Connect Newsletter (Jan. 15, 2026)

Let’s Get Ready for UKG Launch: Training and Readiness Checklists Now Available

We are officially on the countdown to UKG Workforce Management launch on Feb. 8, 2026, and the momentum is building. With training underway and go-live approaching, this next phase is all about reinforcement, readiness, and confidence.

To help guide you through the final preparation steps, role-specific readiness checklists are now available. These checklists are designed to clearly outline the key activities you should complete now, based on your role. Whether you are a caregiver, manager, timekeeper, or scheduler, the checklist helps ensure you are set up for success on day one.

Please check our readiness checklist on Connect Newsroom. 

Purchase Tickets for Texas Independence Jam on Friday

Texas Independence Jam will take place at the Historic Billy Bob’s Texas on March 8, 2026. This star-studded concert raised $250,000 for Cook Children’s last year, and we are proud to benefit once again!

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 16. Don’t wait! This event sells out quickly every year. 

Purchase your tickets here. 

Pioneering Health Care Workforce Program in Las Vegas Trail Graduates Its First Class

Twice a week for 12 weeks, seven adults from the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood have been taking classes at the Cook Children’s Neighborhood Health Center at Las Vegas Trail to start a career in health care. 

The Las Vegas Trail Workforce Development Training Program is a partnership with Cook Children’s, JPS Health Network, Tarrant County College (TCC) and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. The initiative equips adults with the essential skills for the medical administrative field, ranging from medical office duties to patient- and family-centered care. 

Visit Checkup Newsroom to learn more about this program and its opportunities. 

Attend Pathways to Advanced Practice Event

Have you ever considered becoming an Advanced Practice Provider (APP)? If so, join us from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Hochberger Auditorium in the Medical Center - Fort Worth. 

During the event you will learn more about the different pathways that are available and meet APP leaders. 

If you are interested click here to register for the event. If you have any questions, please email sarah.nigliazzo@cookchildrens.org. 

Create a Budget and Build Emergency Savings with Fidelity 

Fidelity wants to help you learn why and how to set money aside for emergencies. Having an emergency fund can be crucial when unplanned expenses come along, like a car repair you weren’t expecting. The next Fidelity webinar, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, focuses on emergency savings and budgeting for financial wellness using Fidelity’s 50-15-5 saving and spending guideline. 

Register Here

You’ll earn 100 Personify Health Points as an added benefit of participating. Points may be cashed in for gift cards through the Cook Children’s employee wellness program.

Retirement Announcement 

Mary Mitchell, Respiratory Therapist, RRT, is retiring from Cook Children’s after more than 11 years of service on Jan. 30.

Mary has been a dedicated and dependable member of the Respiratory Care Department since November 2014. She has provided outstanding and professional respiratory care for our patients and support for their families. Mary has worked in our Emergency Department and our Transitional Care Unit, 4NT. She has earned the respect and trust of physicians, nurses and her fellow RTs.

She will be missed, but we wish her all the best. Thank you, Mary. 

We encourage you to take a moment to send Mary a farewell note by Jan. 29.

Share Your Content with Us

Do you have any tips, ideas or content you would like us to know about? We want to hear from you! Please view our SharePoint site and email us at InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org. 

Check our CookNet calendar for more system-wide events and to find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.