Please congratulate the latest winners of the Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Shining Star award: Valencia Gant and Nancy Benson
Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Valencia Gant, Assistant Director Ambulatory Surgery Clinics, The Woodlands; I have worked with Texas Children’s Hospital for 5 years.
Tell us how you found out you won The Woodlands Shining Star award.
I found out about the Woodlands Shining Star award by responding to an unexpected emergency in one of the surgery clinics. My leader and I were having a meeting and it ended abruptly, but to my surprise I was greeted by my team and recognition committee in 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?
The Woodlands Shining Star recognition to me is an honor to be recognized for my work accomplishments on The Woodlands Campus. Being an employee of Texas Children’s Hospital has allowed me to continue my personal and professional growth in pediatric health care. With over 13 years experience and 10 of them in surgery, I have come to love helping patients, staff and providers in multiple surgical divisions.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a Shining Star?
The attributes of a Shining Star are humbleness, initiative and appreciation. I feel that a Shining Star is an individual that shows the initiative to help without being asked, does it with a humble spirit and is appreciative of the recognition they receive for the work performed.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
My motivation to go above and beyond daily comes from the work ethic my parents instilled in me and my siblings. They reminded us that hard work is an expectation and not something to achieve, they believed we could exceed at anything we put our minds to as long as we put in the work.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The best thing about working at Texas Children’s is the culture of “Yes” to our patients and families. As well as, the relationships the staff and providers have that leads to great patient care.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
To be a leader at Texas Children’s to me means to lead as a team member and not as a follower. Leading as a team member allows you to empathize with your team on challenges they face, but also to celebrate the success they have in their daily jobs. My leadership definition is defined in three words: “Ask, Seek, and Knock. Ask questions to gain knowledge, Seek information to make the right decisions and Knock to make positive change that can open the door to success.”
Anything else you want to share?
I would like to thank those who nominated me for The Woodland’s Shining Star award, I am blessed to work with a great team of staff, providers and leaders that create a supportive work environment.
Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Nancy Benson, MSN, CPNP-PC
Surgical Hospitalist, ENT
Tell us how you found out you won The Woodlands Shining Star award.
When I walked down to the lobby and was told I needed to be at a meeting.
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 humbling to be recognized for your work with patients especially during NP week. I have the privilege to work with an awesome group of providers and caregivers at The Woodlands Campus.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a Shining Star?
Shining stars to me are individuals who work tirelessly for their patients on a daily basis.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
My motivation to go above and beyond in my daily care is easy to do when you work with an incredible staff with the same values.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
My colleagues and the interaction with our pediatric patient population.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
Characteristics of good leaders are individuals who create an atmosphere of certainty and trust. Leaders lead with integrity and have the ability to communicate effectively, often and openly.