Greg Alpers from Critical Care Services is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “Because practices such as shared governance and servant leaders are ingrained in the nursing profession, the idea that everyone is a leader is a reality and not simply a buzz word,” said Alpers. Read more of Alpers’ interview, and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.
Q&A: Greg Alpers, August 2015 Employee
Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Greg Alpers, Inventory Control Coordinator, Critical Care Services. I have worked at Texas Children’s for 13 years.
What month are you Super Star for?
August 2015
Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
It was the ultimate surprise party. My manager scheduled a meeting that I thought would result in a substantial “to-do list” for myself.
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 was a big kick for me to be thanked by a group that I admire and respect. Critical Care Services is a small department that supports the Intensive Care Units. My manager is highly supportive and ensures that I have the necessary access to work effectively. I have an extremely experienced and talented counterpart for a resource. There is a seasoned unit secretary who is always generous with her extensive knowledge. I have a network of helpful people in Facilities Operations, Supply Chain, Laundry Services, Security Services, and Information Services.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
The sort of people that I am in contact with in Cardiology Beds and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit are people that I view as super stars. From the doctors to the nurses and the patient care assistants; the dedication and focus on the patient’s well-being is absolute.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I really want to support the caregiver. Their need for supplies is so that they can help others.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The people are the best thing about working at Texas Children’s. You would be hard pressed to find a more selfless and professional group. It’s a very caring environment.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Anyone in the nursing units, including nurses, patient care assistants, and unit support assistants, can ask me for supplies at any time. It sometimes seems that everyone is a leader except for me. When I encounter a member of leadership they sometimes tell me what I need to do. More often than not, however, it is the leader who ends up with a task to do. Because practices such as shared governance and servant leaders are ingrained in the nursing profession, the idea that everyone is a leader is a reality and not simply a buzz word. To me, a leader is someone who takes ownership.
Anything else you want to share?
My wife was a registered nurse for 36 years. She obtained her state certification when she was nineteen, made nursing a career, and even added duel Masters Degrees to her resume. I was always proud of her accomplishments. My esteem for her increased many times after I began working at Texas Children’s Hospital.