Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
My name is Emily Nguyen, and I am a Decentralized Education Coordinator in the Pediatric ICU – Medical Center. I began my Texas Children’s Hospital career as a new grad nurse in the PICU nine years ago, and I’ve been in the educator role for a little over five years.
Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
My leadership team surprised me at our monthly leadership meeting, with a bonus solar eclipse viewing! They decorated the room with eclipse swag and had my favorite cake, the Tres Leches cake from Dessert Gallery (a must-try if you haven’t had it!). I got to eat my favorite treat with all my favorite people, and it was the best day.
What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
The role of an educator is often a “behind-the-scenes” job, so to be recognized means a lot. Texas Children’s has supported me from day one – as a new grad, I had the privilege of participating in the best GN residency program ever (not biased at all). As I grew into my nursing career, Texas Children’s continued to help me build my skills – from funding my CCRN certification to opening up doors for me to become a PALS instructor, TNCC instructor, PTACC instructor, simulation instructor, APHON providership, and more. I am truly honored to work for this organization, and I feel very fulfilled in my professional career here, which is a testament to the support I’ve received throughout the years.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Of course, my home is the PICU, and to me the nurses here are all superstars. They pour their hearts into these patients and families, and they manage the pace and stress of this high acuity environment with grace and poise. But on a broader scale, I honestly think anyone who works for Texas Children’s is someone special – there is a tangible pulse inside Texas Children’s that is unmatched to any other facility.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
Providing safe and quality care for our patients and families is the primary motivator for me. I’m a parent, too, and I don’t think we can give any less than we would want for ourselves or our own children. Although I am in an educator role now, my heart will always be at the bedside with my PICU patients and that is my motivation each day to make a positive impact. However, I can’t go through this interview without acknowledging my upper leadership team – our ACDs/Directors (past and present) Alex, Holly, Annie, Karla, Amanda – you empower us to strive for leadership excellence, and even more importantly, trust that we can and will do that.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
THE PEOPLE! My team. We are truly family and it makes coming to work fun. I met my now-husband here, back in the old West Tower PICU in 2015. Many of our coworkers stood beside us at our wedding. I am very lucky to say that I work with some of my best and truest friends.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader because we are all held to the same high standard – we are all representatives of one of the best pediatric hospitals in the nation and we have to carry that with pride and immense responsibility. Leadership isn’t a title – it is a mindset. My leadership definition, in a nutshell, is to lead genuinely and work hard to build mutual trust.
Anything else you want to share?
One final shoutout to my PICU team – the work you do is so important, and I am proud to be a part of this amazing team and hospital.