Nurses Grow Professionally at Texas Children's

The largest expansion in the history of Texas Children's Hospital is creating new opportunities for learning and advancement throughout the hospital for nurses at all levels, including special training for nurses transitioning from adult nursing to pediatrics.

It's also giving nurses the chance to make a difference in the lives of children from throughout the world.

Texas Children's is committed to creating and maintaining a work climate where nurses experience personal and professional growth. The hospital offers generous tuition reimbursement and flexible schedules to employees returning to school, as well as several internship, fellowship and other educational programs.

"Everyone here was supportive of my schooling, and I received great benefits, from tuition reimbursement to a book scholarship," said Melissa Layton, a registered nurse in the Texas Children's Operating Room. "During my first year of nursing school, I worked here in the evenings and went to school during the day. The flexible schedules really met my needs."

The skills of advanced-practice nurses help provide continuity of care for Texas Children's patients and their families. The hospital offers nurse practitioners scholarships and fellowship programs in neonatology, oncology and critical care.

"The mentorship of nurses is very strong, so we are able to expand our horizons professionally and academically," said Pat Alcoser, a certified nurse practitioner in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of the Texas Children's Cancer Center.

"We are encouraged and supported in research, publications and presentations at national conferences," Alcoser said. "It's very rewarding to be published or to complete a project that will make a positive impact in the overall care that we give our patients."

In addition, the Texas Children's multidisciplinary-team approach ensures patients receive the highest-quality care. Patients benefit from the combined talents and expertise of the hospital's staff of physicians, nurses and other professionals.

"When I moved to Texas, I knew, hands down, Texas Children's was where I wanted to work," said Stephanie Mosely, a registered nurse in the Texas Children's Emergency Center. "I love that there are so many different people - physicians, nurses, child life specialists, social services - working together for one cause - the patient. It is a true team approach."

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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