July 23, 2026 

Dear Team,

Our Summer 2026 Benefits Newsletter is now available, and it includes important information about upcoming benefits changes and enhancements for 2027.

One of the biggest updates is that, effective Oct. 1, 2026, Cook Children’s will transition our medical insurance carrier to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). After careful evaluation, we believe this change will provide employees and their families with stronger support, a broader provider network and greater overall value.

Read the Summer 2026 Benefits Newsletter here.

Also, watch your mailbox in early August for a comprehensive 2027 Benefits Guide, which will provide additional details about your benefits options, plan rates and Open Enrollment.

In today’s newsletter, you'll learn about:

New medical coverage through BCBSTX

• Access to a larger network of providers
• Enhanced member resources, including Blue365 and a 24/7 nurseline
• A simplified support experience through BCBSTX Health Advocacy Solutions (HAS)

Cost updates

• Health care costs increased approximately 9% for the upcoming plan year, but this change helped limit the increase to about 3%
• Cook Children’s will continue to absorb most of the additional cost to help keep coverage affordable

What's staying the same

• Your two medical plan options
• Dental, vision and pharmacy coverage

Additional benefits updates

• FSA and COBRA administration will move from Navia to HealthEquity
• Capital Rx is now Judi Rx (no changes to your pharmacy benefits or ID cards)

We encourage you to review the newsletter to learn more about these changes and how they may affect you and your family.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about your benefits.

Cook Children’s Benefits Team

Starting Oct. 1, 2026, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) will become Cook Children’s new medical insurance carrier. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to care for our team and their families—just as thoughtfully as we care for our patients.

While this is a big change, the goal is simple: To give our teammates more choice and help keep the cost of health care manageable.

Why we’re making this move

As health care expenses continue to rise, we’re taking steps to limit the impact on our team.

For the upcoming plan year, overall healthcare expenses increased by approximately 9%. By transitioning to BCBSTX, we were able to keep rate increases much lower—at approximately 3%.

While this year's increase is lower than the overall rise in health care costs, future rates will continue to be influenced by broader trends and utilization. Finalized medical, dental and vision rates will be available in July.

Cook Children’s will absorb the majority of these additional expenses. While teammates will see a modest increase in medical and dental rates, this approach helps keep care as affordable as possible.

In addition, the BCBSTX network includes more in-network provider options and improved negotiated rates, which can help lower what teammates pay at the time of care.

For example, a visit that previously cost $150 with higher contracted rates might be closer to $120 with improved network pricing—meaning both the plan and the team share in the savings. Actual costs will vary depending on the provider and type of care.

With this change, teammates will have

• A broader network with more in-network provider options and improved contracted rates to help manage out-of-pocket costs
• Added value through programs like Blue365, 24/7 Nurseline and wellness perks
• A simpler experience, with BCBSTX Health Advocacy Solutions (HAS) replacing Quantum Health as your single point of contact for all medical plan questions

Additional updates effective Oct. 1, 2026

• FSA and COBRA administration will transition from Navia to HealthEquity. Plan designs are not changing—only the administrator—bringing all spending accounts together under one provider, as HSAs are already managed through HealthEquity.

What’s not changing

• Dental, vision and pharmacy coverage will remain the same
• The two medical plan options will remain the same

What to do now

Take a few minutes to check that your providers are in-network with BCBSTX. This quick step can help make your transition smoother.

You’ll find everything you need in one place, including answers to common questions and helpful resources.

Visit the BCBSTX / Cook Children’s Transition Support Website

We’ll continue to share updates and reminders in the coming weeks, and support will be available every step of the process.

As always, if questions come up, we’re here to help. Please reach out to the

Benefits team via email at askbenefits@cookchildrens.org.

Thank you for all you do for our patients, families and each other every day.

Bookmark this page on your phone for quick access during your walk. Scan the QR codes on flyers posted around campus to pull up these directions instantly while you’re on the move.

I'm going to the South Tower.

I’m going to Cook Children's Medical Center - Fort Worth Main Entrance.

I'm going to Dodson Specialty Clinics.

Please do not share these directions, this is for internal use only. These routes have areas that are accessible only with a Cook Children's badge. For the public, please direct them to the Construction page. 

It is highly recommended to plan ahead and allow extra time to reach your destination and report for your shift at your scheduled time.

Outdoor walking route for pedestrian access to the Medical Center and Dodson

• Access to Cook Children's Medical Center and Dodson Specialty Clinics is from Terrell Avenue is available via 6th Avenue and Pruitt Street.
  • Go east on Terrell Avenue.
  • Turn left on 6th Avenue at the Emergency Department.
    • Do not enter the Emergency Department. Increased traffic in this area delays critical lifesaving care.
  • Turn left on Pruitt Street.
  • Turn left into the north tower OR continue to 7th Avenue and turn left to access Dodson Specialty Clinics or the north tower's west entrance.

We want to give a special thank you to Dominique LaDay, Logan Lambeth, Rosendo Lopez and Joel Murray for opening up their day and sharing their expertise with Peaks! 

Catch a glimpse of Peaks' journey in his travel postcards below!🧳📸

Click here to see the full list of nominees. 

Congratulations to the 10 who were chosen as the 2026 Great 10 Nurses. Below are the award winners in alphabetical order by first name: 

• Addie Durbin MSN, RN, in 5 North Tower
• Bethany Robinson BSN, RN, CPN, in 3 Main North
• Cortney Fuller, BSN, RN, CPN, in H/O Clinic
• Erin Davis, APRN, CPNP, in Neurology Clinic
• Kathryn Wilhelm, BSN, RN, CPHON, in H/O Clinic
• Kelly Mourer, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, in NICU
• Lauren Faris, BSN, RN, CPN, in PICU
• Naomi Russian, BSN, RN, CPN, in Prosper Float/Pool
• Natalie Sims, BSN, RN, in Prosper ED
• Wendy Benton BSN, RN, in ED

Patient families nominate nurses for the DAISY Award to honor those who go above and beyond in their care. We also recognize a DAISY Nurse Leader each year. Click here to see the full list of DAISY Nurse Leader nominees

This year, Cook Children’s celebrated 25 nominated nursing professionals. The 2026 DAISY Nurse Leader Award was presented to Jordan Staggs, MSN, RN, CNE-Cl (5 South Tower) for her outstanding work and compassionate care. 

Congratulations to all our nominees and award-winning nurses. We are so proud to celebrate your dedication and the profound compassion you give to our patients. 

Take a look at our photos of the ceremony below: 

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Joann Sanders, M.D., CHCQM, FAIHQ, has done more than practice medicine; she has defined the very standards of care we uphold today. As she prepares for her retirement on June 1, 2026, Dr. Sanders leaves behind a legacy built on the belief that for our patients, "good enough" never is.

Clinical Foundations

Dr. Sanders arrived at Cook Children’s in 1989, specializing in pediatric hematology and oncology. Her early years were marked by a drive to build programs that didn't yet exist. She was the driving force behind the original neuro-oncology clinic and was instrumental in evolving our care for bleeding disorders into the comprehensive program it is today.

Reflecting on her deep roots within the organization, Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Nedrelow, M.D., shared that her influence is woven into the history of our system.

"Quite literally, Dr. Sanders helped build Cook Children’s into what it is today," said Dr. Nedrelow. "Joann will always be an example of excellence for this system’s medical community.”

Defining the Standard

While her clinical contributions are vast, Dr. Sanders’ impact reached a new height when she transitioned into executive leadership to focus on the "quality" of every patient's journey. She dedicated 12 years as Patient Safety Officer followed by 11 years as Chief Quality Officer – roles that required a rare blend of medical expertise and an unwavering vision for safety.

Her commitment was so pronounced that she became the first-ever recipient of the Children’s Hospital Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) Top Performing Senior Leader Recognition Award.

Service Above Self

For Dr. Sanders, quality care never ended at the hospital exit. Her dedication to Camp Sanguinity, the Ronald McDonald House, and Camp John Marc – for which she received the Presidential Freedom Service Award – underscored a professional life rooted in the "time and care she gave to her patients and their families."

Beyond her clinical and administrative accolades, Dr. Sanders’ most personal devotion has been raising her daughter whom she adopted as a single mother. In a full-circle moment of service, her daughter is currently preparing to graduate from nursing school, carrying forward the family legacy of care.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As the June 1 retirement date approaches, the sentiment across the system is one of immense gratitude. While her daily presence and quick wit will be missed, the culture of safety and the high-quality frameworks she established will continue to guide us for years to come.

“I began my career at Cook Children’s on June 19, 1989, 3 weeks after ‘the new’ hospital opened. Little did I know that I would be here for the better part of the next four decades,” Dr. Sanders said. “It has been a joy to work among the physicians and staff here and to watch Cook Children’s grow into the hospital it is today. When I drive through our campus, I am filled with wonderful memories. What a ride it has been!”

For 20 years, Wini Joy King has been the architect of the Cook Children’s narrative. She has been behind the lens, crafting the words, and ensuring the world knew the life-changing care happening under the blue-peaked roofs.

"Since I arrived here, my only mission was to let people in under our peaks," Wini reflects. "I wanted them to see that we aren't just a local hospital with kind hearts. We are a system home to the elite experts of the world."

Now, in a rare turn of the tide, Wini, SVP, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, sits in the unfamiliar glow of the spotlight as she prepares to retire from Cook Children’s on April 30, 2026.

From Disney Magic to Fort Worth Ingenuity

Wini brought a certain "magic" with her to Fort Worth, having previously honed her storytelling craft at The Walt Disney Company. However, she quickly realized that the heroes at Cook Children’s were a different breed of character – humble heroes.

She helped shine a light on the clinical excellence that is Cook Children’s. By granting Wini’s team unprecedented "behind-the-scenes" access to iMRI surgeries, a partnership with Neurosciences was born. What started as a local 30-minute special on NBC5 exploded into a national phenomenon, landing on The Today Show and Dateline.

Wini’s tenure wasn't just about PR; it was about pioneering. Wini envisioned a direct line to families, and seventeen years ago, she launched Checkup Newsroom.

• Today, that vision has resulted in:
• 21 million+ views across the globe.
• A reach spanning over 200 countries.
• Global impact stories, like the grandmother in Australia who read a Checkup article and facilitated her grandson’s life-changing endocrine treatment in Fort Worth.

Leading Through the Storm

When the COVID-19 pandemic redefined the world, Wini’s role expanded yet again. Taking the helm of internal communications, she became the steady voice for thousands of exhausted frontline workers.

“Throughout her career, Wini has promoted and defended Cook Children’s", said Nancy Cychol, Executive Vice President & Chief of Hospital Services for Cook Children's.” She’s been there for us. I’ve been especially impressed with her versatility in not only telling our stories to the public through media, but Wini and her team were there for us during the pandemic. When we needed them most, they were putting out rapidly changing communication to make sure our staff was as informed as possible.”

This commitment to the "Cook Children's family" naturally extended into her tenure as Chief Diversity Officer. For Wini, ensuring every employee and patient felt seen was a natural progression of her role as the keeper of the culture. She championed an environment where diversity was celebrated as a strength, ensuring that "The Promise" wasn't just a slogan, but a lived experience for every person who walked through the doors.

“Wini’s career has spanned media, hospitality and health care and through each chapter she has been a trailblazer on many fronts. As we say ‘see ya soon’ we are grateful for what she has given to Cook Children’s over the past 20 years. Her fingerprints are everyehere,” says Amy Wimpey Knight, Chief Administrative Officer.

The Graceful Exit

But every great story requires an ending. As Cook Children’s prepares for a massive five-year expansion, Wini knows the narrative is ready for its next author.

"The next chapter of growth here will be a tremendous undertaking," Wini says with a peaceful smile. "I’ve told the stories I came to tell. It’s time for someone else to pick up the pen."

The 30-bed baby hospital that opened in Fort Worth on March 21, 1918, evolved into the world-class Cook Children’s Health Care System. 

To keep pace with our growth -- in facilities, services, technology, research and more -- the workforce has grown dramatically too, especially in the last decade. In 2016, the employee total was 4,021. This year, the workforce reached 10,547 and counting as of March 1.

The 108^th birthday of Cook Children’s is an occasion to celebrate the team members who make up the organization. Our employees show up each day dedicated to excellence in pediatric health care, delivered with kindness, imagination and collaboration.

One of the longest-tenured employees, nurse practitioner Ginny Ciriot, has worked in different roles over the past 49 years. Ginny currently sees patients at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Burleson. Many things have changed since she started on Sept. 5, 1976, at what was then called Fort Worth Children’s Hospital.

But if you ask Ginny what hasn’t changed at Cook Children’s over the decades, she’ll tell you the mission stays the same: “Having our eyes on the true goal of helping and managing simple to complex issues.” 

From new hires to those who’ve hit big anniversary milestones, the workforce at Cook Children’s is made up of a diverse array of jobs. Here’s a snapshot of the employees under the Blue Peaks.

Rooted in Cowtown

The legacy of Cook Children’s starts with Fort Worth Free Baby Hospital, the hospital that in 1918 began treating infants and toddlers without regard for the family’s ability to pay for care. The name changed to Fort Worth Children’s Hospital when services were added for older children and adolescents.

Meanwhile, the W. I. Cook Memorial Hospital had opened in 1929. Prompted by the polio epidemic, the hospital revamped its mission to focus on the needs of children. Its name changed to Cook Children’s Hospital.  

Those two Fort Worth hospitals merged in 1985. A new facility, now known as Cook Children’s Medical Center, was built. Another milestone came in 1995 with creation of the Cook Children’s Health Care System. Today the system encompasses two medical centers in Fort Worth and Prosper, physician network, surgery centers, child study center, health plan, home health company and health foundation.

Fun Facts

Employees at Cook Children’s range in age from 18-83 years. Professional staff make up the biggest demographic. But the job titles cover a wide range of clinical and nonclinical duties. A few examples:

• patient care (physician, nurse, therapist, pharmacist)  

• family support (interpreter, chaplain, lactation consultant, librarian)

• behind the scenes (lab scientist, donor relations, purchasing buyer, compliance auditor)

• employee support (respiratory mask fitter, benefits analyst, concierge)

• technology (cybersecurity, coding analyst, database architect)

• property and maintenance (electrician, real estate, equipment distribution, parking services attendant, shuttle driver) 

• unique roles (yoga therapist, travel agent, recording studio producer, facility dog handler)

Geographically, the spread of employees reaches across the Metroplex and beyond in neighborhood health centers, urgent care centers and primary care physician offices. About 55% of the overall workforce is located at the Fort Worth Medical Center. The next biggest group is the Physician Network with 21% of all employees.

Far and wide, Cook Children’s Home Health employees work out of Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio in addition to Fort Worth. West Texas locations of Cook Children’s include specialty offices in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland and San Angelo. 

Carrying on the Legacy

Suzanne Seider, director of Talent Acquisition, started at Cook Children’s in 2008, when the organization had 3,300 employees. Opening the Medical Center in Prosper, along with new primary care offices in the northern region, fueled the need for ramped-up hiring in recent years.

“The biggest growing pain has been maintaining our culture as we spread out further from Fort Worth,” Suzanne said. “We want everyone to feel the magic at Cook Children’s.”

And the success in the North Texas area is proof that the culture and magic has been maintained throughout the system. More than 300,000 kids have been cared for across the northern region. 

The Prosper medical center begin hiring in early 2022 and successfully hired more than 400 employees in one of the most competitive hiring markets for health care professionals in the country. 

But once they were hired, the new employees learned more than just where to report for work. Depending on their position, new employees spent between two weeks to three months onboarding at our Fort Worth campus so they could experience the workplace culture first-hand.

“It was amazing to see how excited people were about wanting to join our team and to be a part of the Cook Children’s family,” Kevin Greene, MHA, President of Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper said. “I have no doubt our culture as an organization and our commitment to every child played a critical role in each individual’s decision to be a part of this next chapter for the health care system.”

As the workforce climbs closer to the 11,000 mark, recruiters continue to search out qualified applicants to fill open positions. Suzanne said her team looks for people with the skills and mindset to help keep the Cook Children’s Promise to improve the well-being of every child in our care and our communities. 

“The ideal candidate will be collaborative, flexible and adaptable, who always has a smile for everyone,” she said.

Ginny worked as NICU nurse, NICU educator, director of education, medical floor director and clinical nurse advisor before becoming a nurse practitioner. With more than 49 years of Cook Children’s experience under her belt, she advises her colleagues to check out the opportunities Cook Children’s offers for professional growth. Discover the career path you want to explore. 

“When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” she said. 

From Case Management Department, where social workers help families plan a safe and successful discharge… to Behavioral Health and Psych Services, where they support children navigating emotional and mental health challenges… to our CARE Team, ensuring every child’s social and emotional needs are part of their care plan… to the Trauma Department helping families heal after difficult experiences… and through Cook Children’s Health Plan Service Coordination, connecting members to vital resources — social workers are there.

For more information about social work visit their CookNet site. 

View our social workers from across the system: 

This is the opportunity for you and your leader to reflect on progress, align priorities and discuss any development needed for the remainder of the year. Your active participation is important to making these conversations meaningful and productive.

We ask that you prepare by:

1)    Reflecting on your progress.

a.     Review your goals/key responsibilities for the year.

b.     Highlight the work you are most proud of and the impact it has had on your team, other departments and/or patients/families.

c.     Discuss any challenges so far this year.

d.     Detail any goal adjustments that need to be made.

2)    Ask for feedback. 

a.     Use this information about your performance, so you can continue to strengthen your contributions.

3)    Discuss what resources you need to be successful for the rest of year.

4)    Discuss priorities and expectations for the rest of the year.

Mid-year check-ins are a combination of reflection on work accomplished to-date and future-focused priorities for the rest of year.  Taking time to prepare will help make the conversation valuable for both you and your leader.

Mid-year check-ins will be due by Sunday, March 29, 2026. Visit the Performance & Development CookNet site for more information including job aids and the full Performance & Development timeline.

Here’s a special appreciation message from Amy Knight, Chief Administrative Officer. No matter where you are in the System, we are ONE Cook Children’s – each of us exemplifying gold medal teamwork!  

At Cook Children’s, we believe in the power of recognition to lift us up and help us to feel seen, heard, respected, and valued. We encourage you to mark your calendars for tomorrow March 6 to recognize your colleagues and leaders who make a difference in your work each day and share some appreciation with them. Let’s spread a positive wave of appreciation across the System!           

Share our Cook Children’s Values

• Message of appreciation: Extend thanks, warm wishes and gratitude to your team, colleagues and leaders
• Get together: schedule some time to connect during rounding, huddles, or a virtual coffee break
• Get creative on a token of appreciation or an activity for the team: healthy snacks or a favorite team treat, dress up day, bulletin board to share appreciation notes

Team Photos

We love to see your team photos! Email your team photos to teamexperience@cookchildrens.org now through March 10. Those will be collected and shared on Connect Newsroom and the Team Experience site the following week.

Stay Connected

Please make plans to participate in our employee events throughout 2026 -- to celebrate each other and the amazing teamwork of the more than 10,500 people who serve our Pinky Promise every day across Cook Children’s, from the medical centers in Fort Worth and Prosper to the neighborhood clinics, home health services, health plan and beyond!

Upcoming events include:

• Service awards dinner in April
• Employee appreciation month in May: campus cookouts & Texas Rangers games
• Well-being month and Beat the Heat Treat in August
• Discounted tickets to the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars this fall
• Halloween Hoopla in October
• Family day at Six Flags in November
• Jingle Bell Mingle in December

Visit the Team Experience site to learn more about all the upcoming events planned for 2026! On the main page is the 2026 Events Calendar (scroll down to the bottom). This calendar includes national holidays, professional recognition days/weeks, system employee events & more. Be sure to bookmark the page as we’ll continue to update the calendar as more 2026 event dates are finalized.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day!

See the photos below: 

Payroll Monday:

• 10 a.m. - Payroll Adjustment Forms (TCA, PCA, PCX) due to Payroll
• Noon - All pending timecard edits in UKG must be approved/refused by the Manager
• Noon - All timecards must be approved

To assist with meeting the new Payroll processing deadlines, we strongly encourage employees to review your timecard daily to address and enter any exceptions as they arise.  Managers should also review and approve (or refuse) these exceptions as they are submitted to reflect a correct timecard going forward.   

• All transactions still pending in UKG as of noon, Monday, Feb. 23, will be refused. Employees will be paid what is on their timecard at the time of sign-off.
• These adjustments must be submitted via PCA form for the next bi-weekly payroll.
• If pending transactions are not addressed by noon on Mondays, they will be rejected by Payroll, and an on-demand check will not be issued.

For any questions, please visit the FAQ: UKG Pro WFM FAQ's or contact payroll at CPayroll@CookChildrens.org

Send all photos to internalcommunications.cookchildrens.org

System Reminders Regarding UKG 

• Continue referencing the tip sheets and drop in session links here: UKG Resources Site Link
• Open tickets to report issues! We can’t fix it if you don’t report it!        
• Review your timecards sooner than later!
  • Staff: edit your timecard errors early so your leaders can approve before timecard end!
  • Managers, make it a habit to review & correct timecards throughout the pay period, vs waiting until Payroll Friday/Monday!

• Approving your own timecard is a new (optional) workflow to help ensure your paycheck will be correct. Do not approve until the end of the pay period, or managers cannot approve pending changes. If you accidentally approve your timecard early, or need edits, you, the employee must Remove Approval.

  

• Public hyperfinds: are getting cleaned up (removed) by end of day Thursday, Feb. 12. You can recreate any deleted public hyperfinds as a private hyperfind (it now defaults to private).
• Attendance Balances: Staff are now able to see their own Attendance Balances using dataview called Employee Attendance. This tip sheet goes over the steps.
• Attendance Balance Discrepancies: The app team is working through a list of staff with attendance balance discrepancies in new UKG. These will be correct prior to the end of this pay period.
• Basic Schedule Employees Transferring: to other Business Structures (cost centers) should use timeclocks (NOT the computer link) until all options available in the computer or app (Timeclocks have all options now!)
• Mobile App Clocking: Reminder, location services must be enabled on the Mobile App’s device to allow you to clock in/out on the app. You also must be inside a Cook building.
• Advanced Schedule Charge Staff: the application team is continuing to update Advanced Schedule Charge Nurses ability to apply appropriate workrules  & paycodes.
• “Business Structure” vs “Cost Center”: old Kronos used the verbiage “cost centers” but new UKG uses the verbiage “Business Structure”. This is important to remember when transferring to a different Cost Center/Business Structure.
• UKG Courses: Unfortunately many staff received notification of new UKG courses this morning. Apologies for the confusion, you do NOT have new courses to complete. This is being corrected.

Updated Feb. 9, 2026

How to find UKG on CookNet and get help if needed 

To find UKG on CookNet, see the photo below: 

Then login using the SSO button:

For more information and help: 

• Visit tip sheet library here.
• Join our drop-in sessions with questions here

Key Go-Live Timeline

• Feb. 8 - 22: First Punch Go-Live and Timecard Edits/Approvals
  This is the first live timekeeping period in UKG. Everyone will begin recording time in UKG, and managers will begin reviewing, editing, and approving timecards in the new system.
• Feb. 9: Last Timecard Approvals Due in old Kronos
• Feb. 23: First Timecard approvals in new UKG
  This is the first payroll processing window tied to UKG timekeeping. Accuracy and timely approvals during the prior period are critical to ensure payroll is processed correctly.Reminder that on Monday, February 23 timecard approval deadline changes with the first approvals in UKG!

What to Focus on Now?

1. Know where to go for help during go-live
If you need support, please use the following channels:

• Reach out to your project Manager for role-specific guidance and local process questions refer to the email sent by Rhiannon McDonnell sent on Feb. 3
• Visit the UKG Project Site for tip sheets and links to drop-in support labs
• Review the regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document
• Submit a ServiceNow ticket for technical issues or questions that require tracking and follow-up

2. Read these last-minute tips:

• When logging into the UKG link (on CookNet starting Feb. 8), use your network username/password and click CONTINUE WITH SSO
• A brand-new Mobile App will be available (replacing the old mobile app) starting Feb. 8. CBT & Tip Sheets will go out on February 8 with details!

3. UKG Training: 85% of UKG training has been completed! If you have incomplete training in ULearn, finish as soon as possible!

Throughout his tenure, Keith has been a cornerstone of our leadership team, serving with distinction as our Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and most recently as a trusted advisor to Rick Merrill, President and CEO. His dedication has left a lasting mark on our system and our culture.

We invite you to stop by, share a memory, and wish him well as he prepares for his next chapter in retirement.

Farewell Retirement Party

• Time: 1-3 p.m.
• Date: Friday, Feb. 6
• Location: ROB 5405 Conference Room

Please feel free to forward this invitation to your teams or anyone else who may wish to attend.

If you are unable to make it to the celebration, Keith will remain with us through March 20. Please connect with Keith personally to share your well-wishes before his final day.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep all of our team members safe, while making sure we continue to provide essential care for our patients, their families and each other. To make sure we achieve this goal, we encourage everyone to prioritize proactive planning.

We thank you for ensuring that your personal and family arrangements are secure, which helps us maintain the steady staffing levels necessary to provide safe patient care. When we take thoughtful steps to prepare, it ensures that our team remains strong, our shifts are covered, and we can focus on our mission together without added stress.  

For more details, please click here to read this helpful FAQ: 

Winter Weather: Your Questions Answered about Policies for 2026

Absences and Attendance "Points"

We understand that travel conditions remain difficult. Here is how your attendance is being tracked during this period:

• If you are unable to make it for consecutive shifts due to the weather, this is recorded as "Unscheduled – Consecutive – Unpaid." Per policy HR 110, this results in one attendance points.
• Weather-Related Delays: If you are late arriving to your shift due to hazardous road conditions, this will not count as a violation of the attendance policy. Non-exempt employees will be paid for all hours worked.
• Safety First: If you cannot safely travel, you must contact your department leader. Please note that per policy HR 528, failing to report or call in according to your department's protocol will be considered an absence without pay.

PTO and Sick Time Usage

• Can I use PTO if I don't come in? Department leaders may authorize the use of accrued PTO for weather-related absences only if staffing levels permit. It is the leader’s responsibility to ensure sufficient staff are on duty to provide patient services.
• Can I use Sick Time? If an employee calls in due to personal illness and requests unscheduled PTO, a written doctor's excuse may be required at the department leader's discretion. For more information, see HR Policy 528.
• Clinic/Office Closures: If your specific clinic or office is closed by administration, you have the option to use PTO or take the day without pay.

Emergency Childcare

If your regular childcare is unavailable due to local closures, we have two primary resources:

1. Kid’s Place (Fort Worth Campus): Limited drop-in spaces may be available for staff at the current day rate.
2. Bright Horizons Care Advantage: This service remains available to all employees for backup care needs.

On-Site Accommodations

If you are already on-site and feel it is unsafe to attempt the drive home, please do not risk it.

• Duration: Accommodations are available in Fort Worth and Prosper for as long as travel remains unsafe.
• Coordination: Speak with your manager each day you need to stay past your shift. They will help you access resources such as air mattresses, cots, linens, toiletries, and snacks.
• Returns: Once travel is safe, please return borrowed items to the Emergency Disaster Resource Center (Fort Worth) or your designated pick-up location (Prosper).

What You’ll Notice

Microsoft Windows 11 has a new clean look with rounded corners and pastel colors. The Start Menu is in the center of the Taskbar and it shows pinned apps and recent files. The Taskbar also centers your open and pinned applications while using new visually appealing icons and animations.

When can you install Microsoft Windows 11

You can begin installing Microsoft Windows 11 now. The Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade will become mandatory in March based our normal Windows monthly update cycle.

What you need to know before Self-Installing Microsoft Windows 11

1. For best performance: Start the Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade while connected to the Cook Children’s network with an ethernet cable (i.e. a desktop computer or docked laptop). While it is possible to install the software while connected to wi-fi, the download will be substantially slower. You can continue to work as normal during the download.
2. Working from home? Ensure you're connected to the Cisco VPN before starting the installation.
3. Installation process: The installation runs in the background and does not disrupt your work. You will see a prompt to reboot your computer or laptop once the upgrade has completed. It is the same 24-hour required reboot message you see each month after Windows updates. It is highly recommended that you reboot your computer or laptop as soon as possible. Delaying the reboot may lead to application or performance sluggishness. 

How to manually upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11

1.    Open the Software Center (search for “Software Center” in the Windows Start menu).

2.    Select Updates and select Microsoft Windows 11. It will take one to six hours to download and set up files. This is based on how you are connected to Cook Children’s network. The computer or laptop is still available for use during this period.

3.    Once download has completed, you will get a pop up prompt message in the lower right corner of your primary monitor to select Start to begin the installation process.

4.    Once the installation has completed, you will see a prompt to reboot your computer or laptop. It is the same 24-hour required reboot message you see each month after Windows updates. It is highly recommended that you reboot your computer or laptop as soon as possible. Delaying the reboot may lead to application or performance sluggishness.

5.    After selecting Restart (of if the 24-hour period ends) the computer or laptop will reboot and complete the Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade. This reboot will take 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how many applications you have installed.

Visit the Employee Center for technical support and service requests on CookNet. Call the Service Desk for immediate assistance at 682-885-7999

Cook Children’s Health Care System was awarded the 2025 Pinnacle of Excellence Award for our inpatient experience from Press Ganey.   

This prestigious recognition reflects our consistent dedication and hard work. Drawing on three years of data, this award places Cook Children’s in the top three pediatric organizations in the country for overall patient rating and the likelihood of families to recommend our care.   

Press Ganey is a global leader in health care experience solutions and collaborates with more than 41,000 health care facilities to enhance overall safety, quality and experience of care.  

Following our Guardian of Excellence awards in 2023 and 2024, Cook Children’s has now reached a new peak. This latest honor represents the highest achievement awarded to our organization from Press Ganey further cementing our unwavering commitment to the patient experience. 

“Caring for children requires more than clinical excellence. It requires heart,” Megan Chavez, Senior Vice President, Chief Experience Officer said. “This award is a testament to the many ways our teams turn fear into comfort and uncertainty into hope. The exceptional experiences created for children and their families through kindness, teamwork and dedication create a safe and healing experience for every child.” 

Despite this rapid growth, we remain steadfast in our promise that every child receives our very best. This achievement belongs to all 10,000 members of our team. Every employee plays a vital role in shaping a family’s experience. Together, we continue to show up for our patients and community, upholding a legacy of award-winning care. 

Thank you to every member of the Cook Children’s team. Your dedication to our patients and their families is what makes us a national leader in pediatric health care.  

Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS)—a Pediatric Healthcare Safety and Quality Collaborative of more than 150 pediatric hospitals across the U.S. and Canada—has recognized Cook Children’s in two categories of safety innovation and improvement in the 2025 SPS SHINE Report (SHINE—Sharing Hospital Innovations for Network Engagement.)

Excellence in CLABSI Reduction in the NICU

Cook Children’s Medical Center - Fort Worth was one of only six hospitals honored for outstanding work in reducing Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Our NICU leaders and frontline teams implemented a series of targeted, disciplined practices to better protect our tiniest patients. Their efforts led to a significant reduction in CLABSI rates—translating into meaningful prevention of harm for vulnerable infants who depend on us every day.

This recognition reflects the creativity, rigor, and heart our employees bring to their safety work and their unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for children.

Recognition in Proactive Safety

Cook Children’s Medical Center - Fort Worth was also one of eight hospitals recognized in the Proactive Safety category for being a national front‑runner and early adopter of innovative safety tools and methods. These approaches help us learn directly from the people who do the work and strengthen our partnership with frontline teams.

A heartfelt thank‑you to the direct care employees and leaders across the system who embraced and contributed to tools such as Walk‑Through Talk‑Through, Learning Teams, and Proactive Safety Huddles. Your insights have already led to dozens of improvements—and because of their success, these tools will continue to play a key role in shaping safer, more effective care. To learn more about these Proactive Safety Tools, visit the Proactive Safety page on CookNet. Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS)—a Pediatric Healthcare Safety and Quality Collaborative of more than 150 pediatric hospitals across the U.S. and Canada—has recognized Cook Children’s in two categories of safety innovation and improvement in the 2025 SPS SHINE Report (SHINE—Sharing Hospital Innovations for Network Engagement.)

This holiday season, Las Vegas Trail area residents are experiencing a new chapter of wellness and hope, thanks to an award-winning collaboration bringing health services close to their west Fort Worth neighborhood, which has long been known as both a health care and food desert.

Since the new Neighborhood Health Center serving the Las Vegas Trail area opened its doors in August, thousands have received health care services through the center’s two medical clinics, a partnership of Cook Children’s Health Care System and JPS Health Network. Participants in the Neighborhood Health Center’s first workforce development program, taught by Tarrant County College, are set to graduate in December. Nearly 100 community members have participated in one of 12 cooking classes offered in the center’s teaching kitchen, where a Cook Children’s dietician demonstrates how to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals with limited cooking resources. Hundreds of connections have been made through outreach events.

“It's been a really meaningful experience to connect with so many members of the community through our work,” said Sky Ramos, community health worker at the Neighborhood Health Center. “I've had the opportunity to personally visit with and assist approximately 150 individuals as they navigate managing their health, and I have connected with many more through community outreach events I’ve attended.”

In October, the center welcomed over 200 attendees at a Trunk or Treat Resources Fair where guests were provided a free meal and connected with resources focusing on family health and safety resources.

“Anything like this event helps a lot, especially being close to our home,” said Liza Salinas, who attended the Trunk or Treat Resources Fair with her two children. “Right now, I have no vehicle so that right there is a blessing. I know I don’t have to worry about getting my kids to their doctor’s appointment and going to see their doctor. Events like these are just a blessing because you get to learn so much new information that you didn’t even know about. We’re having fun. It’s all about the children.”

Cook Children’s leadership in building and operating the Neighborhood Health Center recently garnered recognition from three community organizations.

A Community on the Rise

At its annual Rise Luncheon on October 8, LVTRise—the non-profit organization at the center of Las Vegas Trail’s revitalization—honored Cook Children’s for its leadership in creating a health center that reflects the community’s unique needs and embraces its cultural heartbeat.

It takes imagination and collaboration to build a center that fully meets community members’ health and wellness needs, particularly when 32% of people in a community live below the poverty level and in a food desert. The state of an individual’s health isn’t just influenced by the physical. It’s also driven by social, economic and environmental factors. Daily stressors like finances, food security, transportation challenges and joblessness often overshadow health care and create barriers that directly impact the wellness of individuals, families and communities. Recognizing the critical need for a unique approach, JPS and Cook Children’s, with support from several other community partners, joined forces to open the Neighborhood Health Center serving the Las Vegas Trail area.

“This center is the first big transformative milestone that came from the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Transformation Plan,” said Paige Charbonnet, executive director of LVTRise. “It’s an out-of-the-box approach to something the community needed and wanted. When Cook Children’s said they wanted to be involved, they were clear they wanted to do more than just support the cause. They wanted to be hands-on and become a part of the fabric of this community, and that’s exactly what they’ve done in a very impactful way.”

More than just another clinic, the health center is a close-to-home, one-stop wellness hub designed to remove common barriers to care for those living in and near the neighborhood. It seamlessly integrates multiple essential health and social services under one roof, including WestAid Food Pantry, a teaching kitchen, a workforce development program and an onsite community health worker dedicated to helping guests navigate the health care system, manage their health care, access financial assistance and identify local resources.

A Season of Success with JPS

JPS and Cook Children’s have been beacons of health care in Tarrant County for well over 100 years. They share a similar history and mission, having both been born from a desire to help the most vulnerable in the community, regardless of their ability to pay. This is the first joint-venture between the two organizations. Since opening, JPS and Cook Children’s have recorded more than 4,000 combined patient encounters at the center spanning its full array of services. These include adult and pediatric primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, newborn visits, well-child checks, and adult and adolescent behavioral health and counseling. 

On October 18, JPS named Cook Children’s as the recipient of the Community Impact Award at  its White Coat Gala. The annual gala celebrates the dedication, generosity and care of health care professionals, community leaders and philanthropic partners, and recognizes their daily impact on the community.

“JPS’s partnership with Cook Children’s demonstrates what is possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to community-led solutions,” said Karen Duncan, president and CEO of JPS Health Network. “JPS is proud to partner with Cook Children’s to bring high-quality, accessible care directly to families in the Las Vegas Trail community. By integrating medical care, food resources, workforce training, and community outreach, we are helping transform the Las Vegas Trail area to improve overall health outcomes for generations to come.”

D CEO's 2005 Excellence in Healthcare Awards

In recognition of this first-of-its-kind collaboration that turned a health care desert into a wellness hub, JPS and Cook Children’s were announced as winners of D CEO's Excellence in Healthcare Awards for 2025 for Outstanding Healthcare Collaboration at an awards event on Dec. 4. Every year, D CEO recognizes the region’s health care leaders and organizations for their achievement, community impact and economic influence. Members of the magazine’s editorial team, along with outside judges with extensive knowledge of the health care field, evaluated more than 150 nominations across several categories to name this year’s winners.

“We’re thrilled and humbled to receive these recognitions from our partners and D CEO,” said Rick Merrill, president and CEO of Cook Children’s. “Of course, we didn’t work alone to accomplish any of this. It took almost every community asset, from health care to education to social services and public safety, to make the center what it is today. This proves that when organizations mobilize and collaborate, people, families and communities win. I know I speak for every Neighborhood Health Center partner when I say that’s the most rewarding thing of all. It’s why we do what we do.”

Thank you to all the employees who make this event possible. Your hard work and commitment truly brought joy and countless smiles to our community!

See photos of the event below: 

If you have more photos, please email them to TeamExperience@cookchildrens.org

View the photos below: 

• Mike Bacsik, broadcaster
• Jake Burger, third baseman
• Evan Carter, outfielder
• Brett Hayes, catching coach
• Justin Viele, hitting coach

See our photos below: 

Rachel Duling, a clinical educator, and Kristen Jackson, a clinical nurse leader, recently traveled to West Africa to volunteer as nurses and deliver care to patients at a pediatric clinic called Sacre Coeur or “Sacred Heart.”  Continue reading to learn more about their experience and possibly be inspired to take your nursing skills to new places.

What inspired our recent medical trip?

“There are times in your life when, if you listen closely, you find an opportunity to do hard things. Kristen said yes to Rachel’s awful sales pitch that claimed this trip would be a great way to give back and to see how the medical community thrives in different areas of the world, while sharing some of our medical knowledge for the greater good. Somehow, the part about this being a difficult trip or that Rachel was afraid this might be one of the hardest trips she had ever done was not disclosed (or was it?).  All she heard was, “there is a need and we can help.”

What country did you travel to?

“We traveled to Guinea, West Africa to a town two hours outside of the Capital City, Conakry.”

Describe the location you were working in.

“We were working in a rural village, with this clinic being the only pediatric facility within hundreds of miles. In this area, 40% of the population is 15 years old and under, with a pediatric death rate of 1 out of 10 children. There are only 20 doctors in the country of Guinea, and the predominant languages spoken are French, Pular, Malinke, and Susu.”

Describe the Clinic you were working in.

“The clinic was started by a few American and French doctors who saw a need in a country where healthcare was sparse to nonexistent. They created a clinic that provides primary care, emergency/ICU services, dentistry, nutrition coaching, and a pharmacy all in one building. They are teaching and empowering the Guinean people to provide care for their neighbors. They also run specialty clinic days for cardiac, sickle cell, and neurological care. These services are offered at a low cost to all patients, and they come from hundreds of miles away to be seen at the only pediatric clinic in the area. Hope Ignited’s dream is to establish a hospital in the next couple of years in Guinea.

What did your typical day look like?

“Every morning, we prepped the Urgent Care/ICU area for the daily needs (mixing medications, making saline flushes, ensuring safety equipment was readily available at bedsides, making beds, restocking items as available, and ensuring laundry was cleaned, dried, and put away). Plans of care for returning patients were reviewed, and then the scheduled returning patients would arrive, along with walk-ups needing treatment. Patients were triaged, and the intake team would bring emergencies straight to the Urgent Care/ICU area from the gate when needed. Throughout the day, we collaborated and worked with doctors and other nurses to provide support with daily nursing tasks for patients with an array of diagnoses, which included patients with cardiac and renal disease, malaria, typhoid, meningitis, yellow fever, extreme dehydration, severe malnutrition, dysentery, seizures, cardiac events, respiratory failure/distress, burns, abscesses, and more. While providing care, we also utilized our skills in resource management to determine which items could be sterilized and repurposed for reuse.  P.S. Don't tell joint commission.”

How did medical care differ from America?

“Nurses work with lack of or very limited resources (lab tests, electricity, medications (no narcotics) only a few portable oxygen tanks, imaging, diagnostic tools (labs, biopsies), medical supplies, lack of ability to consult with other physicians. Education received in nursing school is minimal in Guinea. They learn the very basics of nursing skills such as obtaining VS and administering medications. However, no teaching regarding critical thinking skills, reassessment skills, appropriate medication dosing limits, or the physiology behind disease processes.”

Can you share an impactful moment you experienced while caring for a patient?

