Romper: Get to Know the Hospital That’s Giving Children Back Their Childhood

Romper: Get to Know the Hospital That’s Giving Children Back Their Childhood

At Scottish Rite for Children, we are committed to providing quality, patient-centered care to every child who comes through our doors. Whether it is a condition that only requires monitoring, or a diagnosis that involves complex and ongoing care, our team is here for your child.

Read more about how we are giving children back their childhood in this recent Romper article. 

WFAA: Born without hands, Desmond Blair turns challenges into something beautiful

WFAA: Born without hands, Desmond Blair turns challenges into something beautiful

Desmond Blair, a former hand patient and current Scottish Rite Hospital employee, has spent much of his life surprising people with his artistic abilities. Despite his hand difference and people’s doubts, Desmond followed his longtime dream of being an artist. Now he produces beautiful artwork that is sought after throughout the country.

Watch WFAA’s feature on Desmond to learn more about his story.

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Jennifer Bowden RN, Clinical Manager, Ambulatory Care, