Connect Newsletter
May 13, 2022 |
As we wrap up National Nurses Week, we celebrate the best of the best in pediatric nursing - all of those here at Cook Children's! Every year, we celebrate 10 of our nurses who demonstrate excellence in the art and science of nursing. Congratulations to all the nominees and this year's recipients! View all the photos from the Great 10 Nurse Ceremony here. |
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In keeping with our promise and values, Cook Children's Health Foundation is facilitating the Kukolich Genetics Scholarship to recruit and retain quality talent for genetics-based health care through graduate-level academic advancement. This new scholarship opportunity is open to current full-time and half-time Cook Children's employees in good standing with a minimum of one year of eligible service from the date these applications are due (June 30). The scholarship covers tuition, books, fees, etc., with the intent that the applicant would continue to work at Cook Children's for at least two years after graduation, helping to propel the growth and innovation of the Genetic Counseling Team. Click here for more details and to download the scholarship application. |
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In April, 16-year-old Parker Crim missed his first high school prom because he was admitted to Cook Children's Medical Center to be treated for a respiratory infection that had turned into pneumonia. His medical team didn't want him to miss out on such an important event, so they hosted a prom just for him! The prom featured decorations, a dance floor and a custom “tux,” complete with a bow tie made from baby socks. He was the star of the show and danced with staff members, who crowned him Prom king. “It meant so much to him,” said Andrew Crim, Parker's father. “He felt special, like he could make it through the next few days.” Watch an adorable video and see more pictures here! |
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Based on feedback from families, our Patient Experience team encourages the consistent practice of providing take-home educational resources at each visit - from primary and specialty care to urgent care and the medical center. It may take a little extra time on the front end to make sure they have access to personalized information, but it saves time on the back end, and is an opportunity to build knowledge, confidence and relationships. These educational pieces fill in gaps and provide consistent messaging. When families receive clear and pertinent education from their doctor, they feel better equipped. Patient families routinely tell Cook Children's that they consider the education resources a vital component to their experience. Learn more about the importance of providing take-home educational resources here. |
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As of early May 2022, there have been 20 total drowning patients seen at Cook Children's, three of them were fatal. Warm temperatures are already here and many families will be heading to pools and lakes, if not already. One of the keys to drowning prevention depends on the appropriate life jacket. Before heading to the water, it's vital that everyone has a life jacket that fits properly, based on the weight of the person wearing it. Cook Children's has worked collaboratively with partners, and currently stocks 31 loaner life jacket stations in North Texas, allowing lake visitors to borrow life jackets for the day. Each station supplies five sizes of USCG-approved life jackets - two in each size - for use by children and adults. We encourage you to share this article with colleagues, family and friends to help us stay diligent in upholding Our Promise and Lifeguard Your Child campaign. |
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 Employee Appreciation Month: Cookouts, Recipes and A “Brain Break”
It's been so wonderful to gather together again at our campus cookouts and catered lunches. This step toward returning to a new normal has been incredibly refreshing. Check out pictures of the Calmont and PN East Regional cookouts and the Alliance Multispecialty and Urgent Care lunch. Thank you to everyone who has submitted their favorite cookout recipe! We'd love to keep adding to our digital cookbook. Take a look at what your colleagues are cooking up and send us your go-to dish. Next week, let your brain take a break and complete a Cook Children's-themed word search. Five winners will be randomly selected for a $5 Target or Cook Children's gift card! |
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It's time to recognize the quarterly Peak Performers for January through March 2022. Please join us in congratulating all of the Peak Performers for the second quarter of our 2022 fiscal year! Click here to see the Peak Performer recipients. |
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The Cook Children's Innovation Department was officially established in 2018. The bright idea was heralded by a Grand Rounds kickoff, which you can review through this link. While the COVID-19 pandemic shifted focus of innovations to curbing the tide of the virus, more than two years later we are returning to a “new normal.” Now is the time to put on your thinking cap and INNOVATE! Join the Innovation team on from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, in the Atrium as we celebrate World Creativity & Innovation Day. Join us for design challenges and snack on donuts, pizza, Steel City Pops and more! |
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 Sweats for Vets: Donations Needed This Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month and the Cook Children's Veterans Group needs your help! Every year, the Veterans Group works to collect donations to support the Sweats for Vets program. This program provides new athletic/sweat clothing to patients and families that may arrive for an admission to the Medical Center without any change of clothes. The Veterans Group is asking for all sizes, from children to 4XL adult. If a department is interested in supporting this initiative, please contact Kimberly Johnson or Martin Reidy. |
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 Hurst Urgent Care Center Reopening Monday, May 16!
The Hurst Urgent Care Clinic has been temporarily closed since August 2021. After nine months, we're so excited to share that it is reopening this Monday, May 16. Normal hours of operation will return and they will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The Hurst Urgent Care team was recently recognized as a Team Peak Performer. We would like to once again thank the staff for helping keep our other UCCs afloat during this difficult season and continuing to show up every shift, every day! |
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Quick Links: Our Promise Knowing that every child's life is sacred, it is the Promise of Cook Children's to improve the health of every child through the prevention and treatment of illness, disease and injury. |
Great 10 Nurse Ceremony
Introducing The Kukolich Genetics Scholarship
Cook Children's 5 North Team Crown Prom King
Peak Performers: Second Quarter (January - March 2022)
World Creativity & Innovation Day 2022