Learn what’s on the horizon for Cook Children’s in fiscal year 2024, and the important role you will play in connecting the dots for our patients, families and each other.
The fall event takes place on Oct. 26, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Hochberger Auditorium. You'll be able to watch a live stream of the meetings.
Also, if you didn't get a chance to sign up for an Employee Resource Group at one of the launch parties last month, the chairs of the four ERGs will be at the Town Hall meetings to provide information and answer questions. They'll have some giveaways, too!
A Reminder of Resources Available During Difficult Times
We are aware that heartbreak and hurt occur every day, whether from what we see on the news overseas or sometimes in our own lives.
We understand that some of you may have family and friends in danger across the ocean or even in your own backyard.
Please remember that our chapels and meditation rooms are open around the clock if you need a place to rest, reflect or pray.
Our Spiritual Care teams are available to provide support and guidance. To contact a chaplain, please call 682-885-4000 and ask the operator to page the on-call chaplain.
Finally, we ask that during these difficult times or while watching the events of today’s news, that we remember our values of Kindness and Respect for all. Let’s offer empathy and love to our co-workers, their loved ones, our patients and their families.
Microsoft Teams FAQs
As we continue to roll out Microsoft Teams to the system, we want to make sure you have the resources you need to make the platform a success for you. We've compiled some Frequently Asked Questions to help get you started. More details are here.
Luciana's Light: A Family's Journey of Love and Advocacy
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and we are honored that Alexis Pechek, NICU Secretary, wrote about her family's experience. Here, she writes an intensely personal piece introducing her daughter Luciana, her diagnosis of Down syndrome and the challenges and rewards that have followed.
“She has taught us resilience, patience, kindness, and above all, how to be fighters, just like her. We aspire to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome are treated equally and inclusively, where access to care, resources and support come at ease and acceptance is the norm,” Alexis writes.
Introducing the Leaders of the Hispanic/Latino (L.E.A.D.S.+) Employee Resource Group
We are introducing the leaders who will be overseeing the activities of the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Cook Children’s. They will develop the overall strategy and serve as spokespeople for the group. We asked our ERG leaders a series of questions so you can get to know them a little better and learn more about their views about the importance of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity.
We will be introducing the chairs and co-chairs of the four ERGs in the coming weeks. This week, hear from the leaders of Latinos Engaging, Advancing, Developing & Supporting (L.E.A.D.S.+). The article is here on the Connect Newsroom.
Under the Lights: Film Screening Event
Join us from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 8, at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for an inspiring story about a teen with epilepsy, followed by a Q&A with the film's writer and director Miles Levin, and executive producer Greg Grunberg. This event is hosted by Scott Perry, M.D., epileptologist and Head of Neurosciences at Cook Children's. This event begins with light appetizers, followed by the film screening and virtual discussion. Reserve tickets here.
PHOTOS: Peaks' Treats is Open
Have you been to the new Peaks' Treats in the Dodson Specialty Building? Peaks' Treats features three popular eateries: Marble Slabs Creamery, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, and Great American Cookies, offering a variety of delicious options for patient families, visitors, and employees alike.
Note: Peaks' Treats does not take badge swipes at this time.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Take the Rock Star Challenge
Now in its 20th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month takes place every October to raise awareness about online security. All month long, Cook Children’s is promoting four key behaviors to empower every employee to take control of their online lives wherever and however they connect. The theme for this year is Secure Our World. Learn how to #SecureOurWorld by checking out this page on CookNet.
Rock Star Challenge: Want to be a Cybersecurity Rock Star? Fun and engaging challenge activities will help you improve data and device security both here at work and at home. You’ll have the opportunity to flex your cybersecurity muscles at Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels and be eligible for prize drawings. All the details are here.
Nursing Values: Meet Rachel Mark
Our series on Cook Children's values continues. Today we are spotlighting how our amazing nurses are able to live our values every day in their special role by highlighting the value of Respect. Rachel Mark, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, works to empower nurses to end mental health stigma.
Update: Join the experts from Fidelity for a webinar on Oct. 19 to hear about the financial aspects of purchasing a home. The webinar is called: Buying a Home.
You’ll earn 100 points through the Virgin Pulse employee wellness program for attending the webinar. Points may be cashed in for gift cards.
Around Cook Children's
In this week's episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we discuss a new peer-to-peer support program that is underway in Cook Children's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Click here to tune in.
Cook Children’s is again ranked among the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, moving from No. 94 in 2021; No. 74 in 2022; and No. 68 in 2023. Read more.
T-shirts for Epilepsy Awareness Month in November are now for sale at the Under the Peaks retail location. Find details here.
Cast your vote for the design for a thank you T-shirt for the upcoming Employees Care giving campaign. Voting closes Oct. 13.
Kudos to the Cook Children's Medical Center-Fort Worth Main Laboratory, which raised an amazing 2,307 items in their food drive benefiting the Community Food Bank of Fort Worth.
Case Management Week is Oct 8-14. Our case managers provide support for patients and families during recovery. Thank you for all the hard work you do for Cook Children’s!
A Reminder of Resources Available During Difficult Times
Join us from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 8, at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for an inspiring story about a teen with epilepsy, followed by a Q&A with the film's writer and director Miles Levin, and executive producer Greg Grunberg. This event is hosted by Scott Perry, M.D., epileptologist and Head of Neurosciences at Cook Children's. This event begins with light appetizers, followed by the film screening and virtual discussion. 