“It's hard to narrow it down to one experience- but the story of the little guy that lives in our hearts forever wins. Rachel had the pleasure of caring for a little 14-month-old boy during the last 4 days of our trip. He first came in with malaria and dysentery on Friday. We treated him and sent him home. He came back on Monday in very critical condition, and we could not figure out what was going on. We got a handle on one problem, and another one would arise, and everything we did, he kept getting worse. Rachel sat with him and his parents each day, giving care and comfort in any way she could.

Our hearts broke knowing that if we were in the States, we would have the resources to diagnose, treat, and his chance to live a healthy life would improve. However, we left that last day knowing he would soon be leaving this world.  Many tears were cried on the way to the airport, out of feelings of defeat, failure, exhaustion, and grief. Rachel’s daughter face timed her at the airport asking if she was excited to be coming home. She broke down in the middle of the airport, crying in front of everyone (for those who know her, she does not cry in front of people).  Rachel will never forget what her daughter said: "Mom, you did what you were called to do. You gave them love like they never would have known otherwise."

The nurses in us wanted to share a story about how we helped with some amazing procedures and saved so many lives, because is that not what a mission trip is about? But in truth, it isn’t about our skills or that we were anything special, it’s time you spend and love you give.  That is a greatest gift you can give to every patient and family.”

What advice would you give to nurses considering going on a medical mission trip?

JUST DO IT!!!!

The Best of Show Award and Worthy Award in Reputation/Brand Management for Associations/Nonprofit Organizations was awarded to Eline De Bruijn, Writer for: 

Cook Children’s Health Care System, “Grant’s Story Elevates Cook Children’s Prosper”

Click here to view the award-winning story and watch the impactful video showcasing Prosper's Emergency Department. 

An Award of Excellence in Crisis Communications/Issues Management was awarded to:

• Laura Van Hoosier, Vice President of Public Relations
• Sydney Hanes, Public Relations Manager
• Reilly Ternan, Digital Communications Specialist
• Lourdes Vazquez, Multimedia Storyteller

For the campaign:

Cook Children’s Health Care System, “Saving Cook Children’s Health Plan: A PR Campaign”

Click here to see the campaign.

An Award of Excellence in Integrated Communications for Associations/Nonprofit Organizations was awarded to:  

• Laura Van Hoosier, Vice President of Public Relations
• Jeff Calaway, Director of Internal Communications
• Sydney Hanes, Public Relations Manager
• Reilly Ternan, Digital Communications Specialist
• Lourdes Vazquez, Multimedia Storyteller
• Jessamy Brown, Corporate Communications Manager

For the campaign:

Cook Children’s Health Care System, “Cook Children’s Measles Response”

Click here to see the campaign.

An Award of Excellence in Multicultural Public Relations was awarded to: 

• Jeff Calaway, Director of Internal Communications
• Eduardo Padilla, Photographer
• Arianna Flores, Corporate Communications Specialist
• Ashley Antle, Writer 

For the story:

Cook Children’s Healthcare System, “Framing the Future: Internship Program Empowers Students and Gives Hope to Families”

Click here to see the story. 

Also recognized for their dedication to professional development in public relations were: 

• Sydney Hanes, Public Relations Manager awarded Unsung Hero
• Reilly Ternan, Digital Communications Specialist awarded Rising Star

What’s Changing

You can now self-install Microsoft 365 (M365) Apps directly from the Software Center on your Cook Children’s computer — no IS request required. The latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams are available for installation.

Note: Microsoft Access will not be included in this installation.

Access databases are self-managed and not supported by IT, which creates security and support risks since we have no visibility into how data is used or stored. We’re actively contacting Access users to discuss options for moving data to more secure, supported platforms.

If you use Microsoft Access, you can continue using Office 2016 for now while IT works with you on next steps.

As Cook Children’s IT continues to adopt Microsoft tools, we’re taking a thoughtful, step-by-step approach. Updating Office to a supported platform is our top priority right now. While OneDrive offers great collaboration potential, we’ve temporarily paused its rollout so we can focus on getting the essentials right first. More updates will follow as we continue this modernization journey.

When can you install M365 Apps?

Starting Wednesday, November 12, you can begin installing Microsoft 365 Apps.

All users will need to complete this installation before Cook Children’s upgrades to Windows 11 in early 2026.

What you need to know before installation

1. For best performance: Install M365 Apps while connected to the Cook Children’s network with an ethernet cable (i.e. a desktop computer or docked laptop). Wi-Fi installation is possible, but may be slower.
2. Working from home? Ensure you're connected to the Cisco VPN before starting the installation.
3. When you are ready to install M365 Apps close all Microsoft Office applications. This will ensure a smooth installation process.
4. Installation time: The installation may take 10–20 minutes, depending on your system and network connection.

How to install Microsoft 365 Apps

1. Open the Software Center (search for “Software Center” in the Windows Start menu).
2. Go to the Applications tab.
3. Find Microsoft Office 365 (or Microsoft M365 Apps for Enterprise).
4. Click Install and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Once complete, sign in with your work account to activate the apps.

Need help?

For help and training tools on Microsoft 365, please click here for the Microsoft Support website.

If you experience any issues, please contact the IS Service Desk.

To make way for expansion of Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth, our on-site child development center will move next spring to a new building under construction a few blocks away.

Kids’ Place Child Development Center has served the families of Cook Children’s employees since 2001. Its current facility at 901 Southland Ave. will be razed after the new Kids’ Place opens.

What’s changing? Only the location. The new building is located on Cook Children’s property along Ninth Avenue between Cooper and Pruitt streets. There will be designated parking for efficient drop-off and pick-up that parents are accustomed to.   

What stays the same? Everything else, including the size. The new center will match the current capacity, with improvements focused on the quality and safety of the environment rather than expansion, given the significant investment required to replace the building. The square footage is roughly equal, and the layout features 17 classrooms, enrichment areas and four playgrounds with a splash pad.

“The focus of the project has been on replacing the aging building with a more modern and thoughtfully designed space that better supports children and staff,” said Merridth Simpson, Vice President of Human Resources. The new facility will accommodate 230 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, just as before.

 “We've taken the opportunity to update the building and use the latest research in early childhood and building design,” said Lara Holder, Senior Client Relations Director for Bright Horizons, which operates Kids’ Place. “We took what's working in the existing building and replicated that.”

Children currently enrolled can expect the same teachers and curriculum they enjoy now. The new home for Kids’ Place will continue to offer:

• Extended operating hours: 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

• Below-market tuition for employees of Cook Children’s and Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist

• Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children

Plans for our Medical Center-Fort Worth campus call for construction of a new 760,000-square-foot tower that will expand the NICU, PICU, Heart Center and other areas. The historic West Tower project requires the land where Kids’ Place currently operates. Moving the child development center is an early step in the process.

Lara wants to assure parents that Bright Horizons and Cook Children's are working together for a smooth transition.

“There's been a lot of care taken into making sure that it's a great space for children, for our staff, for the families, and that there's as minimal a disruption as possible,” she said. “It’s going to be a beautiful building where wonderful things continue to take place.”

Cook Children’s helps to make the cost more affordable as a benefit for our employees. 

“We know that access to reliable, high-quality childcare at an affordable rate is crucial for working parents. Our caregivers dedicate themselves to caring for others every day. This is one more way we can care for them -- by easing a major source of stress,” said Merridth. “By continuing to offer a convenient location and affordable tuition, we’re investing in our people, their families and the long-term health of our workforce.”

Read more here about how Cook Children’s partners with Bright Horizons to meet the needs of our employees.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions regarding my prescription drug coverage?

Q: Why does the cost of my medication seem higher than usual? 
There are various reasons as to why the cost of a medication is higher than usual. Some reasons may include:

• Medical plan deductible reset. If you are enrolled in the HSA medical plan, your annual deductible resets each year on October 1st. On the HSA plan, you will pay the full contracted price for medications until you meet your medical plan deductible; after the deductible is met, you will begin paying a copay or coinsurance, depending on the medication.
• Manufacturer copay card expiration or maximum discount amount reached. Manufacturer copay cards are a way to save on medications by offsetting the price to help you save on out-of-pocket costs. These cards typically cover medications that do not have a generic version. For questions on the status of your copay card, you will need to work with the manufacturer. If you had a copay card in place with CVS and changed pharmacies, you will need to add it back, as it would not have carried over with the transition to Capital Rx.
• Not all pharmacies charge the same price for the same medication; to check drug costs are pharmacies near you, visit https://enrollment.cap-rx.com/?client=cookchildrens  

Q: How do I get a 90-day supply?
A: For participants with maintenance medications, our plan allows members to receive a 90-day supply as a single fill. You will need to obtain a 90-day prescription from your provider, and then get the medication filled at either a retail pharmacy or through Costco mail order.  There are also cost savings when you fill a 90-day supply*: for generic medications, you will get a 3 month supply for the cost of a 2 month supply; for preferred and non-preferred brand medications, you will get a 3-month supply for the cost of a 2 ½ month supply.

*For those on the HSA medical plan, you will pay the full cost of the medication until the medical plan deductible is met; after the deductible is met, the cost savings will apply.

Q: I noticed that a medication that was previously on the $0 copay list is now requiring that I pay a coinsurance. Is this correct?
A: With the plan year that began 10/1/2025, there was an adjustment to the prior zero copay list. Most generic drugs will remain $0 copay, but coinsurance will apply for most brand name drugs. The current Preventive Drug list can be found here and on the Benefits page on CookNet. The list is separated out by no cost medications and those that will be available at the standard formulary coinsurance.
 

Q: How do I find out if my medication is on the formulary (list of approved drugs)?
A: To view the formulary specific to your prescription benefit plan, log into the member portal https://app.cap-rx.com/login. Use the navigation menu and select “Lookup Formulary” to learn more about medications that are covered.

Q: How do I get my specialty drugs?
A: Specialty medications can be dispensed at any of our 3 Cook Children’s Retail Pharmacy locations or Costco Specialty Pharmacy. Dodson Specialty Pharmacy and Costco Specialty can also dispense medications that may have special limitations.

• By utilizing Cook Children’s in-house specialty pharmacy, you will have access to the specialty pharmacy benefits. Refills can be ordered in person, by phone, or online at cookchildrens.org/mycookchildrens. Prescriptions can be picked up at the location listed below. If it seems your medication(s) are not available at Cook Children’s in-house pharmacy, please call one of our pharmacies for assistance.
  • Dodson Specialty Pharmacy - 1500 Cooper St., Suite #1541, Fort Worth, TX 76104, Phone: 682-303-3900
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Located on the first floor at Dodson, next to the Tech Zone
  • Retail Pharmacy #1 - 801 7th Ave., Suite #1700, Fort Worth, TX 76104, Phone: 682-885-3142
  • Hours: Sun-Sat 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Located on the first floor at FW Medical Center, across from ED
  • Prosper Retail Pharmacy - 4200 W. University Drive, Prosper, TX 75078, Phone: 945-204-0350
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat-Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Located on the first floor of Prosper Specialty Clinics
• Getting started with Costco Specialty: Please reach out to your prescriber and update your specialty pharmacy provider to Costco Specialty Pharmacy.
  • Contact Costco Specialty Services to get started at 866-443-0060.
  • Have your prescriber e-prescribe to Costco Specialty Pharmacy #1710, Zip Code 53717. Make sure your prescriber includes your contact information. If prior authorization is required, your prescriber may need to take extra steps to submit your prescription. To review more information related to prior authorizations, visit https://cap rx.com/members/ or call Capital Rx Customer Care.
  • A representative from Costco Specialty Pharmacy will call you to obtain more information and schedule your first delivery. Additionally, you may call Capital Rx Customer Care to confirm receipt of the prescription from the prescriber. When calling, please follow the prompts for specialty pharmacy.

Q: I was told by my pharmacy that my drug is not covered. What do i do?
A: It’s always important to verify with Capital Rx on the coverage of your medication. If a medication is not included on the insurance plan’s formulary, you can still get the medication, but will have to pay the full cost of the medication. There may be alternative medications or generic options that are included on the formulary, and may be more affordable, so it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider to see if an alternative medication or generic medication is an option.

Another reason the pharmacy may tell you a drug is not covered could be because it requires prior authorization (PA), has a quantity limit (QL) or may be on a step therapy (ST) list. In this case, the drug is included on the formulary, but you first have to meet certain requirements. It will be best to contact Capital Rx at 866-957-7862 to discuss with a representative.

Q: If I previously had a prior authorization (PA) for my medication, do I need to request a new one?
Capital Rx has worked with CVS Caremark to receive a listing of all active PA records. This information has been loaded into your member profile with Capital Rx to ensure continuous access to your medications. If you have questions on your specific PA, please reach out to Capital Rx at 866-957-7862.

Q: What is a Prior Authorization (PA)
Approval may be required before your pharmacy benefit plan will cover certain drugs. This process ensures you receive a prescription that is safe and is the most cost effective. Once notified by the pharmacy, your doctor will work with Capital Rx to complete paperwork to submit a prior authorization.

Q: What is a Quantity Limit (QL)
There is a limit on the maximum dosage or quantity for certain medications that are covered per prescription, or within a specific time frame. If you require a dose or quantity beyond what the limit allows, please work with your doctor to submit a prior authorization for approval.

Q: What is Step Therapy (ST)
You may be required to try another medication (usually a generic) prior to starting the medication your doctor prescribed (usually a brand). If a medication you are prescribed has a step therapy program in place, please discuss your options with your doctor.

We chatted with our Security Communications Officers at Medical Center-Fort Worth to learn more about their roles and how they help keep the campus safe. 

Shawna Coen, Communication Officer, Second Shift Communications Officer

What is your role and what does it entail?

My role is to serve as the primary contact for all incoming calls into Cook Security, and make sure I get the pertinent information out in a timely manner and as accurately as possible relay information from the phones or alarms to our security officers here at Cook. I update the officers with the most up-to-date information as I receive it, especially for critical calls. I monitor and keep track of all officers on calls, their locations, and dispatch additional officers when needed. I also keep our leadership on duty informed of any current and important information.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is knowing I am still able to help parents, children, and staff when critical situations arise. My background is 911 Police, EMS, and Fire dispatching. So I get a little bit of everything here at Cook Children's without the high-stress environment. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would still want to be here doing this job.

