Kari’s Journey through Texas Health’s Graduate Nurse Residency Program
“I kept thinking to myself, this is my job and I get to do this every day.”
Kari McCord has been with the Texas Health family since 2004 and has cared for many patients and provided guidance as a nursing leader during her time here. Her journey started with the Graduate Nurse Residency Program, and she is now the associate chief nursing officer at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.
Fun Fact: Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano currently has three staff who matriculated through the Graduate Nurse Residency Program, starting as Associate Degree Nurses and are now Nursing Directors or in higher leadership positions. These amazing former Graduate Nurses include Kari and Vanessa Lozada, Emergency Department director, and Andrea Ansley, director of Nursing Administration. We love to see our Graduate Nurses grow their career with us!
Here’s a little more about Kari in her own words.
How did the Graduate Nurse Residency Program set you up for success as an R.N.?
The affiliation between Texas Health and my school program prepared me for my role as an R.N. in multiple ways. By being an employee, a student and completing my clinicals with Texas Health I was immersed into the culture, policies and practices of the organization. That gave me the tools needed to be successful, confident and prepared to tackle my new profession as a registered nurse.
What led you to select Texas Health’s Graduate Nurse Residency Program?
I was working through my prerequisites in preparation for applying to nursing programs when my aunt and uncle received communication through their employer, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, that a new program was in the works with Dallas County Community College. Texas Health and my school program offered current employees and relatives of current employees the opportunity to apply for their program. I applied and was accepted into the second cohort.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone just starting in the medical field?
I have so many things to tell my younger self, but I think the most important is to find mentors that can help you through the many levels of your career. Having someone who has walked the path you’re on, allows you to know that you’re not alone. Learn from them, don’t be too hard on yourself, seek opportunities and most importantly continue to challenge yourself along the way.
How do you perform your life’s best work at Texas Health?
I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing many phases of my career here at Texas Health. At the bedside, I was honored with caring for our laboring mothers and being a part of many birth stories. Supporting women through one of the most gratifying and terrifying experiences in their lives. As a nursing leader, I’m able to make an impact on a more global level, removing barriers, supporting teams through process changes and mentoring nursing leaders through their careers.
What is the most gratifying aspect of your work?
As a nursing leader, supporting the nursing team to provide compassionate, high quality care is a blessing. Nursing has evolved since I was a bedside caregiver, and their passion and dedication has truly been exemplary these last two years through the COVID pandemic. As nurses and a healthcare organization, our profession was pushed to a limit that many of us would have never fathomed. To see our caregivers come together and care for our patients in a vulnerable environment was remarkable.
Can you share a story about a patient interaction where you made a difference?
During my time at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, I was barely off my internship when I cared for a special family. It was their first baby and they were nervously excited. I came onto shift and took report. She was in early labor and I spent my night caring for her as she progressed. By the time my shift was coming to an end it was time for the delivery and I didn’t want to leave. We had worked so hard to get her the birth experience she was wanting. I stayed alongside her and was there for the delivery of their son. I worked again that night and went to see the family on the postpartum unit. When I walked in the room, I was flooded with emotions when I saw them. I kept thinking to myself, this is my job and I get to do this every day. They presented me with a book titled the “Kissing Hand”. This was the first book that they had bought when they found out they were expecting and wanted me to have one to share with my children. They wrote a note in the front expressing their gratitude for the care they received, my support through during their birthing experience and an overall thank you. This moment resonated with me as a newer nurse, and I took this moment to reflect on why I became a nurse. Texas Health’s Mission, Vision and Values are the many reasons why we are drawn to this career. I wanted to provide a place where patients feel safe, receive quality and compassionate care. For this family, I was able to provide that comfort we are all looking for as patients.
What is your favorite Texas Health benefit?
Beyond our wonderful benefits, Beneplace Employee Discounts is my favorite. It provides discounts for employees.
Published August 1, 2022
