Finding Her Place: A New Nurse’s Journey at Texas Children’s

Starting a career in healthcare as a newly graduated nurse is an exciting yet daunting experience. There’s excitement, hope and perhaps a bit of apprehension about stepping into a role where you can truly change lives.  

For Blair McGhee, a nurse in acute care at Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands, it also meant moving halfway across the country to pursue her dream. Since joining our team in July 2023, Blair has embraced the challenges and opportunities of working at one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, finding a strong sense of community and purpose along the way. 

A Leap of Faith and a Passion for Pediatrics 

Originally from Michigan, Blair completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2023. However, nursing wasn’t her initial career goal. Her first bachelor’s degree, in biomedical sciences, was part of a pre-med track. But working as a medical scribe in an emergency room reshaped her plans.  

“I realized I wanted to focus on hands-on patient care and build relationships with patients,” Blair explains. “That’s what led me to nursing.” 

Blair had never been to Texas when she applied for jobs, but the state’s warm climate and the reputation of Texas Children’s Hospital stood out. After being accepted into the Nurse Residency Program, she packed her belongings and moved—sight unseen—to start this new chapter with just her dog as her companion. 

“Moving to a new state and starting my first nursing job was a big step, but it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made,” Blair says. “I absolutely love my job, my coworkers and the culture here.” 

A Supportive Start at a New Job 

Navigating a transition to one of the top children’s hospitals in the United States was a rewarding experience thanks to Texas Children’s Nurse Residency Program and the welcoming team at The Woodlands. Blair recalls the apprehension she felt as a new graduate, knowing many nurses face difficult transitions at other hospitals.   

“You hear stories about older nurses not welcoming new grads, but my experience was the complete opposite,” she shares. “My preceptorship was about nine weeks, and I had so much support. The buddy system here is amazing, and there’s always someone willing to help or answer questions.” 

Blair quickly noticed the emphasis on safety and teamwork at Texas Children’s. Whether it was patient assignments or collaborative problem-solving, she felt her colleagues truly cared about setting everyone up for success.  

“Every day, even if I’m not in the best mood when I walk in, my coworkers and the culture here lift me up. We work as a team, and it’s helped me gain confidence in my role much faster than expected.” 

Finding Fulfillment in Acute Care 

Blair is currently working during the night shift in acute care at Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands. Despite the unconventional hours, Blair finds deep fulfillment in her work. 

“As nurses, we can make or break a family’s experience,” she notes. “It’s important to me that every patient and family feels cared for and supported.” 

Blair approachable and upbeat personality helps her connect with patients. Whether it’s explaining procedures to calm a frightened child or simply taking time to listen, she focuses on creating positive experiences. She recalls one particularly memorable patient, a young girl who often visits the hospital and struggles with anxiety. 

“She was so skittish at first, but by the end of her stay, we were best friends,” Blair says, smiling. “She even made me a thank-you card. Moments like that remind me why I chose this profession. It’s incredibly rewarding to know you’ve made a difficult experience a little easier for a child and their family.” 

Settling into Houston Life 

Blair’s move from Michigan to Texas was a big change, but she quickly fell in love with the area. “I love Houston because there’s always something to do. Coming from Michigan, where the winters are long and cold, it’s amazing to be able to go outside almost every day of the year. Whether it’s mini golf on a Tuesday night or checking out local restaurants with friends, there’s always something happening,” she says. 

Although she left family behind, Blair has found a new support system in her coworkers and friends. “Moving to a place where you don’t know anyone pushes you out of your comfort zone, but it also helps you grow. I’ve found some great friends here and built a life I truly love.”  

Looking Forward to Growth at Texas Children’s 

Blair’s future at Texas Children’s looks promising. She plans to continue building her clinical skills and eventually pursue a nurse practitioner degree. She has been inspired by colleagues who have successfully made the transition to advanced practice roles. 

“One of my preceptors recently became a nurse practitioner and stayed with Texas Children’s. Seeing her go through that process and knowing the hospital supports continuing education has definitely encouraged me to think about my next steps,” Blair says. “I want to gain more experience and confidence as a nurse first, but I know that when I’m ready, Texas Children’s will be there to support me.” 

Mentorship has played a crucial role in Blair’s growth, and she hopes to one day mentor new nurses as well. “Having people ahead of you who have been in your shoes makes a huge difference. It’s motivating and helps you see what’s possible.” 

Be the Difference 

New nurses can thrive and find a supportive environment at Texas Children’s Hospital. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced nurse looking for your next opportunity, we offer a place to grow, learn and make an impact. 

Discover how you can Be the Difference by exploring nursing careers at Texas Children’s or learning more about our Nurse Residency Program.