Week of February 17, 2025
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
This week I’m focusing on two words: celebrating and preparing. Let’s start off with the celebration.
Last week, Houston Methodist ranked no. 3 on Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers 2025. This marks the sixth year we have received this prestigious recognition. Houston Methodist ranked among the best in key areas, such as career development, reputation, working atmosphere and conditions. Thank you to our incredible team for making Houston Methodist a great place to work.
Now on to preparation. As you all know, we are currently in our DNV window, and we expect a visit from the DNV surveyors soon. They will tour many areas around our campus and since this is an unannounced survey, the best way to prepare is to expect your area will receive a visit. This accreditation survey is important not only to our hospital from a quality and safety perspective but also to me personally. I know we all put our patients first, and I want the surveyors to see why HMSL is the best. Here are a few ways you all can prepare for the survey today:
- Ensure the overall appearance of your area is clean and organized
- Nourishment areas are clean
- Furniture coverings are free of tears, chips and peeling of wood/laminate
- Food and drink in appropriate locations only (no food at RN stations, no cosmetics)
- Storage areas are clean, tidy and free of dust
- Mobile computers on wheels are dust free, clean and free of tape residue
- Review emergency codes and processes
Finally, I want to encourage all of you to monitor Space City Weather this week. There’s still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast, but there is the possibility of freezing temperatures. It won’t be as cold as we experienced in January, and there won’t be any snow involved, but we want you to be alert so you can take care of your families and your homes.
Bundle up and stay warm this week,
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Hand Hygiene Bonus
Employees who are eligible for the hand hygiene bonus will receive the payment on Tuesday, February 18. View the amount for your entity. Learn more about eligibility rules for the payout.
Fasting and Wellness During Ramadan
Join the Arab Heritage employee resource group at noon on Wednesday, February 19, for an insightful virtual discussion with Mansoora S. Bhatti, senior clinical dietician, that explores fasting during Ramadan. Learn about the differences between intermittent fasting and Ramadan fasting, discover the health benefits and gain practical tips on staying nourished and energized throughout the month. Click here to join. Contact arabheritage@houstonmethodist.org for more information.
2025 Summer Volunteer Program
This Friday, February 21, is the final day for high school students to apply to the 2025 Summer Student Volunteer Program. Students ages 16 to 18 can apply online by clicking here. If you have any questions, call the Volunteer Services Office at 281.274.7127.
HMSL Community Ambassadors
This Friday, February 21, is the deadline to apply to become an HMSL Employee Community Ambassador. Our ambassadors help people access information they need related to the Neal Cancer Center at HMSL. Click here for more information.
41st DAISY Award Winner
Labor and Delivery Nurse Rebecca Moore is the 41st HMSL recipient of the DAISY Award. She was nominated by four families for her extraordinary care. Last week, Rebecca was surprised by her team in the Childbirth Center, who celebrated her along with senior leadership, her family and other hospital leaders. Two of the four nominating families also attended the surprise ceremony, to honor Rebecca and thank her for her care. The other two families sent her something via mail. Rebecca was selected out of 160 nurses. DAISY Award honorees personify our I CARE values. These nurses consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and compassionate care. Read the patient nominations here. Congratulations Rebecca!
Celebrate Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month with your creative works! With I CARE values in mind, submit art pieces, poetry or short literature that center around Black culture by Sunday, February 23. Your art will be reviewed for an end-of-month feature in the newsletter. We look forward to your creative expression! Submit your works to tsimmons2@houstonmethodist.org.
Black History Month in the Digital Library
Honor Black History Month with a meaningful read in our digital library. A few titles include:
- Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- Belonging: A Culture of Place by Bell Hooks
These and more digital reads are available in the HMSL collection via the Libby App. With nearly 150 titles, there is something for everyone – and it’s completely free. Simply log in with your HM credentials in lieu of a library card. Happy reading!
Valentine's Celebration
Thank you to everyone who came out last Friday and celebrated Valentine's Day. Hope you all enjoyed the sweet treats courtesy of our Executive Leadership Team.
Talent Talk Tuesdays
If you want to get to the next level in your career, the Talent Talks program is for you. Schedule your 30-minute session with an HR Talent Consultant. They can help with resume building, interview coaching, mock interviews and career guidance. Sessions are Tuesdays from 1-5 p.m. Click here to register. This program is open to all employees.
IMAGINE Nurse Quality and Innovation Symposium
The 2025 IMAGINE Nurse Quality and Innovation Symposium is scheduled for Thursday, May 8. This year’s theme, "Innovating the Fearless Future of Nursing," reflects our focus on embracing challenges, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and fostering a culture of evidence-based practice to advance patient care and empower nursing professionals. Click here for more information and to register.
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, February 18: Hand hygiene bonus payout
Thursday, February 20: Employee Health Clinic closed until 1:30 p.m.
Friday, February 21: Last day to apply for HMSL Employee Community Ambassador Program. More information.
Friday, February 21: Last day to apply for 2025 Summer Student Volunteer Program. More information.
Monday, February 24 - Friday, February 28: I CARE Recharge. More information.
Wednesday, February 26: Neuroscience Grand Rounds - Domestic Violence and Trauma Informed Care
Friday, February 28: Deadline for nominations for Salute to Nurses. More information.
Friday, February 28: Go Texan Day
Friday, March 7: Deadline for nominations for 2025 Nurses Week Awards. More information.
Sunday, March 9: Daylight saving time begins
Monday, March 17: Houston Methodist Cypress's Grand Opening
Friday, April 18: Good Friday
Thursday, May 8: 2025 IMAGINE Nurse Quality and Innovation Symposium. More information.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Friday, February 21: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Saturday, February 22: @ Utah Jazz
Tuesday, February 18: Mary J Blige, Toyota Center
Saturday, February 22: Dirty Dancing in Concert, Smart Financial Centre
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Life has no limitations, except the ones you make."
-Les Brown
Join The HMSL-CEO Corner Facebook Page
If you are an HMSL employee, you can join the employee-only Facebook page. Join us as we celebrate promotions, graduations, hospital events and more! Click here to join the fun.