Good morning Prosper family,

Well we may finally get some football and fall weather! We have reached the month of November and we are so thankful for you and all of your contributions to the organization. We would like to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued commitment, professionalism and compassionate care. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated and do not go unnoticed.

We have a lot to celebrate at Prosper, but with Veterans Day right around the corner, let’s make sure to show our appreciation and thank the veterans on our team!

Thank you for all you do,

Your Prosper Leadership Team

Honoring Our Veterans

This Veterans Day, we are proud to recognize the employees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Prosper veterans are invited to join colleagues and leaders on Nov. 11 for coffee, breakfast burritos and a group photo in the hospital lobby. As a token of appreciation, each veteran will receive a commemorative coin. Thank you to our veterans for the dedication, service and leadership they bring to our team every day.

Prosper Process Improvement Graduates

The Process Improvement Department held its annual graduation ceremony on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Fort Worth. Several Prosper team members were recognized for completing their Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification.

The following Prosper attendees attended and were recognized at the ceremony

• Janet Olewe, Patient Relations Specialist (back row, left)
• Abigail Reed, Manager, Retail Pharmacy (back row, middle)
• Tracy Thomas, Manager, Respiratory Therapy (back row, right)
• Carly Lewis, Manager, Clinical Nutrition (front row, left)
• Tiffany Pullom, Manager, Nursing (front row, right)

Several additional Prosper team members also earned their certification this year but were unable to attend the graduation ceremony.

The 2026 graduation page, which includes photos from the event and a complete list of graduates, can be viewed here: Process Improvement Graduation

Cast Your Vote for Halloween Hoopla Winners

The creativity and Halloween spirit were on full display across Cook Children’s and now it’s your turn to help choose the favorites. Browse photos from our Virtual Costume Contest, featuring creative individuals and teams from across the system and check out the Fort Worth Medical Center Halloween Hoopla skits and. Cast your votes and help celebrate the incredible creativity of our teammates! 

Voting is open now through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Click here to view the creativity and vote for your favorites.

Stay tuned! Next week, we’ll announce winners from all our Halloween Hoopla celebrations, including:

• Virtual Costume Contest
• Fort Worth Skit Contest
• Night Shift Costume Contest
• Calmont Costume, Pumpkin and Door Decorating Contests
• Prosper Costume Contest

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s Halloween Hoopla celebrations so memorable! Cast your vote now 🥇

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Corner

• huge shoutout to those of you who were at work on Tuesday night with the unplanned downtime- your ability to adapt is amazing- great teamwork! If you have feedback on the process or feel like you were missing something, please reach out to Sheralyn.
• QAPI rounds on days and nights on Nov. 19 - we will post times soon, along with Thankful Thursday - coffee and tea cart!

Nourish to Flourish

Clinical staff are invited to attend Nourish to Flourish on Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in classrooms 1621/1622. Explore the latest nutrition products, feeding and swallowing supplies, specialty diets, educational resources and more. Visit vendor booths, connect with experts and complete a game card for a chance to win prizes.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)

Learn practical strategies to support children who have experienced trauma through Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training. This family-centered approach focuses on connecting, empowering and correcting to build stronger relationships and improve outcomes. Classes are available at Prosper throughout the year. Sign up in ULearn by searching for Prosper classes. 

Trains at NorthPark Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteer opportunities are available for the 2026 Trains at NorthPark exhibit, running Nov. 14 through Jan. 3. This beloved holiday tradition brings joy to thousands of visitors each year and supports families served through Ronald McDonald House. Employees interested in volunteering can learn more through the contact information provided on the flyer.

Halloween Spirit on Display

Halloween brought plenty of creativity, laughter and team spirit to Medical Center - Prosper this year. Thank you to everyone who participated in the festivities and helped make the celebration a success.

Congratulations to our pumpkin contest winners: Vanessa Russell and Charry Knox earned first place with Nemo, Jenny Birmingham took second place with Squishy dumplings, and Paige Heyl placed third with Pokémon.

Costume contest honors went to Jenny Birmingham as the Fairy Godmother, Emma Nalbantov for Funniest Costume as the Ratatouille Chef, Alexandria Molinar, Samantha Fawks and Melanie Rowe for Best Small Group Costume, and the Laboratory team of Suresh Sharma, Amanda Pulley, Shalon Pescalia, Vanessa Russell, Charry Knox, Marie Chulisan, Junah Pastoriza and Bern Tolentino for Best Large Group Costume.

The creativity on display made this year's celebration one to remember. Be sure to check out the photo galleries at the end of this week's newsletter to see highlights from across the medical center.

In Case You Missed It

Nominations Open for DFW Great 100 Nurses

The DFW Great 100 Nurses program celebrates nurses who make an extraordinary difference through their dedication, leadership and commitment to patient care. Help shine a spotlight on a deserving colleague by submitting a nomination today.

Nominate a nurse: dfwgreat100nurses.com/nominations

Fall Community Relations Volunteer Opportunities

Our fall events for Community Relations are here. As we go out into communities in our north market, we have something for everyone. Look at the events and volunteer to represent Cook Children's and help us share our story about the services we provide. If you have a teenager in your life that needs volunteer opportunities these are great events for them to come serve with us. Bring your families for some fall fun.

• Melissa Fall Fest
  • Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Melissa High School football stadium area, 3030 Milrany Lane, Melissa
  • Register Here

Please reach out to Paige Mayfield if you have any questions.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

Cast Your Vote for Halloween Hoopla Winners

The Halloween spirit was on full display across Cook Children’s. Browse photos from the Virtual Costume Contest, featuring creative individuals and teams from across the System, and check out the Medical Center-Fort Worth Halloween Hoopla skits. Cast your votes and help celebrate the incredible creativity of our teammates! 

Voting is open now through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Click here to view the creativity and vote for your favorites.

Stay tuned! Next week, we’ll announce winners from all our Halloween Hoopla celebrations, including:

• Virtual Costume Contest
• Fort Worth Skit Contest
• Night Shift Costume Contest
• Calmont Costume, Pumpkin and Door Decorating Contests
• Prosper Costume Contest

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s Halloween Hoopla celebrations so memorable. Cast your vote now. 🥇

Save the Dates 

We have several events for you to attend across the system: 

Join us at Six Flags Over Texas Final Reminder

Enjoy exclusive ticketed access to Six Flags Over Texas from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit the Team Experience CookNet site.

Peaks' Treats Grand Opening

Have you heard? Peaks' Treats will be having a grand opening at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 10. This returning food spot will feature bowls and desserts for you to enjoy. 

Visit Connect Newsroom to see a full list of its offerings and business hours.  

Team Health Open House 

Occupational Health is now Team Health, and you’re invited to the Team Health Open House. This is a come and go event to meet our new Team Health physician (and the rest of the team, too!) and learn about the services Team Health provides. Stop by and enjoy refreshments between 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 at 901 7th Ave., Fourth Floor, Fort Worth. 

Click here to view the full flyer. 

Child Life Invites You to Join Thanksgiving Parade

The Child Life Department is hosting its second annual Thanksgiving Parade and invites departments and units to join the fun by decorating a cart or wagon, creating a festive float, or dressing up in holiday attire or a favorite costume. The parade will take place at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 18, traveling from the Child Life Zone to the Atrium, with participants asked to meet outside the Child Life Zone before the parade begins. 

Click here to sign up your department or unit by Friday, Nov. 13. Email the participation form to  patientevents@cookchildrens.org and help bring Thanksgiving cheer to patients and families. For questions, please email bianca.erazo@cookchildrens.org. 

Get Ready for Jingle Mingle 

The holidays will be here before you know it, as will one of the top holiday Cook Children's employee events: Jingle Mingle! Be sure to save the date for the holiday feast, share with your teams, and make plans to attend.