How do you keep Cook Children’s safe?

I rapidly dispatch all calls pertaining to safety and locating any missing or eloping children. I document in our daily logs to ensure accuracy and accountability. I monitor over a thousand cameras when possible, and I work closely with hospital staff to ensure they feel safe and receive any necessary assistance from an officer when needed. I maintain a calm, professional tone on the other end of the phone or radio, so my officers can remain as calm as possible, even in stressful situations.

Amy Schatz, Third Shift Communication Officer

What is your role and what does it entail?

I’ve worked the overnight shift for 18 years. My job includes answering the Panic Alarms. Every time a Panic is pushed it goes straight to my desk. I promise you I’ve got the Security Officers on the way, even when it’s a false alarm. Our goal is to keep everyone in the hospital safe.

What does a typical day look like?

I spend my nights logging every call for service that the Security Officers go on. When someone has an emergency, needs a door opened, an escort, a wagon or a wheelchair that is all dispatched and logged. I probably answer hundreds of calls a night. I’m also in charge of watching all the cameras in the hospital, keep that in mind when you start dancing in the hallways. I also relay messages to Environmental Services and Plant Ops or anyone else as needed.

What is your favorite part of the job?

One of my favorite things about my job is doing Panic Checks. The Security Department, once a month, tests every Panic Alarm and Intercom in the entire hospital that includes all the garages. It takes us three nights to complete this, but it is so important to make sure you can get us in a hurry in an emergency.

How do you keep Cook Children’s safe?

I feel good knowing I work with a group of people that are really trying to help the children, the families and each other. Cook Children's Health Care System has been a wonderful place to work and I’m proud to be here.  

Kenia Busane, First Shift Communications Officer

 What is your role and what does it entail?

I am a Security Dispatcher, which means I’m the communication hub for our security team. My position requires strong communication, multi-tasking, and decision making skills to help maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, families and staff.  I monitor cameras, answer calls for assistance, and dispatch officers wherever they’re needed throughout the hospital. I also help coordinate responses during emergencies and make sure everyone—from staff to visitors—gets the help and support they need quickly and safely.

What does a typical day look like?

Every day is a little different, but it usually starts with checking our security systems to make sure everything’s running smoothly. Throughout the day, I handle radio calls, answer phones for calls of service, monitor alarms, dispatch officers to different situations such as disturbances, panic alarms, safety escorts, and hospital codes, all while logging incidents and officer activity in real time. Some days are pretty routine, while others move fast and require quick thinking and clear communication. It definitely keeps things interesting.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part is knowing that what I do helps keep everyone safe, even though I’m behind the scenes I play part in making sure the officers and staff can respond quickly and ensuring they get the support they need. I also enjoy the teamwork that comes with working in a hospital environment, where everyone’s goal is to provide care and safety for children and their families.

How do you keep Cook Children’s safe?

I help keep Cook Children’s safe by staying alert, communicating clearly, and coordinating timely responses to any situation that comes up. I constantly monitor our systems, follow safety protocols, and work closely with our team to ensure that the right people are in the right place when they’re needed most. Staying calm under pressure and focused helps making sure everything runs smoothly even in stressful moments.

The goal of the dedicated staff in Cook Children's Language Services Department is to ease that burden. The department provides interpretation and translation services for patients and guardians across the hospital system. Interpretation deals with the spoken language while translation converts written text.

But interpreters are not just a link between patient and provider; Cook Children’s interpreters provide empathy, connection and a sense of safety for families.

“We do it because it's the right thing to do,” Anylu NerioGarza, CHI-Spanish, LSSYB-L,, Director of the Language Services Department, said. “We need to involve our patients and our guardians in their care.”

Whenever a patient comes to Cook Children’s, their guardian(s) fill out a form where they can request language services. Most of the requests are for Spanish interpretation or translation and one of Cook Children’s 30 Spanish interpreters will meet with the family to ensure communication between them and their nurses and doctors.

In 2024, Spanish interpreters had 63,497 encounters with patients and families. Collectively, they spent a total of 717,931 minutes with families.

When Maria Garcia, CHI-Spanish, walks in a room to help a family, she can see the instant relief and gratitude on their faces. Maria, who has been at Cook Children’s for a year, said she and other interpreters provide empathy and comfort for people. Sometimes a child might already be acting as the interpreter between nurses and family members, and Garcia said it’s important to take that burden off the child.

She and Ramon AdameZambrano, CHI-Spanish, both experienced interpreting for their parents growing up and know it can be stressful.  Ramon’s parents did not speak English, and when the family bought their first car when Ramon was 11, he helped them with the paperwork because they didn’t know what they were signing. He wants to ease children at Cook Children’s of that kind of responsibility.

“I’m able to help parents be at ease that they’re getting all the correct information,” he said. “But also allow that child that doesn’t feel well to just relax and heal. Because a lot of us were not granted this resource in our childhood.”

Ramon did not even know his current job existed until the family brought his brother to Cook Children’s after he broke his arm on the soccer field. Ramon’s now-manager helped his mom understand what was happening as providers prepped her son for surgery. The experience inspired him; he’s now been at Cook Children’s almost ten years.

He joined a growing team. Over the last few years, the need for language services has been amplified in the area, Ramon said.

Josefina (Josie) Rodriguez, CHI-Spanish, is the department’s most senior interpreter; she’s been at Cook Children’s for 30 years. In those decades, she has watched the department grow from two staff members to the community it is now. Those resources help interpreters juggle the various demands of their jobs; in each case, they have to understand the medical side of what’s happening, communicate the conversation and make sure they’re leaving space for the patient and family to ask questions. Through their role, they hope to also empower the patient and family to take an active role in their medical care.

Her favorite part of her job is building that relationship with families.

“It is important to build that trust. When you build that trust, that family will open up to you and will feel more comfortable asking questions,” Josie said.

Most of the department’s services are used for Spanish-speakers, but Cook Children’s provides interpreters, translators and online resources in a multitude of languages. For example, the department frequently coordinates interpreters for people who need American Sign Language services. Cook Children’s second-most common language for interpreter services is Arabic, followed by Vietnamese.

A network of contract interpreters are available to help patients and families over the phone or video. The Blue Phone, for example, is a literal phone set up in nurses’ stations across Cook Children’s that connects patients and families with interpreters in over 200 languages. The department also provides Green Carts, which is a table with an iPad or Surface Pro attached. Families can request to speak virtually with a Video Remote Interpreter (VRI) over video in 55 languages. If an interpreter is not immediately free, the Green Cart also has 200 audio interpreters.  In 2024, patients at Cook Children’s spent more than one million collective minutes talking to VRIs.

Some interpreters, like Ramon, also provide translation for medical documents. This ensures that patients and families have access to information in a language they understand, especially on discharge paperwork.

Cook Children’s does not stop its language services at the door; Josie works with patients even after they leave the hospital to make sure that continuity of care is seamless.

Anylu has been with the system for 24 years and was an interpreter for the first ten. As a director, she sometimes misses the connection that comes from working directly with families. But the work can also be difficult.

As an interpreter, you may have to deliver serious news to a family and keep your own emotions in check, so you stay focused.

Anylu said the department is constantly adapting and innovating in order to provide patients and families with the best services possible — no matter what language they speak.

“We think about core values -- Like connection, elevation -- and we're not able to do those if we’re not providing interpreter services to our families,” she said.

To our Valued Employees,

We are pleased to share this important update about our plans for upcoming pay reviews.

We recognize your effort and hard work in helping us to deliver on our Promise – the same promise that each of you live out each day by providing incredible care to our staff, patients and families.

We began a complete review of pay across the Cook Children’s system early in fiscal year 2025. The review is a significant undertaking, has the full support of our Senior Executive Team, and will be fully completed in the summer of 2026.

We're not looking for a quick fix; we're building a sustainable path forward that will strengthen our ability to attract and retain the best talent. We are working on a number of changes to strengthen our compensation system, including the first, in a series of steps – delivering pay alignment and merit increases.

A Phased, Intentional Approach

Here's a look at the progress we've made through September in our total review of pay:

• Late 2024: Across-the-board pay adjustments to most employees – nursing and non-nursing – were made, in addition to performance-based merit increases and Care Share awards. The majority of our employees received one or two pay increases during that time.
• May 2025: Modernized our pay ranges to ensure nearly all employees are eligible for increases in base pay rates. This change impacted thousands of employees directly and improved our ability to hire new team members and provide meaningful promotional increases.

We are not stopping there.

Though we have begun with nursing, our focus, now, for all employees is on 1) awarding earned merit increases based on performance, 2) ensuring pay rates are appropriately aligned and correcting for any inconsistencies that may have resulted from the changes noted above and 3) adjusting pay rates based on changes in market.

Merit Increases (November 2025)
Performance based merit increases will be effective Nov.16, 2025.  As a result of the pay range update in May 2025, we were able to move employees, who have pay rates beyond the range max, to a position within the range so that they may receive increases to their base pay rates.

Pay Alignment Review and Adjustment (February 2026)
We are beginning the process of reviewing pay alignment to identify and address. Pay increases will be granted in February 2026, where needed.

Market Adjustment Review (Summer 2026)
After this year’s merit awards are distributed, we will immediately begin conducting a reassessment of our roles' market rates. This work will lead to individual market adjustments, where appropriate, in early summer 2026. 

Over the next several months, you will hear more about how we are building and sustaining a robust and effective pay program – taking us into 2027 and beyond. An intentional, methodical approach ensures that each individual’s pay is in line with the market and our values. This new process will be continuous, allowing us to keep pace with changing market conditions.  That means, each year, as part of a regular cadence of review, we will closely watch for changes in both the external market and internal conditions to inform future decisions about pay. By doing this annually, we hope to build your trust in the process and an understanding of our pay practices.

To make sure the process goes smoothly, please be aware of the following procedures for common badge issues:

• Misspellings: If your name is misspelled, contact the Badging department directly for a correction.
• Name Changes: For a legal name change, you must first submit a badge name change form through OnBase to HR. Once HR approves the change, they will notify the Badging department, which will then issue a new badge with your updated name. To reach OnBase:
  • Workday > Menu > Employee Resources > HR Tab > Employee Badge Request
  • This will lead you to an OnBase electronic form.
• Missing Badges or Incorrect Information: If you're missing a badge or the location on your file is incorrect (a common issue for employees in newer offices), please notify the Badging department.

Here are the instructions when the badges have been delivered:

Security will

• Activate badges when order received
• Place badges in envelopes according to location (Example ROB / Director)
• Print out Director specific badge listing and sign off sheet and include envelope.
• Provide larger departments electronic file also
• Deliver to listed Director / Designee who will be responsible for distribution to the employees.
• Security will also provide each Director/Designee the compliment of new sleeves for each envelope

Directors / Executive Assistants /Leaders / Designees

• Once you receive the badges, you may choose a designee to assist with distribution.
• Distribute badge and sleeve to employee and badge buddy if applicable.
• Collect old badge at time of issuing new badge.
• When all badges have been distributed, please sign the included sign off sheet and return with badges, according to the directions.

The Badging department encourages employees to reach out with any issues they encounter to ensure everyone has a correct and functional badge. To reach them, please email Michelle Skillin or call 682-885-4445. Click here for our CookNet page that offers the most updated information. 

This week, Security is distributing new badges at The Rosedale Office Building and the 901 7th Avenue building. Looking ahead, distribution of badges for Dodson Specialty Clinics will begin during the week of Sept. 29.

 What started as a small single location less than 5,000 square feet on Pennsylvania Ave., has now turned into a 50,000 square feet main office located in Fort Worth and four satellite locations across the state (Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas) equally over 90,000 square feet of mixed-use space used to facilitate care for the patients in the community. 

“We provide a vast array of services including nursing, rehab, respiratory therapy, pharmacy infusion & injectable services, custom mobility, orthotics and prosthetics as well as general durable medical equipment and supply services,” Brady Gendke, Vice President of Home Health Operations said. “There is a lot to offer and there is no shortage of patients needing the services we offer.” 

Over the last 10 years, Cook Children’s Home Health has processed and completed over: 

• 99,000 nursing referrals
• 95,000 rehab referrals
• 102,000 pharmacy referrals
• 112,000 orthotics and prosthetics referrals
• 3,200 custom mobility referrals
• 475,000 medical equipment and supply referrals  

Joel Murray, a nearly 10-year veteran to Home Health, said he did not come from any medical background before working. His journey began as a consignment driver then shifted in 2021 to his current position as a Custom Mobility Technician.  

“My favorite part of working at Home Health is getting to be creative within my position and seeing the results firsthand how our Custom Mobility department helps the families that we serve,” Murray said. “The Assisted Technology Professionals and technicians on our team are incredible human beings that are here to help people have better lives. I'm very thankful to be able to team up with them each and every day.”  

The growth of Cook Children's Home Health represents the expansion of meeting our Pinky Promise. For 25 years, the team has been bringing life-changing care directly to children's homes. As they look to the future, the mission remains the same: to go any distance to bring expert care and hope to those who need it most. 

View our photos from the celebration below: 

For two decades, the residents of Las Vegas Trail (LVT) in west Fort Worth have lived in a food and health care desert. The slow decline of the area since the 1993 closing of Carswell Air Force Base—once the economic anchor of the neighborhood—made the community vulnerable to poverty and crime. As a result, access to quality health care, nutritious food sources, safe community spaces and economic stability became a thing of the past.

But the tide is turning.

Today, the new neighborhood health center serving the Las Vegas Trail area opened its doors and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bringing a fresh wave of safety, health and nutrition resources to Las Vegas Trail residents. The center is a first-of-its-kind partnership between JPS Health Network, Cook Children’s Health Care System, The City of Fort Worth, LVTRise and WestAid. More than just a clinic, it serves as a health care hub, connecting individuals and families to services that support every facet of well-being, from personal safety and medical care to food security, financial stability, and strong family foundations.

