Join the Conversation: Invest in Yourself and Others, and Help Us Create a More Equitable Workplace
You heard about it during Breaking Ice, now it’s time for the next step: "IDE Workshop: Foundation of Inclusion, Diversity, and Health Equity" virtual courses.
All courses are now available, and you can sign up in ULearn. Or you can simply search for “IDE Workshop” on ULearn and the different virtual course offerings will populate.
To learn more about the workshop, we encourage you to watch this special video messagefrom Winifred “Wini” King, SVP, Chief Communications, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Officer. Please click here to watch the video and read more about the workshop.
Breaking Ice: Helping Us Have Critical Conversations
Hundreds of employees participated in the very special Breaking Ice theatrical performances last week. They helped us have productive dialogue about issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging at work. We will be posting more photos in coming days.
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 Update on Our Star and CHIP Managed Care Services Contract
We have important news regarding our STAR and CHIP Managed Care Services Contract. Please click here to read the latest and watch a video from Karen Love, President, Cook Children’s Health Plan.
A Longtime Health Plan Employee Reflects on 25 Years of Value to Our Patient Families
As one of the old-timers of the Health Plan, I’m compelled to disclose we actually were licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance and open for business on Feb. 25, 1999, providing the Healthy Texas Kids insurance program to members. This program ended and was replaced by CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) in fall 1999. Our first CHIP membership file was received in February 2000. We started with about 10 employees, I was No. 33 and we now have around 400.
It may not be much anymore in the face of this new harsh landscape. But, the fact we’ve served continuously for 25 years and that we were one of the foundational MCOs participating in the State of Texas pediatric insurance programs from day one (CHIP starting in 1999, STAR starting in 2006, and STAR Kids starting in 2016) would seem to be a valuable commodity – both in member/business experience and, most of all, loyalty and stability to the families we serve.
Polly Banz, Executive Assistant I
WATCH: Cook Children's In the News
Did you know that coral reefs are often referred to as the medicine chests of the sea? That’s because many organisms found on reefs produce chemical compounds used in treatments for cancer and other serious diseases. CBS interviewed Pediatric Oncologist Holly Pacenta, M.D., as well as patient family Kimberly Lindsay and her daughter Audrey about medicine used in Audrey’s care that comes from a sea sponge.
It’s a powerful story that underscores the importance of conserving and restoring coral reefs, which are dying due to the effects of climate change. Click here to watch.
Microsoft Teams Upgrade Arrives March 27
On March 27, the new upgrade to Microsoft Teams will be available across our health care system. The new version will set us up for the future of Teams as Microsoft continues to develop this product.
For a pre-read of what’s changing in the new version, please click here. You’ll notice that initially there are not major differences anticipated.
Celebrating Child Life Week
Celebrate our Child Life team as they mark their 45-year anniversary at Cook Children’s. They're holding special activities for Child Life Week March 18-22 to show employees who they are and what they do. Amy Sandlin, CCLS, Child Life Specialist, wrote an article to provide more details on this important department and how their work benefits our patient families. Read it here on the Connect Newsroom.
A Beacon of Hope in Pain Management
Be inspired by Meredith Brooks, M.D., MPH, and learn about her journey into medicine. Dr. Brooks is a Pediatric Pain Management Physician, whose story is marked by resilience, compassion, and a commitment to serve.
“I feel very thankful every day that I wake up and I'm able to come in and do the work that I do,” she says. “I knew that I needed to treat everybody the way that I wanted to be treated and never reduce patients to numbers or financial figures, but to care for everyone as unique individuals.”
The official start of Cook Children’s Patient Safety Awareness Week is Monday, March 18. We plan to celebrate this event in different ways throughout the week, including launching voting for submissions to the Safer Together virtual storyboard contest.
Click here to access our Patient Safety Awareness Week webpage, where you can view a more detailed agenda for the week, including Grand Rounds at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19 with Matthew Carroll, M.D., Vice President and Associate Chief Quality Officer. Don't forget to come back and cast your vote starting March 18. We are looking forward to celebrating with you.
We're Growing: News from Talent Acquistion
Jobs Hub – Your New Workday Career Application
We sprung into spring with a Workday update that includes a new look to the Jobs Hub application. Jobs Hub has been refreshed, and the functions of the old Careers application have been folded into the Jobs Hub application. The Careers application has been retired, but the Jobs Hub has its old functions in it, which makes it a great one-stop shop. There is a job aid in Workday coming. Stay tuned.
Don’t Forget Our Employee Referral Program
Do you know we have an employee referral bonus? You can earn up to $2,500 for each referral that is hired. Here are a few reminders on eligibility for the employee referral bonus:
The referral bonus is $2,500 if one person is listed on the application or in the referral system as an employee referral. If two people are listed as employee referrals, then each person gets $1,250. If there are three or more people listed as an employee referral, then no one is eligible for the bonus.
An employee can send a job out to a referral by going to Menu>Jobs Hub>My Referrals. Click on the blue button at the top that says Refer a Candidate.
The referred employee has to work 90 days before anyone is eligible for a bonus.
The bonus is paid out within two paychecks of the referred employee’s 90th day.
For full information on the employee referral program, please click here to reach the Cook Net page.
News from Around Cook Children’s
Nominations are open for the Great 10 Nurses program. The deadline is April 7. Details are here.
The Wellness Program is offering free drowning prevention courses at several sessions in 2024. Click here for the dates, times and locations, what to expect, and links to register.
Register for an “Understanding Medicare Coverages”webinar to learn about Medicare eligibility, coverage and cost options, and how to get a free 1:1 consultation with a licensed Medicare advisor. Details are here.
Upcoming Cultural Observances
Sharing information about cultural holidays and observances is an important way to learn about our diverse workforce and raise awareness of challenges and successes of various groups. We are looking for stories about how you observe Asian Pacific American Heritage, Jewish American Heritage, and Cinco de Mayo.
You heard about it during Breaking Ice, now it’s time for the next step: "IDE Workshop: Foundation of Inclusion, Diversity, and Health Equity" virtual courses.
As one of the old-timers of the Health Plan, I’m compelled to disclose we actually were licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance and open for business on Feb. 25, 1999, providing the Healthy Texas Kids insurance program to members. This program ended and was replaced by CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) in fall 1999. Our first CHIP membership file was received in February 2000. We started with about 10 employees, I was No. 33 and we now have around 400. 
Celebrate our Child Life team as they mark their 45-year anniversary at Cook Children’s. They're holding special activities for Child Life Week March 18-22 to show employees who they are and what they do. 