• Dec. 2: Medical Center-Prosper (MOB, UCC, PCP)
• Dec. 4: Medical Center-Fort Worth (Dodson, ROB, 750, 901)
• Dec. 9: Calmont Office Building

Off-site and fully remote teams will receive interdepartmental transfer funds to support their own holiday parties on a December date that works best for the team. Stay tuned for more details on Jingle Mingle events in an upcoming Connect newsletter and on the Team Experience CookNet site. 

As a reminder you can view all upcoming events on our System Calendar located on the homepage of CookNet. 

PTO Sellback Reminder 

If you elected to sell back Paid Time Off for calendar year 2026 (an election you made during open enrollment in 2025) but haven't sold the time yet, your hours will be automatically paid out to you. This payout will be on the Nov. 6, 2026, paycheck.

If you would like to elect PTO sellback for calendar year 2027 (an election made during the current PTO sellback open enrollment), you can begin selling those hours as they accrue, starting in January 2027. If you have not yet made the election and would like to sellback PTO in calendar year 2027, please complete the PTO sellback open enrollment in Workday no later than Nov. 30, 2026.

Construction Notification 

From now until Nov. 25, all crosswalks at Eighth and Terrell avenues are closed. To cross Eighth Avenue, please use the crosswalks at Rosedale and Cooper streets. Due to sidewalk construction on Eighth Avenue, all pedestrians must use Ninth Avenue via Cooper Street and Humbolt Street. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

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. 

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website. 

Changes to Halloween Hoopla - Medical Center Fort Worth

Due to weather conditions, Halloween Hoopla at the Medical Center – Fort Worth has been moved inside to the Hochberger Auditorium. Limited space is available in the Hochberger Auditorium for employees to come watch from 2-3 p.m. on Friday. There will be some additional viewing space available in the Decker Board Room. THIS IS AN EMPLOYEE ONLY EVENT.

The event will not be livestreamed instead the skits will be recorded and sent to you next week for you to vote on your favorite performance.

You are invited to participate in the virtual Hoopla. Employees and teams are encouraged to submit a photo of your costumes to Team Experience to participate.

The plans for the Fort Worth Night Shift and Medical Center – Prosper are unchanged, and you can view them on the Team Experience CookNet page.

Thank you for your understanding and thank you to all the staff involved with moving this event indoors.

UPDATE: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Coverage and Claims Processing

The issue affecting some Cook Children's medical plan claims and benefits verification through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) has been resolved.

Regular claims processing has resumed and BCBSTX is reprocessing impacted claims as needed and will issue updated Explanations of Benefits (EOBs).

Thank you for your patience and understanding as BCBSTX worked to resolve this issue.

Keeping Up with the Joint Commission: Consent for Treatment

In this short episode, we discuss consent for treatment, specifically the importance of obtaining the signature of an authorized individual on consents. Please see entire policy for the details.

We have identified telephone consent forms that are signed as "Mom," "Grandmother," or "Gigi" in place of the legal representative's full name. While these individuals may play an important role in the patient's life, consent forms must contain the full legal name of the individual authorized to provide consent. In addition, staff must verify that the individual is documented as the patient's legal guardian or authorized representative.

If you encounter a consent form that does not meet these requirements while preparing a patient for surgery, a bedside procedure, or an outpatient procedure, the process must be paused until a valid consent is obtained. Procedures should not proceed until the consent form accurately identifies the legal guardian or authorized representative and all consent requirements have been met.

To see other Joint Commission education, visit the CookNet site.

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween Weekend!

Your dedication makes a difference every day, and especially during the holidays when our patients and families rely on your care and support the most. Thank you for everything you do to make a positive impact. We hope you have a fun, safe, and happy Halloween weekend!

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.

Good morning Prosper family,

Who can believe we have made it to the end of October? Halloween is this week! Your leadership team hopes that you enjoy the festivities on campus and wishes you to be safe in your fun on the weekend. We also fall back this weekend with an extra hour of work for our night shift friends. We will be serving tacos on Saturday night to help get you through the extra hour of work, see details below. 

Thank you for all of your support to Lovepacs, they were delighted with all of the donations. You are so kind and generous to provide support, and it stays right here in the community. Stay tuned for a town hall date in November -- see you there!

Thank you for all you do,

Your Prosper Leadership Team

Cook Children's Physicians Recognized Among D Magazine's Best Doctors and Pediatric Specialists for 2026

Please join us in congratulating the Cook Children's physicians recognized on D Magazine's Best Doctors & Pediatric Specialists list for 2026. Twenty-one Cook Children's physicians were honored Thursday evening at a celebration in Dallas. This annual recognition highlights physicians practicing on the eastern side of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who were selected by their medical peers for excellence in patient care and clinical expertise.

We’re proud to celebrate the following Cook Children's physicians who received this distinction:

• Lauren J. Akers, D.O. – Cook Children's Pediatric Specialties Prosper
• Mouhammad Alwazeer, M.D. – Cook Children's Endocrinology Prosper
• Anthony Anani, M.D. – Cook Children's Gastroenterology Prosper
• Sivi Bakthavachalam, M.D. – Cook Children's ENT Center Frisco
• Kanika A. Bowen-Jallow, M.D. – Cook Children's Pediatric Specialties Prosper
• Amy Brenski, M.D. – Cook Children's ENT Center Frisco
• Pamela Burg, M.D. – Cook Children's Heart Center Prosper
• Damian Campbell, D.O. – Cook Children's Neurosciences Prosper
• Celina Cepeda, M.D. – Cook Children's Nephrology Prosper
• Brittney Pryor Craig, M.D. – Cook Children's Neurosciences Prosper
• Lily Han, M.D. – Cook Children's Windhaven Pediatrics
• Monica Herrera, M.D. – Cook Children's Windhaven Pediatrics
• Jonathan Kaye, M.D. – Cook Children's Urology Prosper
• John E. McClay, M.D. – Cook Children's ENT Center Frisco
• Danielle Moyé, M.D. – Cook Children's Heart Center Prosper
• Vera Okwu, M.D. – Cook Children's Gastroenterology Prosper
• Sandra Peak, M.D. – Cook Children's Pediatrics Lewisville
• Nicole Pitts, D.O. – Cook Children's Pediatric Specialties Prosper
• LaQuatre Rhodes, D.O. – Cook Children's Gastroenterology Prosper
• John Robertson, M.D. – Cook Children's Pulmonology Prosper
• Thomas Rothenbach, M.D. – Cook Children's Pediatric Specialties Prosper

A Recognition to Celebrate

Cook Children’s Medical Center - Prosper was proud to be recognized as a top-three finalist for Best Hospital at the McKinney Chamber’s Best of McKinney awards. This recognition is a testament to the compassionate care, expertise and service our employees provide to patients and families each day. Congratulations and thank you to the teams whose hard work continues to make a difference in the communities we serve.

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Corner

A few things from our last rounds.

• If you are interested in getting involved in your unit, please reach out to your manager.
• We are working through the survey results and we will share in the town hall.
• Great job on your continued success of zero hospital-acquired conditions since opening! 
• Please remember- if you have a visitor displaying unpleasant behavior, reach out to Security or call a security alert.

Fall Back Fiesta

Your leadership team invites you to join them in celebration of bringing the clocks back.

Our night shift teams are invited to enjoy a meal from Torchy’s Tacos courtesy of Team Experience.

Costumes are welcome, so join the fun. We’ll celebrate together until the night is done!

• 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31
• Classrooms 1621/1622

Ask Compliance during Compliance Week

Have a compliance question you've been meaning to ask? During Compliance Week, members of the Compliance team will be available to meet with employees, answer questions and share helpful resources. Stop by, say hello and learn more about how Compliance supports our organization.

