Texas Children’s Awards First Nursing Sabbaticals

Two nurses from the nation’s largest, freestanding pediatric hospital are studying ways to reduce stress and improve competence in the neonatology and emergency care units.

Pearl Boone, a registered nurse in Texas Children’s Hospital’s Newborn Center, and Robbye Willoughby, a registered nurse with the hospital’s Gordon Emergency Center, are the recipients of the hospital’s first nursing sabbaticals.

“A sabbatical is a financially supported, time-limited leave provided to a registered nurse to complete projects that will enhance patient care and improve organizational performance,” said Myrtle Williams, director of clinical training and development. “We’re excited to see what these nurses learn and what we can implement to further enhance the quality of care, service and work life.”

The nursing sabbatical program offers registered nurses with at least 15 years experience at Texas Children’s the opportunity to meet individual professional goals while contributing to departmental and potentially hospital-wide performance.

Boone received $5,000 for her sabbatical project, which will measure how noise levels in neonatal nurseries impact stress levels experienced by health care professionals.

Willoughby received $15,000 for her sabbatical project, which will provide instruction and job aids to emergency center nurses and help them maintain their proficiency in select critical-care skills.

The sabbaticals are underwritten by The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s – the largest volunteer group at the hospital, which has actively supported the hospital since it opened its doors in 1954.

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