L&D Nurse Brings Joy and Compassion to Texas Children’s Families
Labor and delivery nursing is a role that demands technical skill, emotional resilience and deep empathy. At Texas Children’s Hospital, Alexandra (Alex) Flaherty exemplifies all of these qualities and more. Her work at our Pavilion for Women in the Texas Medical Center goes beyond the expected, weaving joy, kindness and creativity into every patient’s experience. Filled with dedication and heart, Alex reminds us of the profound impact nurses have on countless lives.
The Path to Her Dream Role
Alex’s journey to Texas Children’s began with word-of-mouth endorsement from a colleague. “A nurse that worked at Texas Children’s came to the hospital where I was working,” Alex recalls. “She started talking about the amazing culture and the acuity of the patients. I thought, ‘I have to get there.’”
Despite a delay due to the pandemic, Alex’s commitment never wavered. She began at Texas Children’s in October 2021 and has never looked back. “I tell everyone I will never be leaving here. It’s like Disney World, and it still feels like that to me,” she says. “It’s an honor and a privilege to work here.”
Bringing Extra Love to Families
One of Alex’s most recent and cherished contributions to Texas Children’s is photographing holiday babies. It started simply, with a visit from the hospital’s marketing team before Thanksgiving. “They mentioned taking photos of holiday babies, and I thought, ‘Well, what do we have for them to wear?’ So I got online and bought swaddles, bows and other cute things to make it special,” Alex shares.
From there, a new tradition grew. During the holiday season, Alex collaborated with fellow nurse Katie Gonzales to dress and photograph newborns born on Christmas and New Year’s Day at our North Austin Campus. Now, Alex is focusing on our Houston Valentine’s Day babies. “The staff really gets into it, and the patients love it,” she says. “Even families who prefer not to have photos shared publicly love the memories. I’ll take pictures on their phones so they have holiday keepsakes.”
For Alex, it’s not just about taking cute pictures. “Sometimes we’re caring for very high-acuity patients. This tradition brings joy and celebration, even in the midst of challenges,” she explains.
Empathy in Every Moment
Alex has the ability to connect with families, no matter the situation. She’s witnessed the most joyous and occasionally the most agonizing moments in her patients’ lives. “It can be heartbreaking at times. We sometimes see very difficult situations,” she says. “But even in those moments, I see so much love. Partners supporting each other, families coming together—it’s truly beautiful.”
She recalls one instance of caring for a patient who endured hours of labor before requiring a C-section. Despite the late hour and her shift officially ending, Alex stayed to help the family dress and photograph their baby. “They became part of my family that day,” she says. “It’s those moments of connection that mean the most.”
On particularly hectic days, Alex and her team find creative ways to lift each other’s spirits. “The unit can get very busy with deliveries, transfers, ICU status patients and add-on inductions,” she says. “Sometimes we’ll do a boba run or have a cake delivered to keep our energy up. Even during those tough times, I wouldn’t want to be surrounded by anyone else. My team has truly become my family.”
Alex and her teammates pose with "snow baby," playfully created during Houston's January 2025 snow event.
The Difference at Texas Children’s
Alex credits much of her ability to go above and beyond to the supportive environment at Texas Children’s. “I’ve never felt so supported by leadership,” she says. “If you notice something or have an idea, you can speak up, and they’ll listen. They genuinely care about both patients and staff.”
This culture of care extends to emotional support. “We had a maternal death almost three years ago, and it was incredibly hard,” Alex shares, tears welling in her eyes. “Leadership immediately stepped in with emotional debriefs and continued to check on us. They made it clear that our mental health matters.”
Alex also highlights the opportunities for professional growth at Texas Children’s. “Our leadership encourages us to pursue ideas and offers mentorship to help bring them to life,” she says. “For example, I had the chance to volunteer at our Placenta Accreta Workshop, where I worked alongside Dr. Hennie Lombaard and other amazing team members. It was such a rewarding experience.”
Spreading Joy, One Baby at a Time
Alex’s holiday baby photography is just one example of how she contributes to our community of care and embodies Texas Children’s values. Whether she’s crafting tiny bow hats, filling out patient care cards or staying late to comfort a family, her actions speak volumes about her dedication and compassion.
“Families come to us from all over the world, often for highly specialized care. We want them to feel supported and valued—not just as patients but as people,” Alex says. “It’s about showing them that we care, in every way possible.”
Her sense of humor and creativity also shine through in the lighter moments. Alex and Dr. Courtney Wang organized a unit bake-off, complete with a trophy made from a bedazzled speculum. “It was such a hit that we’ve kept the tradition alive,” Alex says. “It’s just one of the ways we bring joy to the unit.”
Join Us and Be the Difference
Alex’s story is a testament to the incredible impact nurses can have, particularly when they’re part of an amazing team. If you’re inspired by Alex’s dedication and heart, consider joining Texas Children’s Hospital. Explore career opportunities and discover how you can Be the Difference today.