• 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 4
• MOB or Over the Moon Café

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Road Show

Think you can outsmart a cybercriminal? Visit the Cybersecurity Risk Team on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Prosper Medical Center Atrium. Enjoy a round of Cybersecurity Jeopardy, compete for prizes, grab giveaways, and learn practical tips to stay safe online at work and at home. (Employee-only event.)

In Case You Missed It

Nominations Open for DFW Great 100 Nurses

The DFW Great 100 Nurses program celebrates nurses who make an extraordinary difference through their dedication, leadership and commitment to patient care. Help shine a spotlight on a deserving colleague by submitting a nomination today.

Nominate a nurse: dfwgreat100nurses.com/nominations

Infection Prevention Monthly: October 2026

Spirit Halloween: Spirit of Children 2026

This Halloween season, your online purchases can make a difference for Cook Children’s. Through its Spirit of Children program, Spirit Halloween has donated more than $917,000 to our Child Life department since 2016. The attached coupon can be redeemed in stores or online. However, to ensure your purchase supports Cook Children’s, please shop online and use code HOPE26 at checkout. You’ll also receive 10% off your order.

Fall Community Relations Volunteer Opportunities

Our fall events for Community Relations are here. As we go out into communities in our north market, we have something for everyone. Look at the events and volunteer to represent Cook Children's and help us share our story about the services we provide. If you have a teenager in your life that needs volunteer opportunities these are great events for them to come serve with us. Bring your families for some fall fun.

• Nightmare Over Little Elm Halloween Event
  • Oct. 30 from 5 - 10 p.m.
  • 701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm
  • Register Here
• Diwali Mela at Kaleidoscope Park – India Festival of Lights
  • Nov. 1 from 3:30 - 10 p.m.
  • Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco 75034
  • Register Here
• Melissa Fall Fest
  • Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Melissa High School football stadium area, 3030 Milrany Lane, Melissa
  • Register Here

Please reach out to Paige Mayfield if you have any questions.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

Keeping Up with the Joint Commission; New Series for Joint Commission Education

Since 2008, the Joint Commission accreditation team has been sharing education and Joint Commission information. The former theme was a take on the quiz show “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” Now, the accreditation team is introducing a new theme, "Keeping Up with the Joint Commission,” a play on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Each education topic is called an ‘episode’ and you can ‘stream’ all episodes on the Keeping Up with the Joint Commission CookNet page. A mock survey is scheduled in January 2027, and the unannounced survey will happen between October 2027-March 2028. You will start seeing our new look as important education is shared.

Stay tuned for the first episode of the series.

Join CLZ for Employee Haunted House at Fort Worth Medical Center

The Child Life Zone is hosting an employee event featuring patients and their siblings in a frightful haunted house!

Join in on the fun between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 - 4 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 29.

For more information, click here.

Make the Most of Your HR Employee Essentials Site

Please take the time explore our Employee Essentials site on CookNet. It's packed with resources designed to help you succeed, all in one convenient place.

You'll find key information including:

• HR Policies
• Employee Handbook
• Attendance Policy
• Employee Benefits
• Employee Assistance Programs
• How to verify Your Employment or Income
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Assistance

We encourage you to utilize the Employee Essentials site as your go-to resource for all things HR.

Retirement

Join us in congratulating staff members who are retiring from Cook Children's:

Perdita Shook, Respiratory Care QI Specialist, is retiring after 19 years. Please join for a retirement celebration from 3:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 in the Hochberger Auditorium Pre-Function area.

To read more about Perdita, along with other recent retirees, please visit the Retirement CookNet page.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

Congratulations to Kids' Place for 25 Years of Care; Ribbon Cutting for New Home

Kids' Place and the expert educators there have cared for children of Cook Children's employees for a quarter of a century and will continue to provide amazing care in a brand-new home.

Their new site, located at 750 Ninth Ave., Fort Worth, hosted a ribbon cutting on Oct. 21 to celebrate the continued legacy Kids' Place provides of helping the children of our colleagues learn and grow.

Click here to watch the full video.

Cook Children’s Launches New Leadership Mentorship Program

Ready to grow as a leader, or help another leader thrive?

Cook Children’s is introducing a six-month Leadership Mentorship Program designed to equip newly hired and recently promoted leaders as they build confidence, navigate new responsibilities, and expand their organizational perspective.

Through one-on-one partnerships, participants will:

• Learn diverse leadership styles, decision-making practices, and stakeholder strategies
• Build cross-functional relationships and networks across departments and campuses
• Deepen their understanding of system structure, governance, and resource navigation
• Connect daily work directly to our Promise, Values, and Experience Standards
• Set and pursue targeted, personal leadership goals

Now Seeking Mentors & Mentees for Cohort 1

Pairs are thoughtfully matched based on development goals, career stage, and background to foster meaningful, productive relationships.

• Mentees: Clinical and non-clinical leaders who are newly hired or recently promoted into their first Cook Children’s leadership role (excludes roles covered by existing programs, such as nursing, nurse residents, APPs, and physicians).
• Mentors: Clinical and non-clinical leaders with 3 or more years of leadership experience (excluding physicians).

To ensure dedicated support and high-quality matches, Cohort 1 is limited to 12 mentees and 20 mentors.

How to Apply

• Participation begins with a Leader Recommendation Form, completed by the candidate’s direct leader.
• Find out more details here: Mentorship Program
• For more information, please reach out to Elaina.warren@cookchildrens.org

The Team Behind Two Million Doses of Care

Each year, the Cook Children's pharmacy teams dispense more than two million medication doses, many of them specially prepared for our patients. Behind every dose is a team of more than 200 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working around the clock to help ensure children receive the right medication, at the right dose, at the right time.

While medication dispensing is one of the most visible aspects of pharmacy services, their responsibilities extend far beyond filling prescriptions. Our hardworking teams are managing medication procurement, sterile and non-sterile compounding, medication preparation and dispensing, medication history collection and reconciliation, handling medication safety initiatives and bedside medication delivery through the Meds-to-Beds program and more.

Read the full story on Connect Newsroom to learn how these behind-the-scenes experts are making a difference for patients, families and care teams every day.

Save and Support with Spirit Halloween

Save money on your Halloween purchases while supporting Child Life services at Cook Children's. Use this coupon online or in store to save 10 percent off your entire order, AND Spirit Halloween will donate 10 percent of the total purchase price to Child Life Services at Cook Children's. Visit this link for your discount and to find a store near you.

Spirit Halloween is a seasonal, pop-up Halloween store with locations in the Fort Worth area benefiting Cook Children’s. Its parent company, Spirit of Children, has donated over $917,000 back to our Child Life department since 2016.

Together, we can make hospitals less scary for kids.

Questions? corporatepartners@cookchildrens.org.

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.

Good afternoon Prosper family,

Hope you are loving this fall weather and all things pumpkins! We will be heading into holiday season soon and then celebrating our 4^th birthday! Your leadership team hopes that you take time with your families during this season of thanksgiving and hopes that you can take a moment each morning to reflect on something that you are thankful for.

We received our employee survey results and will be making some adjustments from your feedback, one new thing will be our QAPI corner in the newsletter. This is where we will attempt to bring loop closure to conversations that we have had while out and about rounding throughout the week. This is something that you all have requested so please follow the QAPI corner and feel free to share if this type of feedback helps you to feel more informed.

Please make sure you get your flu shot or your approved exemption by Friday, Oct 23.

Thank you for all you do,

Your Prosper Leadership Team

Nominations Open for DFW Great 100 Nurses

The DFW Great 100 Nurses program celebrates nurses who make an extraordinary difference through their dedication, leadership and commitment to patient care. Help shine a spotlight on a deserving colleague by submitting a nomination today.

