When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and in-person team meetings were no longer an option, Texas Children’s close-knit Clinical Nutrition team knew they wanted to continue recognizing each other for their hard work and dedication.
Sending Caught You Caring messages became their favorite way to keep that spirit of thankfulness and camaraderie going – and soon they had submitted more notes than any other team across the system.
“So many of us go above and beyond for our patients and our teammates,” said Agata Matusz, a clinical nutrition manager at the Medical Center campus. “This year has taught us so many things and giving grace and being kind to one another is at the top of the list.”
As we enter the third week of Patient Experience Month, our focus remains on expressing gratitude to patients, families and fellow team members who make a difference.
Using words of affirmation, like our Clinical Nutrition colleagues and those in the stories highlighted below, is one of many easy and impactful ways to show your appreciation. For even more ways to express your gratitude this year, check out this fun visual.
“It feels great to know that you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s day, even when you don’t realize you have,” said Nidia Delgado, a NICU dietitian at the Medical Center.
‘I hope my handwritten notes provide solace and support’
As a caretaker for his father, CT Specialist Juliano Gomez often felt like a number. Whenever someone reached out to him personally – even with something as small as instructions for how to contact them – the empathy helped him feel less lost.
Those personal memories have prompted Gomez to send handwritten thank-you cards to the patients he works with at the Medical Center. He also knows that many families have made tough choices to continue receiving care at Texas Children’s amid the pandemic, and believes those sacrifices should be acknowledged.
“Parents have been incredibly thankful. It has opened the door to conversations as I learn more about their child’s journey and their own as a caretaker,” Gomez said, noting that the dialogue has also revealed areas for improvement.
“With the help of my colleagues across several departments, we’ve revised our allergy prep procedures to ensure patients have the appropriate contrast allergy pre-medications prior to coming in, and we have reworded a misleading text message with incorrect arrival instructions.”
‘It is critical that we make the time to let others know we see and appreciate their efforts’
As a leader, Eric Allum can’t be everywhere at all times to witness his team member’s many acts of caring and compassion. But that doesn’t stop him from using words of affirmation to thank and encourage them every chance he gets.
It’s a daily habit he’s picked up from the servant-leaders that have surrounded him throughout his career, who instilled in him the value of living compassionately and making it a priority to extend recognition that is personal and meaningful.
“When specific examples are brought to my attention, I embrace the opportunity to celebrate their individual contribution and the measurable impact they’re having on our patients,” said Allum, director of Business Operations and Support Services at The Woodlands campus.
“I find the more time I take to recognize and appreciate others, the more I get to do it. It has a funny and powerful way of building upon itself.”
How do you show gratitude?
We want to see how you express gratitude to patients, families and/or colleagues. Submit a photo of your efforts to patientexperience@texaschildrens.org. Submissions will be accepted through Wednesday, April 21, and may be displayed on Connect in the virtual Acts of Gratitude photo gallery.
When you submit a photo, you will also be entered into our final weekly prize drawing on Friday, April 23. Prizes include an entertainment package, fitness package and outdoor package.
