Stronger Together: Teamwork in Action in Texas Children’s Fetal Center
At Texas Children’s, the health of mothers and their babies is a top priority. The Texas Children’s Fetal Center team thrives under the guidance of three exceptional leaders: Aimee Jackson, Erika Fisher, and Kimberly Hase. Each leader brings unique skills and experiences, creating a powerful force for patient care.
A Fetal Center Trio Embracing Teamwork
Aimee Jackson’s 13 years at Texas Children’s have been marked by her transformative leadership and strategic vision. As Director of Ambulatory Services MFM-Fetal, she has been instrumental in growing Texas Children’s Fetal Center, a program providing comprehensive care for women and children. “Aimee’s dedication to her patients and team is unparalleled,” says Erika. “She fosters a culture of collaboration and respect.”
Assistant Clinical Director Erika Fisher’s admiration for Aimee’s leadership brought her back to Texas Children’s after some time away. With a background in operations and military service, she brings a unique perspective and keen eye for efficiency to the team. “Erika is a servant leader who is always present and engaged,” says Aimee. “She listens for opportunities to streamline workflows and centers patient care.”
Erika’s impact is evident in the development of a comprehensive staffing matrix and a team expectations training tool. “The team has responded so well, feeling understood and heard as each group participated in the development for their area,” Aimee adds. “Erika is a driver of change.”
Kimberly Hase, Ambulatory Nurse Manager of our Fetal and Infusion Centers, brings a wealth of clinical experience and a nurturing spirit to this leadership trio. “Kim is a self-driven and transformational leader who empowers her team to grow and contribute meaningfully,” says Erika. “Her ability to dive into a specialized clinical component, absorb it, and implement change is remarkable.”
Kim’s leadership style is both hands-on and inclusive, creating a supportive environment for her team. “My job is to solve operational challenges so my nurses can concentrate on their clinical responsibilities,” Kim explains. “This means they can be fully present for their patients, guiding them through difficult times with empathy and expertise.”
Together, these leaders’ diverse experiences and backgrounds complement each other beautifully. Their teamwork is the backbone of holistic healthcare delivery in maternal-fetal medicine. Each brings something unique to the table, and together, they create a comprehensive support system for our patients.
Leading by Example: The Power of Mentorship
A culture of mentorship is deeply ingrained in the leadership styles of Aimee, Erika, and Kimberly, who recognize that fostering talent and paving the growth trajectory for individuals significantly impacts the outcomes of the entire system.
“Mentorship is about teaching and inspiring others,” says Erika. “It’s about investing in people, seeing their potential, and helping them grow. This not only benefits the individuals but also strengthens the entire team.”
Aimee agrees, adding, “When we invest in our team, we invest in the future of patient care.” She believes mentorship empowers others to take the initiative and contribute meaningfully. “If you don’t mentor, then you’re just an authoritarian,” she explains. “We have a large team. If everyone waits for me to do everything, we’re not going to be successful.”
Mentorship within the Fetal Center team is not just a theoretical concept; it’s actively practiced. Aimee and Erika regularly mentor their colleagues, guiding them through complex challenges and helping them develop their skills.
Kim highlights how this culture of mentorship extends to all levels of the team. “As a manager, it’s refreshing working in an environment where my ideas are heard and respected,” she says. “This openness encourages my team to bring their ideas forward as well, fostering continuous growth and innovation.”
Cornerstones of Success in Patient Care
Regular meetings between the leadership team and staff ensure that communication lines are always open, and that the team is continually evolving to meet the highest standards of care. “Our leadership team has put together documents covering everything from diagnoses information to scheduling tips. They have created tools to ensure that our workload is kept fair and accurate,” says Fetal Center Nurse Stephanie Creighton.
The leadership team’s accessibility and mentorship help nurses in our Fetal Center thrive in a supportive environment. “Any time we have a question or concern, we can approach any of our leaders and get advice and support,” Stephanie shares. “They are truly a great group.”
Kimberly Hase’s leadership has been particularly impactful in streamlining processes to give nurses more time with patients. “When Kimberly became the manager of the Fetal Center, she assessed the amount of time we were spending in meetings each week. She adjusted the number of meetings and made them more efficient,” explains Nurse Kelley Jett. “This allowed us to focus more on patient care and be available for our Fetal Center patients. Kimberly also strives to make our workflow processes easier and less time-consuming by quickly identifying problems and resolving them.”
The accessibility and support of leadership makes a tangible difference in patients’ and their families’ lives as well. In one recent case, a mother from another state faced financial difficulties securing housing while awaiting the birth of her baby with a complex condition. Through the team’s efforts, temporary accommodation was arranged, alleviating her stress. In another instance, a patient with a rare blood type required multiple intrauterine blood transfusions for her unborn child. The leadership team played a crucial role in coordinating the challenging logistics, including the search for compatible blood donors among the patient’s family members who traveled from abroad to be tested.
When leaders are deeply invested in both their team and their mission, the results are transformative. As Aimee, Erika, and Kim continue to mentor, innovate, and collaborate, our Fetal Center team sets a high standard for excellence in maternal-fetal medicine at Texas Children’s. They embody the belief that in healthcare, as in all things, we are truly strongest when we work together.
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