Nominate a nurse: dfwgreat100nurses.com/nominations

Spirit Halloween: Spirit of Children 2026

This Halloween season, your online purchases can make a difference for Cook Children’s. Through its Spirit of Children program, Spirit Halloween has donated more than $917,000 to our Child Life department since 2016. You’ll notice the attached coupon can be redeemed in stores or online; however, to ensure your purchase supports Cook Children’s, please shop online and use code HOPE26 at checkout. You’ll also receive 10% off your order.

Infection Prevention Monthly: October 2026

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Corner

A few things from our last rounds😊

• ED- your bilimeter has been repaired! And NICU got their own!
• Quarterly unit skills- many of you have requested better times for night shift- there are many more options being offered- early morning and afternoon into night shift.
• Please make sure that you are ONLY using hospital issued equipment on patients, this includes transilluminators and any other devices that come into contact with patients.
• Several of you have asked about quarterly RQI skills- at this time we don’t have the program to support quarterly skills but will continue to assess that option.

In Case You Missed It

FY27 Peer Support Training Sessions on ULearn

Sometimes, the most meaningful support begins with simply being present. Through compassionate listening and genuine human connection, Peer Supporters help create a culture where colleagues feel seen, heard, and supported.

Join us for this training to learn how you can offer support, encouragement, and a safe, nonjudgmental space for colleagues who may be navigating personal or professional challenges. Your presence, empathy, and willingness to listen can make a profound difference.

Prosper Campus Training Sessions:

• Nov. 12, 2026 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• April 27, 2027 | 12-4 p.m.

Register in ULearn today!

Holiday Help 2026

It's Holiday Help time.

Some families are spending more time at Cook Children’s than they ever expected. Some are managing the cost and logistics of a child’s care. Some are simply having a hard year. Holiday Help is about supporting families with dignity, consistency, and care, giving us a way to make things a little easier for them.

How can you help?

If you would like to support a Cook Children’s patient and family, based on the family’s needs and wishes, sign up as a department or employee group below to be matched with an eligible family: Click here to support a patient family through gifts!

If you know of a patient and family that may need extra support this holiday season, please notify one of our on-site Social Workers and/or Madelyn Hannon, LCSW-S. If you have any questions, please email Madelyn Hannon or HolidayHelp@cookchildrens.org.

Halloween Boo Bash Pumpkin Contest

If you are interested in this year's pumpkin decorating contest, please complete and submit the form below to the Prosper Admin Leadership email. Voting will begin the week of Oct. 26, so be sure to submit your pumpkin by Oct. 23. No late entries will be accepted. 

Infection Prevention & Control Liaison Team Infosession

If you share a passion for infection prevention and control, join us from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Oct. 22 in classrooms 1621/1622 to learn more about the team and how you can participate. 

Halloween Boo Bash Costume Contest

Halloween costumes can be worn on all shifts from Oct. 29 to 31. If you and your team are interested in participating in this year's Halloween Boo Bash, please complete the form below and submit it along with a group or individual photo to the Prosper Admin Leadership email address.

Fall Community Relations Volunteer Opportunities

Our fall events for Community Relations are here. As we go out into our communities in our north market, we have something for everyone this year. Look at the events and volunteer to come represent Cook and share help us share our story about the services we provide to the community. If you have a teenager in your life that needs volunteers these are great events for them to come serve with us. Bring your families for some fall fun.

• Beware of the Square Celina
  • Oct. 24 from 2 - 9 p.m.
  • On the downtown square in Celina, 302 W. Walnut St., Celina 75009
  • Register Here
• Nightmare Over Little Elm Halloween Event
  • Oct. 30 from 5 - 10 p.m.
  • 701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm
  • Register Here
• Diwali Mela at Kaleidoscope Park – India Festival of Lights
  • Nov. 1 from 3:30 - 10 p.m.
  • Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco 75034
  • Register Here
• Melissa Fall Fest
  • Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Melissa High School football stadium area, 3030 Milrany Lane, Melissa
  • Register Here

Please reach out to Paige Mayfield if you have any questions.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Coverage and Claims Processing Alert

We are aware of an issue affecting some Cook Children's medical plan claims and benefits verification through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). This issue may have caused certain covered services to appear as non-covered or to be processed incorrectly. BCBSTX is actively working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

At this time:

• Members should continue to access care as normal.
• BCBSTX has placed a temporary hold on claims processing to help prevent claims from being processed incorrectly.
• Providers should continue submitting claims through standard processes. Benefits verification is expected to be resolved in the coming days.
• Once the issue is resolved, BCBSTX will reprocess impacted claims as needed and issue updated Explanations of Benefits (EOBs).

Thank you for your patience and understanding as BCBSTX works to resolve this issue. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Get Your Flu Shot Before Deadline on Friday

Employees who need a flu vaccine can stop by the Team Health clinic between 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday to get the required shot. This the final reminder before the Friday, Oct. 23 compliance deadline.

If you receive your flu vaccine at your doctor’s office or a pharmacy, please upload proof of vaccination through the My Medical tab in the Enterprise Health Employee Portal. You’ll find a list of valid requirements for documentation on the portal. Visit the portal for information on requesting a medical or religious exemption.

All Cook Children's Health Care team members are expected to meet annual influenza vaccination requirements. Those who do not complete the vaccination requirement by the established deadline will be subject to the corrective action process outlined in Policy HR800:

• Failure to complete by the deadline: Written Warning
• Failure to complete within the next 14 days: Final Written Warning
• Failure to complete within the following 14 days: Suspension

Thank you for helping protect our patients, patient families and one another from infection this flu season.

Cook Children's Garners Hospital Preparedness Excellence Award

This month, Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth was honored by the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council (NCTTRAC) with the Hospital Preparedness Program Excellence Award.

The award recognizes extraordinary dedication, collaboration, and high-level performance in regional disaster planning, response coordination, and emergency readiness. Cook Children’s was one of only two hospitals in the entire North Central Texas region to earn this distinction.

Pictured in the photo from left to right: Chief Bill Bonny, NCTTRAC Board of Directors Chair, Kaysey Pollan, another award recipient, Jim Dickerson, Executive Director NCTTRAC

Get your Leave of Absence Questions Answered

Our Benefits Leave of Absence team will host in-person Q&A sessions to answer any questions you have related to leave (FMLA and LOA), Paid Parental Leave, and disability (STD and LTD).

Please come visit us at the Medical Center in the Family Support Meeting Rooms during the following times:

• 2 - 3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
• 2 - 3:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20

Please reach out to our Benefits Leave of Absence team at AskLeave@cookchildrens.org with any questions.

Celebrate 2026 Process Improvement Graduates

You are invited to join us for the 2026 Process Improvement Graduation Ceremony as we recognize and celebrate employees who have completed our Process Improvement certification programs.

Graduates will be recognized for earning certifications in:

• Lean Six Sigma White Belt
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt for Leaders
• Lean Practitioner
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Please join us in celebrating these graduates' hard work, commitment to continuous improvement, and professional growth. Join these graduates from 1 - 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 at the Hochberger Auditorium.

Click here to watch the webcast link.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

Good morning Prosper family,

Crisp fall weather is finally here—break out the sweaters! To celebrate the upcoming spooky season, we're hosting our annual pumpkin decorating contest. Get your costumes and pumpkins ready, and read below for complete details.

Our food drive is in full swing; we are halfway there. Please help us to continue this drive and make an impact on our community.

Reminder: get your flu shot or have your exemption accepted by Oct. 23.

Your Prosper Leadership Team

FY27 Peer Support Training Sessions on ULearn

Sometimes, the most meaningful support begins with simply being present. Through compassionate listening and genuine human connection, Peer Supporters help create a culture where colleagues feel seen, heard, and supported.