“This project represents a major strategic investment in the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood, demonstrating our commitment to this vital part of our community,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “The partnership between Cook Children’s, JPS, the City of Fort Worth, LVTRise, West Aid, and many others is a groundbreaking model for comprehensive community care. We are establishing a best practice here, and Fort Worth’s innovative approach will be a model for other cities.”

The Butterfly Effect

Every fall, a new batch of monarch butterflies migrates south through the heart of Texas to fir forests in central Mexico, often traversing the state along the 1-35 corridor—one of the most heavily traveled monarch highways. It is the first and only time this generation of butterflies will make the migration. Somehow, without any prior experience, they know the way, making them a unique symbol of strength, resilience and hope that guests will see reflected throughout the neighborhood health center serving the Las Vegas Trail area. From a colorful outdoor mural that greets guests as they arrive to the butterfly mobile that hangs in the lobby, the monarch and their natural habitats inspired much of the facility’s design.

“We learned through the construction research of this project that this area is actually located along the path of the monarch’s migration pattern every year,” said Veronica Tolley, Cook Children’s vice president of Primary and Specialty Services. “Most people in the community probably don’t realize this, but it’s something that we wanted to highlight, celebrate and build a sense of community pride around. It reflects that there's something unique and beautiful happening here.”

The monarch is also a reflection of how a single small action can spark lasting change. There’s a saying that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil can set off a tornado in Texas. In other words, even the smallest action can set off a chain of events that make a big impact. It’s a concept known as the “butterfly effect,” and this same principle is at work in the story of the new neighborhood health center.

It all began with the pioneering efforts of LVTRise, a non-profit dedicated to the revitalization and sustainability of the Las Vegas Trail community. The organization officially got its start in 2018 following months of talks between community members, city leaders, business owners and concerned neighbors who shared a vision for addressing the lack of health, safety, and sense of community in the area. This meeting of the minds stirred the air and ignited a movement. What began as a grass-roots effort to restore vitality to the Las Vegas Trail community rippled outward and ignited a wave of transformation, leading to the creation of the RISE Community Center in 2020, and now, the establishment of the neighborhood health center.

For Fort Worth City Councilman Michael D. Crain, the hope of a revitalized Las Vegas Trail is personal. This area isn’t just a part of his district. It’s a place filled with fond childhood memories of visiting his aunt when she lived in Las Vegas Trail during its heyday in the 80s.

“I have seen the great resiliency of the people who call Las Vegas Trail home,” Councilman Crain said. “They care about their future and that of their children. We cannot allow another generation to slip deeper into poverty. The neighborhood health center is a critical step in improving their present and protecting their future through access to desperately needed resources identified in our Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Transformation Plan, which is full of ideas and recommendations for improvement that came straight from the residents who live there.”

The Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Transformation Plan, a state-of-the-community report published in 2022 and shaped largely by the voices of community members, outlines the needs of the residents, gaps in community resources and ideas for the neighborhood’s renewal. This plan played a key role in shaping the vision of the new neighborhood health center and the collaborative efforts that brought it to life.

“We have dreamt of this type of project to come true and to see it actually happening is really exciting,” Tolley said. “To see the staff, the leadership and the various stakeholders throughout Cook Children’s ready to pour into this community, it feels like I’m living my dream.”

Together, We Rise

Every partner of the neighborhood health center serving the Las Vegas Trail area provides a service that supports one or more of the building blocks of health and well-being, such as safety, economic stability, health care, behavioral health counseling, and access to food and nutrition education, all in one convenient location. Together, these organizations and services make the center a one-stop shop where residents can access everything from cooking classes and a food pantry to job training, mental health services and medical care for children and adults. 

“The collaboration that has gone into this center is what truly makes it so special, and I’m really honored to say that Cook Children’s is a part of it,” said Rick Merrill, president and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System. “The best part is that the residents have been a huge voice and guiding light in the transformation happening there, even helping us envision and paint a beautiful mural at the new facility. Their fingerprints are all over this project, and will continue to guide how we evolve in this space to best serve them.”

Cook Children’s will provide well-child checks, sick care, childhood immunizations, pediatric behavioral health care, food and nutrition education, and assistance navigating the health care system and community resources. JPS Health Network will provide family medicine health services for adults and children, as well as behavioral health, women’s health, on-site laboratory services, social work and more. Although JPS Health Network and Cook Children’s have been Tarrant County mainstays for well over 100 years, this is the first time the two have partnered to offer comprehensive health services in one facility.

“The JPS partnership with Cook Children’s symbolizes the significance of public, private partnerships,” said Karen Duncan, M.D., M.B.A, president and CEO of JPS Health Network. “The center represents our priority to better serve our patients and the community. Together, we will provide critical health and social services to improve much-needed access in the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood.”

Partners in Purpose and Progress

About 32% of Las Vegas Trail residents live below the poverty level, according to the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Transformation Plan. Many depend on food assistance to feed their families, such as that from WestAid Food Pantry. Now, community members can access WestAid at its new home at the neighborhood health center serving the Las Vegas Trail area.

Just steps away from the food pantry is the center’s commercial-sized demonstration kitchen, staffed full-time with a Cook Children’s dietitian. Anchored by a spacious island designed for gathering, this kitchen will host cooking classes and nutrition workshops that empower guests to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals for themselves and their families. Together, WestAid  Food Pantry and the demonstration kitchen help connect the dots between nutrition and the role it plays in overall health and well-being.

According to the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Transformation Plan, roughly 1% of the City of Fort Worth’s population resides in the Las Vegas Trail area, yet it accounts for roughly 4% of the city’s crime. However, current neighborhood policing initiatives are beginning to show positive results. Both crime against people and crime against property numbers in the area are trending down, according to Sergeant A.S. Owen, Fort Worth Police Department’s West Division Lincoln District NPO. One of those initiatives is the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, a crime-prevention collaboration between the police department and apartment managers aiming to reduce crime, drugs and gangs on apartment properties. A new Fort Worth Police Storefront located at the center will serve as the home for the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, as well as a space for West Division officers to complete reports and regroup between patrols.

Several other community resources and businesses play a role in supporting the programs and care that will be provided at the neighborhood health center. 

Tarrant County College will lead an on-site workforce development program designed to give residents a pathway into the job market, including employment opportunities at Cook Children’s Health Care System and JPS Health Network. Funding from Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County will provide support services, such as paid internship opportunities, and childcare and transportation assistance for individuals in the workforce development program. Several local organizations will provide instruction in the center’s demonstration kitchen, as well as community health education classes and resources.

Nurturing Neighborhoods

With the opening of the neighborhood health center serving the Las Vegas Trail area, Cook Children’s now has nine neighborhood health centers throughout Tarrant County. Each is located in areas where residents are met with multiple barriers to accessing care, including limited transportation, food insecurity, language or literacy barriers, and a lack of awareness of available resources and how to navigate them. These neighborhood health centers serve as primary health care homes for children, as well as access points to broader specialty services within Cook Children’s Health Care System.

Many of those who visit a Cook Children’s Neighborhood Health Center depend on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for health care coverage, including thousands in the Las Vegas Trail area. A little more than 40% of Las Vegas Trail area residents rely on public health insurance, with another quarter having no health insurance at all, according to the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Transformation Plan.

In 2024, children in this neighborhood accounted for more than 4,000 visits to Cook Children’s Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centers for primary health care needs, not emergencies or urgent situations. An additional 7,000 visits were made to Cook Children’s other neighborhood health center locations, none of which are easily accessible from Las Vegas Trail.

Now, these children and families have a place to call their health care home, with services tailored to the community’s unique needs.

“Cook Children’s Health Plan covers close to 6,000 children and pregnant women with Medicaid or CHIP in the Las Vegas Trail community,” said Karen Love, president of Cook Children’s Health Plan. “For so long, this area has been a health care desert. Our members have had to travel outside of their neighborhood, sometimes taking multiple buses to get to a medical appointment. So the investment of bringing that care close to them is what I’m most excited about.”

Because so many Cook Children’s Health Plan members live in the area, the health plan will have staff on-site to help connect members with Medicaid services. For the first time, the health plan will house a dedicated community health worker at the center to assist both health plan members and non-members in navigating the health care system, social services and community resources.

“Most of our interactions today with our members are over the phone, but many of these families have lots of things going on in their lives and sometimes they need the opportunity to sit down face-to-face with somebody and talk through their needs and concerns,” Love said.

30 Days of Wellness

To help residents feel at home and discover all that the neighborhood’s new health hub has to offer, on Aug. 6, the center will kick off 30 Days of Wellness—a month-long celebration of community, connection and care. Every weekday through Sept. 5, visitors will find hands-on demos, health screenings, safety workshops, nutrition classes and more, all hosted by Cook Children’s and trusted local partners.

Programming includes diabetes education, parenting tips and tools, art activities for children, assistance applying for Medicaid and CHIP benefits as well as the JPS Connection program, substance abuse and mental health resources, nutrition education, oral health information and more. Click here for a calendar and complete list of daily activities.

You can learn more about the new center and its services, classes and events on Cook Children’s website.

Just a few years earlier, orphan trains rumbled through Texas towns, carrying vulnerable children westward seeking new homes and opportunities. In Fort Worth, amidst the challenges of a growing frontier town, individuals and families opened their hearts and homes to these children. Some specifically chose to take in the sickest among them, the ones with special needs, or those whom others might have overlooked. It was a poignant time in the nation’s history, but that legacy of compassion would soon inspire a new kind of home for vulnerable children—a place devoted to healing and to a Promise to improve the health and well-being of all children in its care and communities.

A lot has changed in a century. Orphan trains are a thing of the past, replaced with child welfare services that aim to keep children safe and families together if possible. Camp Bowie is now a boulevard bridging history and commerce; the Stockyards are an entertainment hotspot showcasing cowboy culture; and Fort Worth’s population is nearing 1 million, making it the 12th largest city in the country.

But one thing remains the same. The spirit of embracing the vulnerable and offering hope to those most in need still runs deep in the heart of this community. Through all of Cowtown’s transformations, Cook Children’s has risen to meet the needs of the moment—expanding its campus, evolving its technological capabilities, and adding services to improve the health and well-being of all children in its care.

Today, Cook Children’s begins a new chapter in its 107-year history of hope and healing by breaking ground on the site that will soon see the rise of a new 760,000-square-foot patient care tower, currently referred to as the West Tower.

“About 59 people move to this area every day,” said Stan Davis, president of Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth. “To keep pace with this unprecedented growth, we must also expand. This isn't just about getting bigger. It's about ensuring we can continue to be that steadfast home for every child who needs us. It's about equipping our exceptional doctors and nurses with the leading-edge tools they need, providing a comforting space for our tiniest patients, and offering a sanctuary for our sickest children.”

Expanding the Blue Peaks
The addition of the West Tower will enhance Cook Children’s Heart Center, already home to the nation’s top pediatric cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons. The growth, which includes two new dedicated cardiovascular operating rooms, paves the way for Cook Children’s surgeons to perform life-saving heart transplants.

The West Tower also makes way for the expansion and redesign of Cook Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Designs for the new PICU focus on two key elements for supporting healing and improving the patient and family experience—sunlight and privacy.

Over the past decade, studies have shown that a lack of natural light and loud environment can increase the risk for what doctors call ICU delirium, according to Kyle Brown, M.D., PICU co-medical director. It is a common occurrence in intensive care settings, especially those like Cook Children’s current 20-year-old PICU where there are few private rooms and natural light is hard to find.

“Some kids that come into the ICU after a serious injury are thinking clearly and know 100% where they are and who their family is. Mentally, they are their usual selves,” said Linda Thompson, M.D., co-medical director of Cook Children’s PICU. “Then, with a few days of not sleeping well, with pain medicine on top of that, and being stuck in bed, they can start to get confused. They don’t recognize people as well and they can start to see things that aren’t there. This is considered ICU delirium.”

One Patient’s Experience
For former PICU patient Emerson Bellucci, it only took 24 hours for the delirium to set in.

In 2024, Emerson spent 36 days in Cook Children’s PICU following a rare and life-threatening allergic reaction to the common antibiotic Bactrim. The reaction damaged her lungs so severely she required life-support via extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO. It is the most advanced form of life support available. Essentially, an external artificial lung. A pioneer in her own right, Emerson was one of very few patients to remain awake and even walk around while on ECMO. Most are fully sedated during this life-supporting treatment.

In the initial days of Emerson’s PICU stay, she and her family shared space with 42 others healing from severe and traumatic injuries and illnesses. In her case, Emerson was separated from neighboring patients only by a curtain. The sights and sounds of every other patient’s monitors, machines, televisions, and even the cries of an infant patient, often interrupted her sleep and added to her own anxiety about her illness. The lack of natural light caused her to confuse her days and nights.

“There were no windows to notice it was night and we were supposed to be sleeping,” said Ashlee Bellucci, Emerson’s mom. “I think that was the beginning of her delirium that really set her pattern to where she was up a lot at night. As a mom, you’re up with her, too. So it was hard.” 

Despite the best efforts of Cook Children’s PICU staff to institute daytime quiet hours for napping, simulate nighttime hours with low light settings, and minimize disruption while caring for a neighboring patient, the scenario described by Dr. Thompson and experienced by Emerson happens over and over again.

“When we have increased delirium, that increases the length of time that patients spend in the ICU and the length of time that they spend in the hospital,” Dr. Brown said. “It also leads to what we now call post-intensive care syndrome, which is something that both patients and families can experience after they leave the ICU. This includes things like PTSD and anxiety.”

Once Emerson was placed on ECMO, she was moved to a more private, enclosed space in the current PICU. While it had a small window that helped regulate her sleep, it did not have a private bathroom. Emerson’s parents still had to trek to the family waiting area for showers and restroom breaks.

