June 6, 2017

Navada Jackson with the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “As a unit clerical assistant in the cardiovascular intensive care unit, my motivation for going above and beyond is inspired by the people – from the patients, to doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, patient care assistants and other unit clerical assistants.” Read more of her interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Navada Jackson, Unit Clerical Assistant, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit; 24 years

What month are you Super Star for?
January 2017

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I was asked by my manger to report for work early to discuss changes in shift reports. As I arrived in the break room, directing my attention to my manger, she announces my name indicating I was super star. I was totally surprise; with two cakes and punch to share with other co-workers and leaders. It was amazing.

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?
To be acknowledged for my commitment to Texas Children’s Hospital feels really good. It has been an honor to be part of a team that has been ranked #2 in Children Cardiology and Heart Surgery.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
One who possesses hard work, commitment, caring, flexibility, and passion – all attributes that resemble super star status.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
As a unit clerical assistant in the cardiovascular intensive care unit, my motivation for going above and beyond is inspired by the people – from the patients, to doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, patient care assistants and other unit clerical assistants. Being able to help my co-workers and the patients have inspired me to do my very best.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
In my 24 years of service, I have experienced the growth of this organization and to narrow my perspective on the many wonderful things about being employed at Texas Children’s is impossible. I have had a supportive leadership. I value the organization’s mission and the willingness to promote teamwork in a professional, respectful, fun but healthy environment.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Regardless of a personal title, everyone part of the health care team has the opportunity to leverage leader development. Having been a tenured employee at Texas Children’s, witnessing CVICU expanding in 2001 and the transition of now two floors, the sometimes fast-past environment has allowed people to fulfill a leader role given that everyone plays a vital role in the patient care. We all have pulled together to address life-threatening situations. To define leadership, would be one who effectively develops others, one who dismisses the “i” motto, helps others achieve their goals and has a positive influence on anyone in various roles.

Anything else you want to share?
The recognition of my hard work has been more than words can describe. My goal always will be my best to make it possible for others to succeed. Texas Children’s is an awesome place to work and I look forward to the future.

April 26, 2017

Jennifer Abernathy, February 2017 Employee

Jennifer Abernathy of Endocrine and Diabetes clinic, is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “A super star is someone who is able to bring a smile to BOTH patients and co-workers.” Read more of her interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title, and department. How long have you worked here?
Jennifer Abernathy, Clinical Program Coordinator, Endocrine & Diabetes clinic. I have worked here for almost two years.

What month are you Super Star for?
February 2017

Tell us how you found out you won the super star award?
One of the providers asked me to assist her with a meeting. When I walked in, I saw everyone was already seated in the room with a big smile on their faces!

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 was so honored to be recognized by my department. I got a little teary-eyed during the speeches! My practice administrator, manager, and several of the physicians have approached me throughout the months to offer support and advice on achieving my goals. For example, because of their support, I was able to create a poster for presentation at last year’s national pediatric endocrine nursing society conference. In addition, they encouraged me to go back to school for my master’s degree in nursing administration. I will begin later this year!

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Patients need to feel that we are listening and genuinely want to help them. Co-workers need to feel that we really treasure them and share a team spirit. I think a super star is someone who is able to bring a smile to BOTH patients and co-workers.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I see the struggles of families trying to manage difficult health issues. Every interaction, whether it is a clinic visit, a visit at the bedside, or a phone call is my chance to let the family know that I am here to support them. So many parents are appreciative about being able to share their burden, even for a little while.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The endocrine and diabetes department has so many great people with big hearts and they are truly passionate about their patients! My department is the absolute best, hands down!

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
My definition of a leader who someone who inspires others to follow his or her example. Everyone at Texas Children’s is a leader because we all can inspire others in so many different ways – to be more kind to co-workers, to be more smart with our resources, to be a better patient advocate, to be mindful of our health, etc. The ways to inspire others is endless!

March 21, 2017

Brooke Mulkey of Orthopedic Surgery, is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “Working in pediatrics is unique. You are challenged daily with the needs of the patient and their family.” Read more of her interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Brooke Mulkey, RN, BSN, CPN, clinical program coordinator in Orthopedic Surgery. I have worked for Texas Children’s for five and a half years.

What month are you Super Star for?
December 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
My Practice Administrator called a meeting and announced the award to me and the clinic.

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 be recognized for the hard work.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Working in pediatrics is unique. You are challenged daily with the needs of the patient and their family. It also is equally rewarding. A Super Star employee goes beyond what is expected, anticipates the need of patients, families and even their coworkers.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I enjoy helping people and I believe every patient deserves the best care possible.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Working with people who share my same passion.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
A leader is someone who goes above and beyond what is expected. Someone who has the ability to recognize problems and create solutions.

December 20, 2016

122116ssluisrauda175Luis Rauda, October 2016 Employee

Luis Rauda of The Center for children and Women – Greenspoint, is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Read more of his interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.
Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Luis Rauda, Medical Assistant for the Pediatrics Team. I’ve been with Texas Children’s for about two years. (I was hired in February 2014)

What month are you Super Star for?
October 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
My colleagues surprised me, and I was terrified.

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?
A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected. With that being said, I always feel appreciated by my family at The Texas Children’s Center.
What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. Overall, this organization has not only helped me achieve personal and professional goals, it also has molded me into the person I am today.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Personal Initiative – A person with personal initiative is self-starting and proactive; works independently of outside influence or control. This also can be applied in Teamwork.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
Self value and quality. The quality of an individual is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Texas Children’s is a place where one can self-improve endlessly, both professionally and personally.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
True Leaders don’t create followers… they create more leaders. What better way to lead than to lead by example?