Join us for this training to learn how you can offer support, encouragement, and a safe, nonjudgmental space for colleagues who may be navigating personal or professional challenges. Your presence, empathy, and willingness to listen can make a profound difference.

Prosper Campus Training Sessions:

• Nov. 12, 2026 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• April 27, 2027 | 12-4 p.m.

Register in ULearn today!

Medical Center - Prosper Now Accepting Food Donations

Working with Lovepacs, Medical Center-Prosper is accepting food donations, focusing on the greatest needs that week. If you wish to donate, please review the schedule below detailing the appropriate donation for that week.

Holiday Help 2026

It's Holiday Help time.

Some families are spending more time at Cook Children’s than they ever expected. Some are managing the cost and logistics of a child’s care. Some are simply having a hard year. Holiday Help is about supporting families with dignity, consistency, and care, giving us a way to make things a little easier for them.

How can you help?

If you would like to support a Cook Children’s patient and family, based on the family’s needs and wishes, sign up as a department or employee group below to be matched with an eligible family: Click here to support a patient family through gifts!

If you know of a patient and family that may need extra support this holiday season, please notify one of our on-site Social Workers and/or Madelyn Hannon, LCSW-S. If you have any questions, please email Madelyn Hannon or HolidayHelp@cookchildrens.org.

Halloween Boo Bash Pumpkin Contest

If you are interested in this year's pumpkin decorating contest, please complete and submit the form below to the Prosper Admin Leadership email. Voting will begin the week of Oct. 26, so be sure to submit your pumpkin by Oct. 23. No late entries will be accepted. 

In Case You Missed It

Infection Prevention & Control Liaison Team Infosession

If you share a passion for infection prevention and control, join us from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Oct. 22 in classrooms 1621/1622 to learn more about the team and how you can participate. 

Halloween Boo Bash Costume Contest

Halloween costumes can be worn on all shifts from Oct. 29 to 31. If you and your team are interested in participating in this year's Halloween Boo Bash, please complete the form below and submit it along with a group or individual photo to the Prosper Admin Leadership email address.

Fall Community Relations Volunteer Opportunities

It may not feel like autumn yet but our fall events for Community Relations are around the corner. As we go out into our communities in our north market, we have something for everyone this year. Look at the events and volunteer to come represent Cook and share help us share our story about the services we provide to the community. If you have a teenager in your life that needs volunteers these are great events for them to come serve with us. Bring your families for some fall fun.

• DFW Fall Fest in Frisco
  • Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Frisco Fresh Market, 9215 John W. Elliott Dr., Frisco 75033
  • Register Here
• Anna Boo Bash
  • Oct. 17 from 12 - 4 p.m.
  • Slayter Creek Park at 425 W. Rosamond Parkway, Anna 75409
  • Register Here
• McKinney Trick or Treat Trail
  • Oct. 17 from 3 - 6 p.m.
  • Bonnie Wenk Park, 2996 Virginia Parkway
  • Register Here
• Celebrate Prosper Fall Festival
  • Oct. 17 from 4 - 8 p.m.
  • Frontier Park – 1551 Frontier Parkway
  • Register Here
• Beware of the Square Celina
  • Oct. 24 from 2 - 9 p.m.
  • On the downtown square in Celina, 302 W. Walnut St., Celina 75009
  • Register Here
• Nightmare Over Little Elm Halloween Event
  • Oct. 30 from 5 - 10 p.m.
  • 701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm
  • Register Here
• Diwali Mela at Kaleidoscope Park – India Festival of Lights
  • Nov. 1 from 3:30 - 10 p.m.
  • Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco 75034
  • Register Here
• Melissa Fall Fest
  • Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Melissa High School football stadium area, 3030 Milrany Lane, Melissa
  • Register Here

Please reach out to Paige Mayfield if you have any questions.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

M. Scott Perry, M.D., Appointed Interim Chief Research Officer

Following years of distinguished leadership across research, education and clinical care, M. Scott Perry, M.D., will serve as Interim Chief Research Officer for Cook Children's.

Earlier this month, William Stigall, M.D., concluded his service at Cook Children's as Vice President and Chief Research Officer. As we continue to build on the strong foundation of research and discovery established across our system, Dr. Perry will provide leadership and continuity for our research enterprise while a national search is conducted for a permanent Chief Research Officer.

Throughout his tenure at Cook Children's, Dr. Perry has been a dedicated champion of research and clinical discovery. He has helped bring greater rigor, structure and strategic focus to our research enterprise while playing an instrumental role in identifying, developing and supporting endowed chairs that drive innovation across our system.

In addition to his leadership contributions, Dr. Perry helped conceive the Neuroscience Research Endowment that led to the establishment of the Neurosciences Research Center and remains an active investigator with a nationally recognized body of work that includes more than 150 peer-reviewed publications.

Since joining Cook Children's in 2009, Dr. Perry has served in several key clinical and administrative leadership capacities, including Medical Director of Neurology, Head of the Neurosciences Institute, Director of the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, and Vice President of Faculty Development. Across every role, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing pediatric care through research, collaboration and academic excellence.

Colleagues across the system know Dr. Perry as a thoughtful, collaborative leader who understands the vital role research plays in fulfilling the Cook Children's Promise. His ability to connect clinical care, education and research has strengthened our academic foundation, expanded opportunities for innovation and helped position Cook Children's for continued growth.

As Interim Chief Research Officer, Dr. Perry will help advance ongoing research initiatives, support our investigators and research teams, and guide our research enterprise during this transition while a national search is conducted for a permanent Chief Research Officer.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Perry for his willingness to step into this important role and in offering him your support during this transition.

A New Way to Manage System Forms Launching Oct. 14

Information Services is launching a new Forms Management System, creating a central location for managing and accessing approved Cook Children's system forms in OnBase. 

Why this change?

Forms are used throughout Cook Children’s every day but managing multiple forms can make it difficult to ensure team members are accessing the most current, approved version. The new Forms Management System will provide a one-stop shop for forms, making it easier to:

• Find and print current, approved forms
• Request a new form or changes to an existing form
• Identify form ownership and maintain appropriate oversight
• Manage form revisions and version history
• Support standardized review and approval processes
• Receive notifications when forms are approaching their required review date

Please note that mass printing of forms will continue to be managed through your assigned third-party printing vendor.

For more information about compliance, where to get on-going support and more, visit Connect Newsroom. 

Introducing 'What's New' Designed to Support Your Work in Epic 

Introducing What’s New, an improvement that makes staying up-to-date easier than ever. Soon, training updates will be available in one easy-to-access location, and they’ll be customized based on where you work within Epic. You’ll see training updates that are relevant to the specific areas you use exactly when you need them. You’ll see timely, targeted resources designed to support your workflow patterns. Epic customizes the content in What’s New, so you’ll see upgraded education prioritized based on the amount of time you document in various activities.

This Epic Upgrade and all its updates will be live on Oct.16 For more information, visit What's New on CookNet. 

T-Shirts Available from Online Cook Children's Store

Need a new addition to your closet this season? Visit the Cook Children's online store and shop shirts that support causes important to our patients, families and community, including:

• Safe Sleep Awareness
• Brain Tumor Awareness
• Epilepsy Awareness
• Sickle Cell Awareness
• Erase Kid Cancer

Find your favorite design and help spread awareness. Click here to shop. 

Retirement Announcement

Join us in congratulating a staff member who is retiring from Cook Children's.

Marie Howell, Volunteer Program Manager, is retiring after 22 years at Cook Children's on Oct. 31. Please join us for a retirement celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 in the Family Support Meeting Room.

