Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Nell Jenkins BSN, RN, CPN. Patient Care Manager, Cardiology Patient Care Unit. I have been at Texas Children’s Hospital for 26 years.
Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I had a celebration scheduled for a nurse on our unit to receive the Super Star award. I was setting up the decorations while the team helped distract her from the surprise party, cake delivery, etc. Little did I know, my own leader was running around hiding my surprise from me. While we were celebrating our nurse, my leader, Deitra Brown walked in with a cake, my Super Star award and a big surprise yell for me. It was so great to see my mentor and peers there to celebrate me. I was so surprised!
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?
I am honored to know that all my hard work is recognized. When you do what you love, you don’t focus on recognitions; but it’s very refreshing to stop and feel appreciated. As leaders, we do so much to go above and beyond that it just becomes second nature. Throughout my 26 years, I have always been an informal leader. Working in the Emergency Center for 18 years, I was able to learn by observing the exceptional leaders there. It was then my goal to develop into a leader that got things done and still listen to staff.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Living the Texas Children’s values every day definitely makes someone a Texas Children’s Super Star.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
The patients, family and the team motivate me every day. When I see the innocent pain-free smile on a child’s face or have a parent tell me about the great experience they are having at Texas Children’s. This all makes me love my team, and I want to motivate them to continue to perform at their best.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
I was born and raised here at Texas Children’s Hospital. From a new graduate nurse to a leader. My 26 years at Texas Children’s have made me the person I am today. I truly feel that we are family. I honestly see my peers more than my own family sometimes. The respect you receive when someone knows you work at Texas Children’s is priceless.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader?
It means everything. It doesn’t matter what your role is, everyone is heard.
What is your leadership definition?
Leadership is supporting and inspiring others to realize their full potential, all while achieving the goals of the mission, shared vision, and purpose.
Anything else you want to share?
My favorite quote right now is “Tough times don’t last forever but Tough teams do.” We are a Tough team at Texas Children’s, and I have seen us make it through several tough moments and we always pull through.