Anything else you want to share?
I’m not quite sure how I got picked to be a super star, but I believe that my entire family at The Center for Children and Women (Greenspoint and Southwest Location) are all super stars as well. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to reach “super star status.” They allow me to be my best self and reach my full potential on a daily basis. For that reason, they also should be recognized. Please and thank you.

December 6, 2016

12716tyrisehawkins175Tyrise Hawkins, November 2016 Employee

Tyrise Hawkins of Supply Chain, is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “My motivation is coming in every morning and seeing the kids I am here to help.” Read more of his interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.
Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Tyrise Hawkins. Supply Chain Tech 3, Supply Chain. 22 years.

What month are you Super Star for?
November 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I thought I was at a department staff meeting until I saw all my coworkers, Leadership and a cake on the table that had Super Star Tyrise Hawkins on it.

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 feels good! I still can’t believe I was picked for this award. I just love Texas Children’s Hospital and what I do. My reward is making my customers and families happy. What is needed for my customers when their patients arrive, it has already been delivered to the department. The organization has help me achieve my goals by receiving good coaching from my leadership. Also they always ask for my feedback on issues concerning the Clinical Care Center.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Just be yourself and treat people the way you want to be treated. That is a super star.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
Coming in every morning and seeing the kids I am here to help. When you see some of the parents remember you: They might not know your name, but they never forget your face. Also when they tell you, ‘Every time I come here and see you, you are always happy.’ That motivates me even more.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Everything about Texas Children’s is the best.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
You just answered it. Everybody here is a leader, and family. When you are down, there is a coworker, leadership, or someone who is going to say something to pick you up.

Anything else you want to share?
Thank you Texas Children’s for giving me 22 years of service. I will be here for 22 more.

October 4, 2016

angelagooden175Angela Gooden of Texas Children’s Heart Center is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star leader. “In order to provide quality family-centered care, we all have to commit to taking the lead and finding new and innovative ways to be the best at what we do,” Gooden said. Read more of her interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Angela Gooden, certified pediatric nurse practitioner and manager of Advanced Practice Providers in Cardiology. I started my career at Texas Children’s Hospital as a graduate registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit 17 years ago and transitioned into a nurse practitioner role 8 years ago.

What month are you Super Star for?
October – December 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
My team members planned a surprise reception that included my family and other members of the Cardiology department that I work closely with on a daily basis.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do?
I’m really very honored and honestly a little bit embarrassed. However, this recognition lets me know that I am doing something right and that’s a great feeling.

How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
I’ve been the recipient of great leadership during my time at Texas Children’s. The encouragement and feedback I have received along the way gave me confidence to explore new opportunities. One of the things I love about Texas Children’s Hospital is professional development is expected.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
One of the comments submitted from my team referred to me as a servant leader. I was extremely honored by this statement because it’s exactly what I aim to achieve on a daily basis. I believe actions speak louder than words and we work better side by side.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I truly enjoy the work that I do and the people I get to do it with. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained as a nurse practitioner in the Cardiology department has been priceless. I enjoy the people, patients, and families that I work with on a daily basis and care about their quality of life.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Definitely the people! I have made so many great friends with whom I’ve shared countless experiences over the years. I’ve grown (and continue to grow) up here and more days than not I leave knowing that I made a difference.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
We’re tasked as Texas Children’s employees with providing quality family-centered care. In order to do this we all have to commit to taking the lead and finding new and innovative ways to be the best at what we do.

Anything else you want to share?
I’m grateful to my team for the recognition and happy to be working with people I genuinely like.

September 7, 2016

9716sskatiejones175Katie Jones of Infection Control is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “Working at Texas Children’s has afforded me the opportunity to grow as an educator and presenter, so that I can share my passion for infection control with health care providers and encourage them to be infection prevention advocates in their own areas,” Jones said. Read more of her interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Katie Jones, Infection Control Coordinator, Infection Control. I started working for Texas Children’s in July 2015.

What month are you Super Star for?
September 2016

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I thought I was attending a regularly scheduled staff meeting, and at the last minute we changed rooms. When I arrived, I saw that leaders from quality and critical care nursing were at the table. They do not normally attend our regular weekly staff meetings. My manager said he had an announcement, it all felt very serious with our additional guests in attendance so I was a little worried at first – but then he announced that I had received the Super Star award! It was very surprising and flattering! It was so much fun to share that moment with my department and enjoy cake and punch with them.

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?
Everyone I encounter at Texas Children’s gives 110 percent of themselves every day, so it is really an honor to be selected. Working at Texas Children’s has afforded me the opportunity to grow as an educator and presenter, so that I can share my passion for infection control with health care providers and encourage them to be infection prevention advocates in their own areas.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
Coming to work every day ready to say “yes” to any challenge.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I believe there is a patient advocacy element to everyone’s job in a health care environment – even if you don’t provide direct patient care. I love that by working in Infection Control, I have an opportunity to play a role in the development and implementation of initiatives that can protect our patients and help Texas Children’s continue to be a leader in patient care, research, and education.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
I am inspired every day by the passion exhibited by our frontline health care workers and my fellow infection control team members. We are all very supportive of each other and one person’s success is a victory for the whole team.

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Leaders identify themselves by their actions, not their job title. By encouraging everyone to put our patients and their families first, the behavior that makes someone a leader in their own role is naturally supported.

Anything else you want to share?
I want to thank the Shannon Holland and the PICU team for nominating me for this award. It is truly a privilege to work with them.