To read more about Marie, along with other recent retirees, please visit the Retirement CookNet page. 

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. 

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website. 

Helping Improve Performance & Development

An effective Performance & Development (P&D) process helps employees understand expectations, recognize accomplishments, support growth, and ensure performance is evaluated fairly and consistently. To strengthen our process for FY27 and beyond, Cook Children's established the P&D Advisory Committee and the P&D Business Resource Group (BRG) to gather feedback, explore opportunities, and recommend improvements.

The Advisory Committee, made up of leaders from across the System, provides oversight and recommends priorities for improving the P&D process. The BRG, a diverse group of employees and leaders representing different roles, departments, and locations, brings employee perspectives to the discussion by gathering feedback, researching best practices, and developing recommendations to address priorities. Together, they are helping shape the future of P&D at Cook Children's.

Based on employee and leader feedback, the groups identified several areas to explore, including:

• Making performance ratings more meaningful and easier to understand.
• Strengthening accountability for P&D ratings and conversations.
• Improving clarity and transparency throughout the process.
• Ensuring future enhancements align with compensation and merit practices.

The groups are now working on action plans, evaluating ideas, and researching solutions designed to improve the experience for both employees and leaders.

This work is still underway, but one thing is clear: employee feedback is helping drive the conversation. Thank you to the members of the Advisory Committee and BRG for investing their time and expertise to help create a stronger, more effective Performance & Development process for everyone at Cook Children's.

We look forward to sharing future updates as this work progresses.

Please reach out to PDFeedback@cookchildrens.org if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.

Wellpoint Medicaid Contracts Scheduled to End Nov. 10; Families Have Coverage Options

Cook Children’s contracts with Wellpoint, a Medicaid health insurance plan, will end Nov. 10, 2026. As a result, Cook Children’s facilities and providers will be out-of-network for Wellpoint STAR and CHIP members. 

Wellpoint members impacted by this change will have the option to transition to a Medicaid plan that includes Cook Children’s. For members within our primary service area, Aetna Better Health or Cook Children’s Health Plan (CCHP) are alternatives. For Wellpoint members in Texas and outside of the immediate area, Cook Children’s participates in other Medicaid health insurance plans that serve families in their region.

Cook Children’s will continue to provide emergency services to all patients. Additionally, ongoing care may continue when authorized by Wellpoint through continuity-of-care provisions. Until Nov. 10, Wellpoint members will continue to be seen and scheduled for services at Cook Children’s. 

Our goal is to ensure families have the information they need to make the best decisions for their child’s care. We have a dedicated page for families on the Cook Children’s website with details and instructions on how to navigate this transition.

For Cook Children’s team members, we have prepared detailed guidance to ensure you have the answers needed to support our families. Find them on the Payor Relations site on CookNet. This link is should not be shared outside of Cook Children's. Please only share information from Wellpoint update | Cook Children's with patient families.

Stop By Art Exhibit Featuring Work from Our Nurses

You’re invited to experience Sent with Care, a public art exhibit featuring original postcards created by Cook Children’s nurses.

Sent with Care celebrates the everyday work of pediatric nurses at Cook Children’s. The project uses thoughtful data storytelling to make the invisible work of nursing more visible. Participants observed one aspect of their work or experience over time, tracked it, and created a postcard-sized visual that turns those data points into a personal story that illustrates the breadth, complexity, and value of pediatric nursing. Together, these postcards honor the expertise, presence, advocacy, and human connection that nurses bring to children and families every day.

The exhibit is on display at the South Main District MicroPark, 105 S. Main St., Fort Worth, in the hot pink shipping container. Drop by for a special event on Friday, Oct. 9. from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate 2026 Process Improvement Graduates

You are invited to join us for the 2026 Process Improvement Graduation Ceremony as we recognize and celebrate employees who have completed our Process Improvement certification programs.

Graduates will be recognized for earning certifications in:

• Lean Six Sigma White Belt
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt for Leaders
• Lean Practitioner
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Please join us in celebrating these graduates' hard work, commitment to continuous improvement, and professional growth. Join these graduates from 1 - 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 at the Hochberger Auditorium.

PI Graduation 2026

• Starts: Oct 23, 12:45 - 3:15 p.m.
• Webcast Link: https://cookchildrens.rev.vbrick.com/#/webcasts/pig102326

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.

Good afternoon Prosper family,

Autumn is here, bringing crisp, cool weather and beautiful sunshine! As we count down to our upcoming Boo Bash, make sure to get costume ready. A big thank you to our amazing Pediatric Nurses—we hope you enjoyed today's coffee and hot cocoa bar! Everyone is invited to partake in the beverages. We truly appreciate everything you do.

Our food drive for LovePacs is in full swing. Thanks to all who have contributed. This week, we're collecting jelly (plastic containers only). Let's keep the momentum going, fill those bins, and support our community!

Remember to get your flu shot or have your exemption accepted by Oct. 23.

Your Prosper Leadership Team

Evidence-Based Practice Fellowship Completion

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Brannum and Lauryn Goff for their completion of TCU's Evidence-Based Practice Fellowship!

Launched under the Health Innovation Institute at TCU’s Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, this fellowship required Jennifer and Lauryn to complete a year-long program designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to translate research and best evidence into measurable improvements in patient care, clinical outcomes and healthcare processes.

In order to complete the course, they had to:

1. Formulate a practice question (PICOT)

2. Conduct a literature search

3. Critically appraise and synthesize evidence

4. Develop recommendations and an implementation plan

5. Implement and evaluate a project

6. Establish a dissemination plan

If you see Jennifer or Lauryn, please join us in giving them a warm congratulations on their accomplishment!

Nursing Innovation Summit

Looking to earn CEUs and explore the future of nursing? Join the Nursing Innovation Conference virtually this Thursday, Oct. 8. Discover new ideas, hear from experts and gain practical insights you can bring back to your practice. Space is limited. Contact Jane Wilchak to register.

• 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Oct. 8
• Virtual webcast here

American Heart Association Certification Expiration

Cook Children's follows the AHA standard in that certifications are valid for 24 months after the date of certification. This includes BLS, PASL and ACLS. Regardless of the date your card notes for renewal, Cook Children's recommends following the 24 month protocol.

Infection Prevention & Control Liaison Team Infosession

If you share a passion for infection prevention and control, join us later this month from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., in classrooms 1621/1622 to learn more about the team and how you can participate. 

Halloween Boo Bash Costume Contest

Halloween costumes can be worn on all shifts from Oct. 29 to 31. If you and your team are interested in participating in this year's Halloween Boo Bash, please complete the form below and submit it along with a group or individual photo to the Prosper Admin Leadership email address.

In Case You Missed It

Veterans Day Recognition

Veterans of Prosper, we want to celebrate you! 

Veterans Day is coming up on Nov. 11, and we’d like to recognize the veterans within our Prosper community.

If you have served in the military, please email your name and service branch to Jane Wilchak. We’d be honored to include you in a Veterans Day recognition.

Thank you for your service and dedication.

Fall Community Relations Volunteer Opportunities

It may not feel like autumn yet but our fall events for Community Relations are around the corner. As we go out into our communities in our north market, we have something for everyone this year. Look at the events and volunteer to come represent Cook and share help us share our story about the services we provide to the community. If you have a teenager in your life that needs volunteers these are great events for them to come serve with us. Bring your families for some fall fun.