“Having to walk down the halls in my pajamas to the bathroom was very inconvenient,” Ashlee said. “But I think one of the hardest things was shower time. Her dad and I had to plan showers around when doctors would be visiting so that we could be sure one of us was there. I felt like a college kid in a dorm taking all my things, and having to go down and sometimes wait for a shower. Inevitably, you would forget something.”

The design of the new PICU aims to change that.

“Instead of making families feel like they're coming into our place, we need a way to make it feel more like home for them and more like we're actually entering their space,” Dr. Brown said. “That's really what creates a more healing environment for the patient and family,” Dr. Brown said.

Hope Lights the Way
In the redesigned PICU, every patient will have a fully enclosed private room with a window, as well as a private bathroom. A sliding glass door with a curtain for privacy will shield patients from the sights and sounds of their neighbors’ care and machines, while allowing the medical team to keep a close eye on their patients. Quiet sleep will go uninterrupted by the commotion of a middle-of-the-night admission of a new neighboring patient. Parents and young patients can focus on their own healing without the added trauma of witnessing the circumstances of others. When the sun rises, patient rooms will be drenched with natural light, awakening their souls to the hope of a new day.

“I think the first time I noticed the little window it just reminded me of outside and that I won't be stuck here forever,” Emerson said about the more private ICU space she was moved to while on ECMO. “Having a window definitely increased your mood. Having sunlight is just like a happy thing.”

New Frontiers
The West Tower will be a place where Cook Children’s charts new frontiers in medical research, ensuring that every step forward in patient care is informed by the rigorous pursuit of knowledge. While Cook Children’s already has 300 open clinical trials, as well as 500 ongoing studies, the expansion of services like Cardiology and Pediatric Intensive Care opens new doors for even more research that advances medicine and shapes the quality of care.

Take cancer treatment, for example. Over the past 50 years, research-driven protocols have decreased the five-year mortality for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia—the most common pediatric cancer— from 80% to 5%, according to a 2021 article published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

“The centers that do research have higher, better quality numbers than the centers that don’t," said William Stigall, M.D., Cook Children’s chief research officer. “Research is one of those things that make you better at everything, and the robust space and technological capacity of the new tower will give us the capacity to do even more.”

Design Through the Eyes of Others
Planning and design of the West Tower is a collaborative effort between staff, patients and the design and construction teams.

“We have thought long and hard about what is important to us and our patients,” said Melodie Davis, DNP, RN, CENP, Director of PICU, ECMO and Dialysis at Cook Children’s. “For several months we have gathered input from our team and our patients. Bringing together evidence from literature on how PICUs can create healing environments with our lived experiences and collaborating with the construction team is truly a dream come true. Our patients, their families, and our staff have so much to look forward to.”

Today, Emerson and her family joined Cook Children’s executives, members of the board of directors, city officials and community supporters to turn the first shovels of dirt on the site of the future West Tower. Construction is expected to take five years.

“This groundbreaking of the West Tower is not just the laying of concrete and steel. It is a powerful continuation of the pioneering spirit,” said Rick Merrill, president and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System. “It is a tangible manifestation of our enduring commitment to the future, a bold step driven by the same courage and vision that defined Fort Worth from its earliest days.”

Fast Facts

• The West Tower will seamlessly integrate with the existing medical center floor by floor.
• The services/units moving to the West Tower will make way for the expansion of Hematology/Oncology as well as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which will grow from 106 beds to 143.
• The Heart Center will gain two new operating rooms, a third cardiac catheterization laboratory for advanced diagnostics and interventions, 14 additional cardiovascular intensive care beds, as well as a new Step-down Unit for transitioning care as heart patients heal. All Heart Center inpatient services will be conveniently located on one floor in the new tower, from procedure prep spaces, to operating rooms and special procedure areas, to the Cardiovascular ICU and Step-down Unit.
• In addition to the Cardiovascular Operating Rooms, the West Tower will house eight new operating rooms. Two will be specifically equipped for Orthopedic surgery and two for Neurosurgery.
• The redesigned PICU will feature 56 private patient rooms with private bathrooms.
• Anticipating future growth, shell space will be included in the build.

In honor of Nurses Week, Cook Children's nurses were recognized in the Great 10 Ceremony. More than 70 of our nurses were nominated for this award, with 10 earning top honors. Please read short excerpts from the nominations of the 10 winners.  

Congratulations to the honorees:

Aly Anthony MSN, RN, CPN 

“Our patients are so lucky to have her as their team nurse. She always goes above and beyond to make them feel comfortable. One of the small, but effective, ways she does this is by making sure she has sticker sheets that reflect something the child likes at each visit. I am so thankful she is a part of my team.”

Katie Carpenter MSN, RN

“This nominees leadership style is primarily one of leading by example. To that end, she serves as a role model to other nurses by having a positive outlook in even the most difficult circumstances and by treating all members of staff and patients/families with respect and kindness.”

Alyssa Dilbeck RN, BSN

“Anyone who follows behind her knows she does her work thoroughly and to the best of her ability, always putting the patient's safety at the top of her agenda. She is certainly an asset to her unit, adding knowledge and experience to her unit team. When you talk to this nurse, you can tell she loves her job and has followed her calling.”

Tara Drake, MSN, RN

“The strides that this nurse has made for her patients and their community is inspiring and has advanced access to life-saving treatments for medically complex conditions. She has rallied a team of passionate providers together and reduced barriers in their delivery of care, through her expert leadership skills. Most importantly, this nurse has shared hope, compassion, and love for her role all along the way and we are so grateful to work alongside her.”

Stacey Henley, MSN, RN, CP-SANE, SANE-P

“What I respect the most about this experienced nurse is her commitment to continuous learning and development of others. She stays current with technology, research, and treatments, and she shares this knowledge through mentorship of junior colleagues, including early career physicians like me. She takes time to support, challenge, and encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals to improve the quality of the care they provide.”
 

Natalie Palau, MSN, RN

“They prioritize creating tools and processes that ensure families feel respected, understood, and supported during their healthcare experiences. This nurse’s interdisciplinary approach to care reflects their commitment to delivering holistic, family-centered care for children with complex medical needs. By fostering a culture of compassion within the healthcare setting, they promote inclusivity, understanding, and trust, enhancing both patient and family satisfaction.”

Valerie Shorten, BSN, RN

“This nurse exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to improving pediatric care. Their journey is an inspiring testament to their perseverance and passion for nursing. As a bedside NICU nurse, this nurse delivers exceptional care while continually advancing their knowledge and practice.”

Kaitlin Smith, MSN, RN

“She goes to extreme lengths to find care and surveillance for parents who have no insurance but need cancer screenings. She is always eager to learn about the types of resources to benefit her families.”

Blair Sweeney, BSN, RN, CPN, CPHON

“When I think of a compassionate caregiver, this nurse is at the top of the list. She is someone that meets our patients and families right where they are, every single time. She has a way of facilitating conversations with our patients and families where they feel seen, heard, and cared for on some of the most challenging days of their lives.”

Christina Tan, BSN, RN

“This nurse exemplifies what it means to be a role model, blending advanced knowledge, boundless energy, and an unwavering commitment to improving pediatric nursing care. As a bedside nurse working with pediatric patients on an inpatient psychiatric health unit, they consistently demonstrate excellence in patient care and innovation in evidence-based practice.”

Daisy Nurse Leader Award:  Seraphie Hammond – 4P/EMU

Happy Nurses Week! See our photos from the ceremony below. 

We are proud of each and every one of our nurses for being a shining example of how we work to fulfill our Promise every day.

Noah Sullivan, Environmental Safety Manager was honored as this year's Employee of the Year for mid-sized hospitals at the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Annual Luncheon.

Noah began his commitment to public safety in the United States Marine Corps infantry where he was deployed on combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He then moved back to Fort Worth, his hometown, and has worked at Cook Children's for just over 14 years.  Noah's career here began as a Security Officer. He was promoted to a Safety and Security Training and Exercise Coordinator in 2019 and has been his in current role since August 2023. 

Noah said he was shocked to receive the nomination but extremely grateful to win and be included with an audience full of healthcare professionals from various backgrounds. He added that working in pediatric healthcare and learning from his mentors including Joe Spangler, David Hollar, Kaysey Pollan, Nick Markham, Natalie Wilkins, have made him feel fulfilled personally and professionally. 

“When my name was called, I felt immensely proud and honored. However, when I took the stage to receive the award and say a few words I felt a considerable amount of humility,” Noah said. “Everything for the child. That is what empowers me to give Cook Children's my best. In my opinion, it is a motto that unites all of us, regardless of profession or department. We all work here to support that common goal.”

Noah's leadership extends to multiple safety-focused teams, where he coordinates with clinical leaders, administrative staff, support services, and over 150 department safety liaisons.  Moreover, he regularly develops safety training tutorials and leads group classes to provide extra guidance to members of his team. Beyond his regular duties, he dedicates his time to actively learning from and participating in officer trainings and active shooter drills to enhance his knowledge and support his team.

Kaysey Pollan, Director of System Preparedness and Continuity said Noah quickly became a leader in the field of safety when he began his career at Cook Children's. She acknowledged Noah's eagerness to not only teach others but also constantly learning and trying to expand his knowledge for the betterment of our system. 

“Noah fulfills are Promise every single day. He is committed to the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff. He takes initiative, demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities in tough situations, and encourages collaboration. Noah excels in conveying the ‘why’ behind the work that he does; he has helped the organization understand that safety is more than just implementing rules and regulations,” Kaysey said. "We are so proud to have him within our department; and celebrate him being recognized by this well-deserved award.

Natalie Wilkins, Vice President of Operations at Cook Children's Medical Center said she has seen Noah's growth throughout his career and knows he will continue to succeed in the future. 

“Noah inspires others through his hard work and dedication. He fosters incredible teamwork because of his collaborative approach, demeanor and expertise in his field. He is also a tremendous example of the growth that can occur at Cook Children’s; Noah’s commitment to Cook Children's and growing here is inspirational and I know big things are ahead for him,” she said. 

Noah said his drive to support the Cook Children's Promise intensified when he had children of his own. Currently has two small children and he recently brough his 18-month-old son to Cook Children’s Urgent Care in Fort Worth for a broken leg and saw the commitment to the children in action. 

“The staff was incredible, and they cared for him like he was their own. Our subsequent appointments were equally amazing, and it absolutely filled my heart to see the great care our staff provides from the perspective of a parent. I feel that our shared mission to give the best possible care in the safest possible environment is what empowers all of us to do the work that we do,” he said. 

The luncheon had a pool of over 150 nominees for this prestigious award with several nominees rooted at Cook Children's Health Care System. These nominees included: 

Nominees: 

• System Employee of the Year: Marquietta Jones, Program Coordinator, Center for Community Health 
• Cook Children's Medical Center FW Employee of the Year: Noah Sullivan, Environmental Safety Manager, Cook Children's Medical Center-Fort Worth
• Cook Children's Medical Center- Prosper Employee of the Year: Clifford Ho, PharmD, Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, Cook Children's Medical Center- Prosper
• Physician of the Year: Michael Deitchman, MD, Pediatrician, Hurst Primary Care, Cook Children's Physician Network 
• Preceptor of the Year: Sarah Ogasian, RN, Emergency Department, Cook Children's Medical Center-Fort Worth
• Preceptor of the Year: Carley Maples, RN, Cardiac Stepdown Unit, Cook Children's Medical Center-Fort Worth

Congratulations to Noah and all our nominees and thank you for your dedication to the Cook Children's Promise of improving the well-being of every child in our care and our communities. 

Get ready for a fresh look and improved functionality with our exciting new employee badges! This isn't just a cosmetic update; it's a thoughtful redesign driven by your feedback and a commitment to making things clearer and more secure for everyone – especially our patients and their families.

This summer we will transition to a badge that's not only visually aligned with our updated Cook Children's branding but also packed with improvements:

• Leading-Edge Tech: Say hello to improved security! Our new badges will incorporate the latest technology with advanced encryption on badge readers, ensuring a safer environment for all.
• Crystal Clear Identification: We've listened! For all employees up to and including mangers, badges will now display their first name and last initial, making introductions smoother and more personal. Directors and above, as well as our dedicated clinicians, will continue to have their full names displayed. Security will also maintain their current first and last name format.
• Simplified & Streamlined: Embracing our new branding, the badges will feature a cleaner, more readable design. We're also focusing on clarity by limiting the information to a maximum of three essential credentials.
• Badge Buddies! We're excited to roll out a consistent and color-coded system of badge buddies. These will serve two key purposes:
  • Easy Identification: Helping patients and families quickly identify our clinical and patient-facing team members.
  • Credential Clarity: Clearly displaying designated credentials for staff and leaders.
• Badge Buddy Guidelines: Expect color-coded and clearly spelled-out credentials. We're actively building this list, and Directors have the opportunity to submit recommendations for edits or additions.
• Seamless Rollout: We've partnered with a vendor to bring these badge buddies to life, and the initial round will be covered by this project. Department leadership will play a key role in ensuring these are purchased, distributed, and used consistently.

What's Next?

Keep an eye out! A select group of employees will be beta testing these new badges in early May. Their valuable feedback will help us finalize the timeline for printing and distribution. We'll share more details on this as soon as we have them.

Want to Know More?

Head over to our “Employee Badge Redesign” page on CookNet for more in-depth information.

This badge redesign is a collaborative effort, and we believe it will significantly enhance both our operational efficiency and the experience of our patients and families. Stay tuned for more updates!

We have begun an important refresh project on the south side of the 4th floor in the main building.

To minimize potential noise disruption during this project, we are implementing temporary patient unit relocations. This is being done to maintain a calm and restful environment for all patients.

Temporary Patient Unit Relocations:

• Patients currently located on 3 South will be temporarily moved to 3 North for approximately 5 weeks.
• Patients currently located on 3 North will be temporarily moved to 5 South Tower (5ST) for approximately 5 weeks.

