Last week, we announced that Cook Children's will now provide six weeks of paid parental leave (PPL) for eligible employees and their partners who give birth or adopt a child, effective June 30, 2024. If you missed the announcement,please click here.
We've heard from many of you about this new benefit and are so grateful to you for taking the time to let us know what you think.
"This is literally life-changing," one employee wrote. “I am so happy for the positive emotional and financial ripple effects this will have.”
We also received questions from you. To see answers to our most recent questions, click here.
For employees with more specific personal questions, comments and inquiries, we have shared all comments with HR leadership.
We're Front Page News
Initiatives such as the new paid parental leave policy and bereavement leave expansion are key to helping Cook Children's recruit and retain employees, all while other health systems struggle post-pandemic. These programs are drawing attention in DFW and nationally.
Becker's Hospital Review interviewed Beth Schmidt, Vice President of Human Resources & Occupational Health, who discussed the Winter Plan turnover reduction effort which allows workers to temporarily become Cook Children's employees for four to six months to help augment the health system's nursing staff.
A Fort Worth Star-Telegram article highlighted Cook Children's as an example of the importance of listening to employees: “The health system’s success, leaders said, is because of a tradition of asking employees what they need, and then giving it to them.”
The article drew a letter to the editor from a reader, who commented that other businesses “should consider a similar approach to solving the loss of quality employees.”
ICYMI: We'll Maintain Regular Schedule During Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
ICYMI: While the solar eclipse on April 8 is a rare and exciting event, our work at Cook Children's continues as usual that day. To ensure we provide the best possible care for our patients and their families, Cook Children's will operate on a regular schedule. If you plan to take the day off to observe the eclipse, please use your approved Paid Time Off (PTO).
Heavy Traffic Expected
Please be aware that heavy traffic is anticipated due to the eclipse. We recommend allowing extra travel time to get to work on April 8.
Safe Viewing at Work
For those observing from designated work areas (safely, of course!): During the eclipse, we will have viewing locations on the North and South lawn and Dillard Garden at Cook Children's Medical Center – Fort Worth. For Prosper and other Cook Children's locations, please find a safe viewing location on campus.
Safety Reminders
Along with wearing proper eclipse eyewear to protect yourself, here are some additional safety reminders:
Stay out of streets or common walkways.
Do not block any fire lanes or entrances.
Make sure your patients are not left alone and do not let them look directly into the sun.
We appreciate your dedication to our patients!
Social Worker of the Year 2024
Join us in congratulating Cook Children’s 2024 Social Worker of the Year – Amanda Gray, LMSW, Case Management / 3 PAV. Click here for a list all the nominees and to read about how Amanda has inspired her colleagues through her generosity and imagination.
It's Time for The Blast
Employees across our system will be lacing up their sneakers for The Blast, a family-friendly walk that supports pediatric cancer programs at Cook Children’s.
They’ll join Marlee Munguia, a Cook Children’s patient ambassador who is helping promote The Blast on Saturday, April 6 in Fort Worth. Marlee has a rare cancer that wasn’t responding to standard chemotherapy when she was first diagnosed at age 3. But her doctors at Cook Children’s had other strategies to try, including immunotherapy and two stem cell transplants. Thanks to those treatments – along with radiation, surgeries and scans – Marlee has a healthier and happier outlook. Now age 6, she still needs treatment for neuroblastoma, a type of cancer involving nerve cells. Team Marlee Strong will be out in force for The Blast.
ICYMI: ReminderRegarding W-2 Forms for Tax Year 2023
We want to remind you about a correction made to some W-2 forms for tax year 2023. Box 12W of original W-2 forms did not include the employee portion of any Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions you made.
The revised form accurately reflects total HSA contributions, including both the employer and employee portions in Box 12W.
You can download the revised W-2C form, which includes the accurate information in Box 12W, along with the original W-2, from your Year End Tax documents in the Workday platform on New CookNet. To find the forms go to the Menu, then Benefits & Pay, then Pay, then navigate to Tax.
Please note that you will need both copies, the original W-2 and the W-2C, when filing your taxes. If you did not make contributions to a Health Saving Account during tax year 2023, you do not need to use a revised W-2C.
A PowerfulRaising Joy Episode
On the most recent episode of Raising Joy, we’re joined by Stacey Henley, forensic nurse and nurse manager of the Cook Children’s C.A.R.E team.
We tackle a tough but crucial topic: child sex trafficking. Stacey is a child abuse expert who offers a powerful perspective. Stacey sheds light on the realities of child victimization, but also empowers parents with knowledge. Join us for this important conversation and learn how we can all work together to create a safer environment for our children.
Listen to this episode now on Spotify, Apple or Google Podcasts. Read more here.
Self-Care Day at Mirror Mirror Hair & Nail Salon
Did you know employees can book services with licensed cosmetologists at Mirror Mirror? Located across from the Child Life Zone, self-care experts can provide gel manicures, pedicures, haircuts, color, and more. All proceeds from the salon go directly back to Cook Children’s to support more patients and families during their hospital stay.
For self-care day on April 5, employees can buy one product and get another 50% off. You can check out our CookNet page to access other employee specials, bios on each cosmetologist, and prices for all services here: Mirror Mirror Hair & Nail Salon (sharepoint.com). Call (682)-885-3200 or stop by to make an appointment.
Cook Children's Displays Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month brings awareness to recognizing and reporting child abuse. It also recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Texas consistently has some of the highest child abuse and neglect rates.
Led by pediatricians who are board certified in child abuse medicine, Cook Children's C.A.R.E. (Child Advocacy Resource and Evaluation) Team provides medical and forensic evaluations for victims of physical abuse, neglect and drug exposure, sexual abuse screening examinations and preventative education for victims of child maltreatment.
C.A.R.E. Team examinations for child victims of abuse are conducted following a referral from Child Protective Services (CPS), law enforcement agencies, or a medical provider.
News from Around Cook Children's
As part of Organ Donation Awareness Month, gather for a Flag Raising Ceremony at Medical-Center-Fort Worth at 11:30 a.m. on April 9.
Community Health Workers Day is April 5. Thank you for all you do for our patient families.
PHOTOS: Easter eggs, bunnies, and bubbles! Cook Children's patients celebrated Easter with goodies and crafts. View photos on Checkup.
Read in the Fort Worth Report about how Raymond Turner, Producer at Sparklefly Recording Studio at the Medical Center-Fort Worth, works with our patients to create music and write songs.
Initiatives such as the new paid parental leave policy and bereavement leave expansion are key to helping Cook Children's recruit and retain employees, all while other health systems struggle post-pandemic. These programs are drawing attention in DFW and nationally. 
ICYMI: While the solar eclipse on April 8 is a rare and exciting event, our work at Cook Children's continues as usual that day. To ensure we provide the best possible care for our patients and their families, Cook Children's will operate on a regular schedule. 
Join us in congratulating Cook Children’s 2024 Social Worker of the Year – Amanda Gray, 
Employees across our system will be lacing up their sneakers for The Blast, a family-friendly walk that supports pediatric cancer programs at Cook Children’s. 
Cook Children's Displays Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month
screening examinations and preventative education for victims of child maltreatment. 
News from Around Cook Children's