• DFW Fall Fest in Frisco
  • Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Frisco Fresh Market, 9215 John W. Elliott Dr., Frisco 75033
  • Register Here
• Anna Boo Bash
  • Oct. 17 from 12 - 4 p.m.
  • Slayter Creek Park at 425 W. Rosamond Parkway, Anna 75409
  • Register Here
• McKinney Trick or Treat Trail
  • Oct. 17 from 3 - 6 p.m.
  • Bonnie Wenk Park, 2996 Virginia Parkway
  • Register Here
• Celebrate Prosper Fall Festival
  • Oct. 17 from 4 - 8 p.m.
  • Frontier Park – 1551 Frontier Parkway
  • Register Here
• Beware of the Square Celina
  • Oct. 24 from 2 - 9 p.m.
  • On the downtown square in Celina, 302 W. Walnut St., Celina 75009
  • Register Here
• Nightmare Over Little Elm Halloween Event
  • Oct. 30 from 5 - 10 p.m.
  • 701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm
  • Register Here
• Diwali Mela at Kaleidoscope Park – India Festival of Lights
  • Nov. 1 from 3:30 - 10 p.m.
  • Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco 75034
  • Register Here
• Melissa Fall Fest
  • Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Melissa High School football stadium area, 3030 Milrany Lane, Melissa
  • Register Here

Please reach out to Paige Mayfield if you have any questions.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

Reminder: Get Your Flu Vaccines; Visit an Onsite Flu Fair

All employees are required to complete the annual influenza vaccination process and receive their flu vaccine by Oct. 23, 2026.

To get started you must complete the electronic influenza consent form on Enterprise Health Portal. Then, attend one of the various onsite flu fairs or upload your flu vaccine you received from a non-Cook Children's provider, such as a physician's office or pharmacy, through the My Medical tab in the Enterprise Health Employee Portal.

Visit one of the remaining flu fair sites to receive your shot:

• Oct. 6: Noon to 3 p.m., ROB 1102-1103
• Oct. 7: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Family Support Meeting Center
• Oct. 7: 9 a.m. to Noon, Calmont
• Oct. 8: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Camelot Light Court

Visit Connect Newsroom to learn more exemptions, compliance, and how to pick up flu vaccines for department events.

Halloween Hoopla is Almost Here!

Halloween Hoopla is right around the corner, with contests and ways to participate for all employees across Cook Children’s.

Whether you’re planning a creative costume, connecting with your team or taking the stage for a skit, now is the time to join the fun.

Planning a skit? Don’t wait! The deadline to record is approaching.

Visit the Halloween Hoopla CookNet page to explore this year’s contests, review participant guidelines, or see virtual options to participate.

Cheer on the Dallas Mavericks with Cook Children’s

Grab your family and friends and join your Cook Children’s family for a special night of NBA basketball as the Dallas Mavericks take on the Los Angeles Clippers!

The game tips off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The fun doesn’t end at the final buzzer; attendees will have an opportunity to stay after the game and shoot a free throw on the court.

To kick off the NBA season, wear your favorite basketball team gear to work on Oct. 16-18.

Visit the Team Experience CookNet page for all details and link to purchase tickets.

Thanks for Attending Back to School Fair; Learn About Tuition Assistance

Thank you to all who attended the Back-to-School Fair in the Atrium at the Fort Worth Medical Center. This fair showcased different educational opportunities for our employees.

And don't forget: If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree in mind, Cook Children's offers tuition assistance to both full- and half-time employees using EdAssist.

To learn more about this benefit offered to you, visit the Tuition Assistance CookNet page.

Chicken Salad Chick is Coming to Camelot Light Court

Spread the word, Chicken Salad Chick will be having pop-ups between 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Oct. 7 and Oct. 21 in front of Camelot Food Court for you to purchase.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

New Plan Year for Benefits Starts Oct. 1

A new medical insurance carrier and other high-quality benefits take effect today with the start of the 2026-2027 plan year.

Cook Children's invests more than $200 million annually in benefits designed to help our team members thrive. It’s an investment that reflects an ongoing commitment to you and your family. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, leave of absence, mental health resources and a variety of support for well-being.

The benefits you selected during open enrollment in August 2026 run from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. The bullets with astericks are new this year. A quick recap of highlights:

• *The switch to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) offers more in-network provider options, improved contract rates to help manage out-of-pocket costs, and a simplified experience for all your medical plan questions.
• *Disabled dependents over age 26 remain covered, as long as the disability occurred before age 26 and eligibility requirements are met.
• *Digital tools FitOn Health and Enrich promote content to build physical and financial wellness.
• Judi Rx, formerly called Capital Rx, continues as pharmacy benefits manager. A big perk is the convenience of filling prescriptions at Cook Children’s retail pharmacies in Fort Worth and Prosper.
• Flexible spending accounts will be managed by Health Equity effective Oct. 1, 2026 (formerly managed by Navia).

Click here to view the benefits CookNet page or email your questions to AskBenefits@cookchildrens.org.

Temporary Sidewalk Closure Near 901 Building

Beginning Oct. 5, the sidewalk in front of the 901 Building between W. Humbolt St. and Terrell Ave. will be temporarily closed for several months.

Staff Access

Staff, including those working in the Rosedale Office Building and Urgent Care Center, can continue to access the Fort Worth Medical Center through the 901 Building by using their badge at the door located next to the garage exit on Humbolt Street, as shown in the graphic.

This entrance leads into the Terrell Avenue Garage, where you can access the 901 Building on the first floor. From there, take the elevator or stairs to the third floor and use the skybridge to reach the rest of the Medical Center.

Patient and Family Access

If you encounter a patient or family on the south side of campus, please direct them to the following parking locations for easier access:

• Medical Center patients and visitors: park in the 7th Avenue Garage
• Dodson patients and visitors: park in P1 Garage
• Behavioral Health-ABC patients and visitors: park in the Terrell Garage

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this work is underway.

Enjoy Exclusive Access During Family Fun Day at Six Flags

Get ready for a day of thrills! Cook Children’s Family Fun Day returns to Six Flags Over Texas from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.

This year Six Flags will be open exclusively for Cook Children’s employees and their families. With no other company joining us, you can look forward to a fully private park experience, shorter lines and more time to enjoy your favorite rides and attractions.

Employees who purchase one or more tickets will receive one free ticket! Employees can purchase a total of six tickets at $16.24 each ($15 plus $1.24 tax). Each ticket includes park admission and parking. Children 2 and under are free and do not need an admission ticket. The original price for one ticket that includes Six Flags park admission and parking is valued at $89.99, so this is an outstanding offer.

Additional offers:

• Add on a Single Meal Deal [1Meal - 1 Snack - 1 Beverage] to enjoy inside the park at select park locations for $19.99 per person.
• Upgrade your event ticket to a Gold Season Pass for unlimited access to Texas and Oklahoma Six Flags locations including parking for a special price of $29.00. Must purchase on the day of the event.

And there’s a brand-new thrill waiting for you, Tormenta Rampaging Run is now open. The record-breaking coaster is the world’s tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster and features a 95-degree beyond-vertical drop. Make plans to bring your family and enjoy an unforgettable day of rides, food and fun with your Cook Children’s family.

Ready for the thrills? Visit the Team Experience CookNet site to learn more about Family Fun Day, review ticket-purchasing instructions and purchase your tickets.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

This year's theme is 'Don't Make It Easy for Them.' Throughout the month, Information Services will share practical tips and resources to help employees build safer online habits and make life difficult for cybercriminals.

In addition to the Cybersecurity Rock Star Challenge, employees can participate in the new Phishing Derby and Cyber Quest Scavenger Hunt. Watch for weekly security tips, fun activities, prize opportunities, and resources designed to help protect both personal and organizational information.

Visit the Cybersecurity Awareness Month page on CookNet for activities, schedules, resources, and participation details throughout October.

Sign up for Fort Worth Medical Center Trick or Treat Patient Event

Help create a fun Halloween experience for our patients by signing up your department at this year's Halloween event.

If your department plans to participate, please click here to see the requirements and forms to sign up. The first 25 forms submitted are guaranteed a table.

