Connect Newsletter (April 25, 2024)

Together We Make a Difference: Respect & Kindness at Cook Children's

We lead with inclusion and that means treating one another with respect and kindness. After all, these are two of our Cook Children's values, and they are pivotal in helping us build a workplace environment where everyone feels like they belong.

"We believe everyone deserves to feel appreciated, seen, and valued," says Wini King, Chief Diversity Officer. Our unique backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences aren't a liability; they're our greatest strength. By embracing these differences and learning from each other, we can create an inclusive and welcoming workplace.

In May and June, everyone is invited to a series of virtual Lunch and Learns led by employees from across the System. They will share their career and personal journeys, issues that are important to them, and what they need to feel valued, understood and connected for success at work. These sessions will be filled with practical tips and conversation to help you connect with and support your colleagues, no matter their background or position. 

Please read more, and find the schedule for the Respect & Kindness Lunch and Learns, here.

Where Are YOU From? 

Did you attend the Breaking Ice theatrical performances about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace? In an exercise facilitated by the performers, participants wrote about the background, experiences and identities that shape who they are today by writing their own "I Am From" stories. We would love to share them with others if you grant us that permission. Please send them to us at InternalCommunications@CookChildrens.org. 

Important Story Regarding CCHP STAR & CHIP Contracts

We wanted to bring to your attention to a recent article in the Fort Worth Report regarding Cook Children's Health Plan's (CCHP) STAR and CHIP contracts. This decision could significantly impact 125,000 of our valued CCHP members.

We encourage you to stay informed about this developing story. You can help us draw attention to this matter by sharing articles like this one with your family and friends.

Nurses: Sharing Our Expertise at National Conference

Cook Children's sent 19 nurses and one staff member to present their work at the annual Society of Pediatric Nurses Conference. Cook Children’s Nurses accounted for 15% of all podium presentations at the conference!

Autumn Marable, Katie Stoddard, and Bailey Sullivan won Best Evidence-Based Practice Poster Presentation for their poster titled, “No More Noro…Virus: Evidence-based Practice Project Calls for Changes to Hand and Environmental Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment Protocols in a Pediatric Healthcare Setting.” 

Nancy Russell and Misty McCutchen won second place for the People’s Choice Award for their poster presentation titled, “Implementing Four Eyes: A Two-Person Skin Assessment Done within the First 24 Hours of Admission.”

Congratulations and thank you for representing the excellent work we do here at Cook Children's.

Attendees: Annabelle Arnston, Catie Beasley, Malorie Brooks, Ashley Chreene, Kathleen Conway, Seraphie Hammond, Jennifer Horn, Cammie Larson, Stephanie Lavin, Autumn Marable, Jannell Mateo, Julie Van Orne, Natalie Palau, Nancy Russell, Jennifer Stephen, Katie Stoddard, Bailey Sullivan, Laurel Summers, Katelyn Terry, Ashley Wymer

Protecting Our Children: Aim For Safety Award

Congratulations to the Aim for Safety program, which was honored with the Firearm Safety Award from Mothers of Murdered Angels, for its work in the community to bring awareness to the importance of keeping firearms stored securely in the home.  Founded by Daniel Guzman, M.D., a Cook Children's Emergency Department Physician, the Aim for Safety initiative is designed to help reduce the number injuries our caregivers see every year among children through gun safety education.

Based in Fort Worth, Mothers of Murdered Angels was founded by Melinda Hamilton, who lost her daughter to firearm violence. Just like Aim for Safety, its goal is to stop firearm violence in our community as well as advocate for victim’s rights and justice. 

Your Photos: Administrative Professionals Day

We held a special luncheon this week for Administrative Professionals Day, an annual observance to express gratitude and appreciation for these fierce warriors of the workspace.

How did you recognize these valued members of your team? We're posting photos of events and recognitions in the Connect Newsroom. Click here to view. 

We'd love to see more photos! Please email us at InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org.

Making Connections: National Interpreter Appreciation Day on May 1

Did you know that the top five languages used at Cook Children’s are Spanish, Arabic, French, Pashto, and Vietnamese? The Language Services team in Fort Worth and Prosper provides services for our Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients and families to ensure that they receive communication in their language of choice. 

“It’s already stressful being in a hospital setting. Imagine having to make decisions that affect the health of your child if you do not receive the information in your preferred language. I applaud our leaders and staff throughout the system for advocating to ensure our patients and families receive the resources they need to effectively communicate with our teams. Please join me by thanking our Language Services Team, who are unsung heroes, connecting the dots for our patients and families,” said Ramonda Widemon Busby, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, CPN, Assistant Vice President, Case Management Services. 

How we're celebrating: Language Services is recognizing their teams with a lunch to celebrate their dedication and successes over the past year. Fun fact, in 2023, the department provided a total of 66,712 face-to-face and translation requests. 

Read more in an article in the Connect Newsroom.

Muchas gracias: Has a Language Services team member helped you make a connection with a patient family? Let us know in the comments at the end of the article.

Peak Performers: We're Proud of You

Congratulations to Cook Children's Peak Performers. These employees live our values at work, connecting and collaborating with one another to make a difference in the lives of our patient families. Thank you for all you do. 

Read about employees named as Peak Performers for the second quarter (January through March) and click here for our March 2024 Peak Performers.

Raising Mental Health Awareness and Raising JOY

It’s been two years since the launch of the Cook Children’s Raising Joy podcast about pediatric mental health, which has touched thousands of listeners across the world. We talked to the hosts and creators about some of the highlights of Raising Joy and what makes it so powerful. 

“The podcasts format allows for anyone to engage and relate, whether you’re a health care professional, a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares for a child in your life,” said Kim Brown, Director of Public Relations.

Read the article in the Connect Newsroom.

Sparkle for Good: Kendra Scott Pop Up Event

Join us for a Kendra Gives Back event in the Camelot Light Court on Friday, April 26. Shop for beautiful jewelry and support a great cause - 20% of all event proceeds will benefit our patients. ️ Plus, you'll get a free gift with any purchase over $100.

Can't make it in person? You can still shop for a cause online at kendrascott.com and use code GIVEBACK-GDDQ at checkout.

Paperless Billing Statements to Begin on May 1

Cook Children's is transitioning to paperless billing for our patient families. Patient families are being notified about this convenient way to view their medical bills online at any time. Every statement is organized and easily accessible through the MyCookChildren’s patient portal. Families will receive emails or text messages when statements are available for viewing. Families can opt-in to receive paper statements again whenever they wish. 

To learn more about paperless billing, click here.

Webinar: How to Manage Unforeseen Expenses 

What are some situations when you should consider taking money from a workplace savings plan? Join the experts from Fidelity to learn tips for navigating the costs of unexpected life events. The 45-minute webinar will also cover key things to know about spending habits and sticking to a budget. 

Wednesday, May 8, Webinar:

• 9 a.m. session: register here. 
• 3 p.m. session: register here. 

As a benefit to Cook Children’s employees, you’ll earn 100 Virgin Pulse Points for attending the webinar. Points may be cashed in for gift cards through our wellness program.