Continuity of Care:

• No Change in Clinical Care (3 South Patients): 3 North is equipped with the same technology access necessary for our cardiology patients. Therefore, the essential clinical care provided will remain consistent.
• Consistent Nursing Staff: Nursing staff from both 3 South and 3 North will be relocating with their patients to the temporary units. This ensures that patients will continue to receive care from the nurses who are most familiar with their individual medical needs.

Thank you for your understanding.

M. Scott Perry, M.D.

Most of Dr. Perry’s attention has focused on the Endowed Chair program since taking on the new role in October 2024. He continues as Head of Neurosciences at the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, and medical director for the Genetic Epilepsy Clinic at Cook Children’s.

The scope of Faculty Development puts Dr. Perry in collaborative partnership with the Research Administration Office and the Endowed Chair process. The Cook Children’s Foundation provides funding that enables the 10 Endowed Chair physicians to develop programs, participate in clinical trials and do groundbreaking pediatric research. 

Dr. Perry mentors Endowed Chair recipients and future applicants to help design and overcome barriers to their research protocol, plan specific aims, clarify what they hope to achieve and calculate their budgets. During the application season for Endowed Chair last fall, he provided guidance to help applicants fashion and articulate their proposals in the best way possible.

“I got involved quickly with all the people who had applied,” he said. “I reviewed their proposals and tried to give them feedback how to structure the specific aims and the method to obtain the research, to hone in on that and help them connect with the right people to understand what the budgets should look like.” 

 

William Stigall, M.D., Chief Research Officer at Cook Children’s, applauded the addition of Dr. Perry’s expertise to the Endowed Chair program.

“He has the experience of having been an incredibly successful Endowed Chair, the heart of a teacher and scientist, and the vision to bring the EC program to the next level,” Dr. Stigall said. “With his help, future applicants will have a trusted guide and mentor to help shepherd and shape their applications.”

Dr. Perry wants to use his experience to help others formulate their ideas and craft their pitches in wording that resonates with those who award research dollars or administrative approval.  Down the road, the role could expand to include strategic vision planning for departments.

His takeaway so far? It’s been interesting and great fun to be a mentor who helps researchers navigate their hurdles. He works in the position two days a week.  

Faculty Development complements the Advanced Healthcare Leadership program, a partnership with Texas Christian University that develops and trains leaders on the medical staff at Cook Children’s.

Dr. Perry wants his CCPN colleagues to know that he’s available to help them formulate plans for successful projects and programs. He’s a point person, in other words.

“The big categories people will think about are the Endowed Chairs and the multidisciplinary clinics. But there could be other things. People could be hoping to apply for a grant outside of the Endowed Chair and just want some input on what they're writing, what they're proposing, the design. I'm available to help with those kinds of things as well.”

This is an exciting time for research at Cook Children's, he pointed out. Awareness is growing about the innovative leading-edge work our staff undertakes. And more emphasis is being placed on creating an intentional research strategy for the organization, Dr. Perry said.

“There's a lot of untapped talent in our faculty. They just need some support and resources to reach their full potential and to get their ideas off the ground. That's what I'm here for.”

To find out more about Faculty Development or to propose a research idea, reach out to Dr. Perry.

Melissa’s journey reminds us that nurses are essential in shaping health care policy. Whether through board service, professional organizations, or everyday patient advocacy, we have the power to make a difference. Thank you, Melissa, for your dedication to nursing and for sharing your experience with us! If you see Melissa, thank her for advocating for patients, families, the community, and you – our nursing workforce.

In this interview, she shares her journey from bedside nursing to board leadership, the impact of her role on nursing practice, and how other nurses can get involved in advocacy.

Q: Can you tell us about your journey in nursing and what inspired you to become an LVN?

I was a stay-at-home mom until my three children all started school. That is when I began my path to becoming a nurse. My stepmom, Betsy, was a Colonel in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and always encouraged me to pursue a career in nursing.

Q: What motivated you to pursue a Texas Board of Nursing role, and how did the appointment process unfold?

A Board Member contacted me to ask if I might be interested in serving on the Texas Board of Nursing. It has truly been an amazing experience for me both personally and professionally. To become a board member, you must be appointed by the Governor of Texas with the consent of the State Senate. I had an interview with my district Senator, and if chosen by the governor, the appointment must then be confirmed by the State Senate. The Board consists of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), and consumer members (who are not medical professionals). We have members with various levels of education and experience.

Q: What are your key responsibilities as a Board of Nursing member, and how do they impact nursing practice across the state?

The mission of the Texas Board of Nursing is to protect and promote the welfare of Texans by ensuring that each licensed nurse in the state is competent to practice safely. As a board, we meet quarterly, but we also have additional meetings throughout the year focused on disciplinary actions and legal matters. The Board oversees licensure for RNs, LVNs, and APNs, as well as the accreditation of nursing education programs in Texas. We investigate complaints and violations of the Nursing Practice Act and advocate for necessary legislative changes to keep nursing regulations current and relevant.

Q: Can you share an example of a policy or initiative you’ve been involved with that has made a meaningful difference in nursing practice or patient care?

As board members, we make important decisions at every meeting. One of the most rewarding aspects is reviewing and approving new nursing programs and ensuring students receive quality education. I’m always surprised by some of the programs that attempt to gain approval in Texas, but we closely monitor them through staff visits, NCLEX scores, and routine reviews.

Another exciting development has been the growth of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As of January 2025, 43 jurisdictions participate in the NLC, allowing nurses to hold one compact state nursing license and practice in other participating states. This initiative has been transformative for nursing mobility and patient care access, especially as the NLC celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Q: What advice would you give to nurses who are interested in getting involved in advocacy or policy work?

Get involved in professional organizations! Consider serving on the Texas Board of Nursing, joining the Texas Nurses Association (TNA), or supporting the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN). TNA organizes a yearly event called Nurse Day at the Capitol, which is happening this year on March 3-4.

TPAPN also needs Peer Support Partners, which is a great way to give back. As nurses, we engage in advocacy every day, whether by caring for patients and families, educating the public, or acting as patient liaisons. I also encourage my colleagues to get involved in Cook Children’s pediatric nurse education opportunities and groups.

Never stop learning! There are so many opportunities for continuing education, and the TBON website is a great resource.

Q: What’s one thing you wish more nurses knew about the Board of Nursing and its role in supporting the profession?

The Board of Nursing is a large agency staffed by some of the most dedicated people, all working hard for the citizens of Texas and for Texas nurses. It has been incredibly rewarding to learn about the daily work being done on behalf of our profession. It truly is an honor to serve on this Board.

Q: Outside of nursing and board service, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I’m a proud grandmother and love spending time with my grandchildren. I’m also an animal lover and have recently taken up kayaking, it has been so much fun!

Do you know a nurse who deserves to be featured in an upcoming issue of The Nurses’ Station? We’re looking to highlight nurses for their excellence in clinical care, mentorship, advocacy, community involvement outside of Cook, or any other outstanding contributions that should be shared with our nursing community!

Contact the Center for Nursing Excellence: cne@cookchildrens.org

Name: Rebecca Brovina, BSN, RN, CPN

Department: Research Data Science and Analytics (RDSA) with the Exercise Respiratory Center in Prosper

Title: Research Nurse Coordinator

 Years at Cook Children's: 2.5 years

What does this honor mean to me? To me, this honor means that I have been able to make a difference in the lives of patients and coworkers. As caregivers, sometimes it can be difficult to keep going. We are highly empathetic people causing us to burn ourselves out and develop compassion fatigue. To be awarded this honor means to me that the tears I have cried, the days I have made myself sick over my patients, caught their viruses, sat in silence with a mom as she cried over her child, treated a patient as my own when they had no family left, cried with them when they were told they will never walk again, and then cheered for them when they defied science and walked anyway, have made a difference and have been noticed. To make a difference in just one patients life is all I’ve ever wanted, to be recognized on a level such as this is beyond what I ever dreamed. As I complete my Master’s in Health Sciences this May, I hope I can use it to advocate for our patients on an even larger scale.

What do I love most about working at Cook Children's? When I began working at Cook Children’s in the Prosper PICU I was astounded by the teamwork and collaboration. Every single person was willing to be flexible and jumped in to help each other without ever being asked. Many times, the bedside nurse had so much help during admissions they would have nothing they would need to do other than be with the patient. Going from a place where I did admissions and discharges solo leading to falling behind in patient care to an environment and culture of a unit and team that acts as all the patients are their patients regardless of the assignment was incredible. Moving into research, a totally new specialty I’ve had to learn, has been the same experience. I work with a team that is understanding of gaps in knowledge and not only willing to teach me but excited to teach me. I couldn’t have entered a better transition into research than I have with Dr. Andy Kreutzer and Dr. John Robertson. A culture that approaches learning with respect is a rare thing and I am grateful to have found that.

What value means the most to me? I have always been passionate about patient safety. When I began my career here at Cook Children’s I started in the Prosper PICU as a charge nurse before the medical center opened. As a charge nurse, and part of the first staff for the Prosper Medical Center, I was able to assist with developing standards of care and processes we would use. Safety was always number one on my list, from room set up, to where supplies were stocked, to how and when we transferred a patient, creating patient assignments, and always being in the room to help. Sometimes that meant difficult conversations and strict advocacy. Most importantly, it meant effective teamwork, constant communication, and reorganization of assignments to ensure all patients are cared for and not only do our patients feel safe, but so do the staff members caring for them. Moving into research, patient safety remains my top priority. Being a part of the world’s first Continuous Bronchoscopy during Exercise on a pediatric patient with the Exercise Respiratory Center I was able to develop the safety plan by communicating with the ER, PICU, pharmacist, and house supervisors to ensure we were prepared should the patient need critical care. If I were ever in the shoes of my patients, I would hope someone behind the scenes was advocating for my safety as much as we do.

A Highlight from Rebbeca's Nomination Letter:

What are this individual’s leadership qualities?

"My nominee has a gift that is so rare in all leadership be it corporate, medical, government or community. She carries the same tone of voice and value for every person she encounters. She talks to people above her title with the same respect and colleagueship that she does with people on her own level and below her station as well. She is gifted at challenging herself and organization to be the best version possible in a way that does not make anyone feel threatened or anxious about stretching to grow and be best practice health care workers.

Teaching is a great gift my nominee has. She is gifted at narrating care and helping a patient and family member understand why she is giving the care they are receiving. Likewise, she is very communicative with Nurses she is mentoring to teach and narrate in a way that creates safe space for learning and them asking questions.

My nominee is the definition of a lifelong learner and so she is always asking insightful questions and empowering fellow Nurses and Techs to find their voice to do that also. She is very detail driven and takes no shortcuts to ever do the job less thorough. She gives every patient and every duty every step required. She never seeks to do less.

Among interdisciplinary staff she is as valued as among her Nursing team. She teaches us what patients need are each day and what they are facing that day."

Full name with credentials: Cameron “Cammie” Elise Larson, MSN, RN, CCRN, LSSGB

Dept. where you work: Pediatric ICU (PICU)

Full title: Clinical Nurse Leader

Years at Cook Children’s: In June it’ll be 17 years, 16 as a nurse in the PICU

 What does this honor mean to you? Some of the people I most respect in the nursing profession have received this award and to be named on this list and join in their ranks is an honor I do not take lightly. For a peer to take the time to write a nomination means a great deal, let alone a nomination that gets selected to receive an award. I have read a few winners’ nominations in the past and it takes a significant amount of thought and care that should be an honor in and of itself. It means that someone looked at what I see as just doing my job and felt it was deserving of recognition- and that others agreed.

What do you love most about working at Cook Children’s? I love that Cook Children’s has provided me a well-supported position to directly affect positive change. After 12 years of bedside nursing, I was able to step into a new role affording me time to work on improving processes and patient care practices while maintaining bedside skill. The relationships I had and have since formed have strengthened across the medical center to help break down barriers and make meaningful improvements. As rewarding as it is to know my impact can reach beyond my unit, my incredible PICU team is the unshakeable foundation on which everything I do is built. These people are the reason I come back to tackle the ever-present challenges and to whom I ultimately feel accountable.

 What value means the most to you and why? (Collaboration, Safety, Kindness, Respect, Generosity and Imagination) A lesson I learned a little late- but not too late- into my nursing career is that you can be doing wonderful things for your patients, for your peers, for outcomes, etc., but if that “wonderfulness” is siloed, it’s a loss. Collaborating with providers, bedside nursing peers in different units, any relevant discipline in different departments within the hospital is necessary to reach the most cohesive, evidence-supported outcome. Collaboration means our patients and their families receive the most up-to-date care by staff who can trust their direction came from the subject matter experts who advocated for them in the process. It also means understanding. I have had the chance to witness how understanding other departments’, disciplines’, and units’ work and workflow can positively affect virtually every aspect of our interactions.

A highlight from Cammie's Nomination Letter: 

How has this individual been a role model?

"This nurse is an exemplar and an invaluable resource for all staff in her unit – and the hospital! Her wealth of experience and welcoming, approachable demeanor make her the go-to person for guidance, support, and solutions. Whether the questions relate to nursing care, equipment, ideas, or innovation, this nurse is a steadfast problem solver and role model. What truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to improvement. She organized a novel program called Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Safety Rounds, a multidisciplinary initiative to identify and address safety issues at the bedside proactively. 

This evidence-based program has had a measurable impact on patient safety and quality of care, improving practices such as timely central line dressing changes, endotracheal tube safety, and appropriate pain medication coverage. Her dedication to sharing her knowledge is equally noteworthy. She presented her work on ICU safety rounds at the National Society of Pediatric Nurses Conference and internationally at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Conference in England. 

Beyond this, she is currently writing a manuscript on the positive outcomes of a project she co-led to reduce pediatric pressure injuries related to cervical collars. Her influence and expertise extend far beyond her own unit. She is an integral member of our hospital-wide Policy and Procedures Council, where she leads efforts to ensure patient care policies are evidence-based, practical, and realistic for bedside nursing. Her commitment to quality improvement, innovation, and mentorship resonates throughout the hospital, improving the care delivered to every child."