All forms must be turned in by Oct. 16, to Katie Shanklin in the Child Life Department via email patientevents@cookchildrens.org For more information, please call 682-885-4270.

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.

Good afternoon Prosper family,

Happy October! With the turn of the season comes cooler fall weather and a busy month ahead. Mark your calendars for our Boo Bash on Friday, Oct. 30. W can’t wait to see everyone’s costumes!

Important Deadline: Flu shots are due by Oct. 23 for anyone who wasn't able to attend the Flu Fair.

Thank you for everything you do to take extraordinary care of our patients and families!

Your Prosper Leadership Team

Food Compliance Reminder

As a reminder, please refrain from bringing food or snacks into patient care areas and nurses' stations. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to keeping these spaces clean, professional, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Retirement: Lucinda Berent

After four years with Medical Center - Prosper 🐮, and a distinguished nursing career spanning many years, Lucinda Berent will be celebrating her retirement, effective Oct. 2.

Throughout her time with us, Lucinda has made a lasting impact on our hospital, our patients, and her colleagues. Her dedication, compassion and commitment to excellence have played an important role in our success, and her contributions will be felt long after her retirement.

We are deeply grateful for all she has given to our team and wish her nothing but happiness and fulfillment in this well-earned next chapter.

Please join us in congratulating Lucinda and thanking her for her many years of service if you see her. 💙

Pediatric Nurses Week: Coffee Social

In honor of Pediatric Nurses Week, we’re hosting a coffee social to celebrate our amazing Medical Center - Prosper Nurses! Please join us Wednesday, Oct. 7, in classrooms 3332/3333 (3rd Floor). Thank you for all that you do!

Day shift: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Evening shift: 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Veterans Day Recognition

Veterans of Prosper, we want to celebrate you! 

Veterans Day is coming up on Nov. 11, and we’d like to recognize the veterans within our Prosper community.

If you have served in the military, please email your name and service branch to Jane Wilchak. We’d be honored to include you in a Veterans Day recognition.

Thank you for your service and dedication.

Infection Prevention Newsletter: September

Erase Kid Cancer Dress Up Calendar

In Case You Missed It

Medical Center - Prosper Now Accepting Food Donations

Working with Lovepacs, Medical Center-Prosper is accepting food donations, focusing on the greatest needs that week. If you wish to donate, please review the schedule below detailing the appropriate donation for that week.

Fall Community Relations Volunteer Opportunities

It may not feel like autumn yet but our fall events for Community Relations are around the corner. As we go out into our communities in our north market, we have something for everyone this year. Look at the events and volunteer to come represent Cook and share help us share our story about the services we provide to the community. If you have a teenager in your life that needs volunteers these are great events for them to come serve with us. Bring your families for some fall fun.

• DFW Fall Fest in Frisco
  • Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Frisco Fresh Market, 9215 John W. Elliott Dr, Frisco 75033
  • Register Here
• Anna Boo Bash
  • Oct. 17 from 12 - 4 p.m.
  • Slayter Creek Park at 425 W. Rosamond Parkway, Anna 75409
  • Register Here
• McKinney Trick or Treat Trail
  • Oct. 17 from 3 - 6 p.m.
  • Bonnie Wenk Park, 2996 Virginia Parkway
  • Register Here
• Celebrate Prosper Fall Festival
  • Oct. 17 from 4 - 8 p.m.
  • Frontier Park – 1551 Frontier Parkway
  • Register Here
• Beware of the Square Celina
  • Oct. 24 from 2 - 9 p.m.
  • On the downtown square in Celina – 302 W. Walnut St., Celina 75009
  • Register Here
• Nightmare Over Little Elm Halloween Event
  • Oct. 30 from 5 - 10 p.m.
  • 701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm
  • Register Here
• Diwali Mela at Kaleidoscope Park – India Festival of Lights
  • Nov. 1 from 3:30 - 10 p.m.
  • Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco 75034
  • Register Here
• Melissa Fall Fest
  • Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Melissa High School football stadium area, 3030 Milrany Lane, Melissa
  • Register Here

Please reach out to Paige Mayfield if you have any questions.

Prosper Halloween

Your department is invited to participate in our Prosper Halloween event. Fill out and return the application below by Friday, Oct. 16.

The MOB Invites You to Participate this Season: Sunshine Committee Holiday Fun Calendars

Based on feedback from previous years, we're excited to provide all three holiday fun calendars (October, November and December) in advance. Our purpose is to ensure everyone has plenty of time to plan ahead, gather any needed items, and coordinate if they'd like to join in.

As you'll see, there are quite a few fun activities, dress-up days, celebrations and team spirit events throughout the next few months. Please don't feel like you need to participate in every event. The calendars are simply meant to provide options so you can join in on the days that sound fun, meaningful or manageable for you. Participation is always encouraged, but never required.

Our goal is to create opportunities to:

• Spread kindness
• Build team spirit
• Celebrate together
• Have fun
• Bring a little extra joy to our workplace during the holiday season

Whether you participate in one event or twenty, we're glad you're part of our team and appreciate all that you do for our patients, families and each other. Thank you for helping make our workplace such a positive and supportive place.

Have fun and Happy Holidays!

-Your Sunshine Committee

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.

Next Steps in Home Stretch of Year-End P&D

Now that you've had a conversation with your manager about your performance and development. Next, you must make sure to acknowledge your performance conversations in Workday by Oct. 5.

By verifying that the conversations took place, you’re acknowledging that you and your manager went over your annual performance evaluation and calculated rating together. Team members will choose between two statements in Workday:

1. “I acknowledge that I have had a conversation regarding the review with my manager.”
2. “I acknowledge the review meeting has been held, and I would like to request further discussion.”

If the second option is selected, the manager and manager’s leader will be notified. You and your manager will have five business days to discuss the matter further. Contact Human Resources for guidance if there are any extenuating circumstances to consider.

Important point to know:

• Leave of Absence -- Performance evaluation for a team member on an approved leave of absence won’t be submitted until they return to work.

Thank you for the time, intentionality and respectfulness you put into the annual performance review process. We hope our team members had impactful conversations that celebrated your accomplishments, identified any opportunities for improvement and explored paths for your career growth.

Questions? Contact your HR Business Partner. You can also visit the P&D page on CookNet for resources and more information.

Now Accepting Donations for Homeless Initiative Program

Now through Oct. 23, you can donate to the Homeless Initiative Program drive. Donation boxes are located across the system.

Acceptable donation items (must be new) are

• Baby wipes
• Bath Towels
• Hand Towels
• Pillows
• Twin sheet sets
• Washcloths

Contact bianca.ramos@cookchildrens.org with questions.

Join Fitness Challenges on Personify Health, Redeem Rewards

Join the Wellness Zone in two fitness challenges this Halloween season. You can join in the month-long progressive squat challenge, called Squatober or join the European Texpedition Steps Challenge. Through these challenges you can build strength, power and endurance in your core and lower body with workouts you can do anytime of the day.

To register go to the "Challenge" tab on Personify Health.

Already have an account? Click here to log into Personify!

Log in Troubleshooting Tips!

1. Enter your Cook Children’s email as your username
2. Click out of the box after you enter your email/username and you should automatically be taken to the Cook Children’s Secure Single Sign On page.
3. Enter your employee ID number with letters and leading zeros and your Cook password that you use to log into your computer

Click here to enroll in Personify!

See Photos from APP Sweet Splashdown

Congratulations to our Advance Practitioner Providers who reached a systemwide goal of a 75% response rate for the 2026 Your Voice Matters Survey!

APP Leadership rewarded their staff with a fun dunk tank and ice cream during National APP week. See photos from the event on Connect Newsroom.

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.

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.