I was not super excited about living in Austin when we first moved here. Despite my resistance, it has grown on me and feels like home now. Being from a small town and growing up more in the country, I was apprehensive about living in a “big city” – but it turns out Austin isn’t that big. You don’t have to go very far to feel like you’re out of the city. Drive 30 minutes in any direction from downtown and you’ll find yourself in rolling hills, lakes, rivers, open fields, and the charming main streets and squares of surrounding towns. It’s a perfect place for someone who wants the best of both worlds, city life and country charm. For food and fun in the city, my go-to itinerary is dinner at Salty Sow followed by a trip to the Cidercade, and then finish the night with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on South Congress. For a daytrip getaway, Wimberley and Lockhart are great options.
What has been your favorite TCH moment so far?
Halloween this year was so fun! Our Specialty Care team dressed up as Toy Story characters and we had so many people participate. I love events and occasions like this where everyone comes together and we can be a team, not just in our work and roles but for fun as well. Morale is so important. I love any chance to boost it within our team.
Opening in February 2024, the $485 million North Austin Campus will feature a 170,000-square-foot outpatient facility – connecting patients to numerous Texas Children’s subspecialties including cardiology, oncology, neurology, pulmonary medicine, GI, rheumatology, fetal care, dialysis, urology and more. Texas Children’s Specialty Care Austin on Mopac will continue to house pediatric specialists across a wide spectrum of service lines.
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.