Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Stacie Denning, RN; Applications Architect, Quality Outcomes & Analytics; Texas Children’s Hospital Employee for 12 years
Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
My leader put a different meeting on my calendar as a cover for the surprise breakfast she had planned in honor of the award. She asked my friend and colleague to get me out of the suite beforehand, but I had declined the coffee-break invite as I was working to make sure I was prepared for the meeting. I couldn’t figure out why my friend was standing blocking the conference room and asking me questions about a different project when I had already told her I had a meeting I was trying to get ready for! Then it all made sense. So many of the people I have worked with over the years came over to attend, and everyone was so appreciative of the work I have done to help them – I was really touched by the experience.
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?
It is good to know that people realize and appreciate how much hard work goes into what I do, even though it might seem like magic sometimes. I already know that is the case, but the reminder really is very nice. Over the years, I have served in many different capacities at Texas Children’s. I have had the privilege of working as a nurse and clinical training partner in the Baylor Ob-Gyn & MFM Clinics in the Pavilion for Women and its associated community clinics. From there, I moved into Quality and Safety in the Pavilion. I found myself drawn more and more toward the data analytics and technology pathway. I went back to school to get my Masters in Data Analytics, and worked with my leaders to transition to a Clinical Data Specialist role and then to the Applications Architect role where I can put my skillset to best use. Each step along the path has led to new challenges and new growth. I love that the people I have worked with and for at Texas Children’s have empowered me to take the initiative and cultivate new skills to meet the needs of the teams I support.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
I think we are all super stars in our own ways. Everyone brings something special to the table.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I like knowing that my work can help in some big picture ways, like working to reduce disparities in health care, and in some everyday small ways, like helping to automate reports that save people time.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
I get to work with a lot of really good people to accomplish a lot of really good things.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Leadership is as simple or as complicated as we want to make it. If I had to boil it down, though, I think it comes to these two things:
1. Doing what is right whether or not it is easy
2. Bringing out the best in people
Anything else you want to share?
I am just really grateful that I get to do the work I do, and to work with the people I do. Everything else is just icing on the cake.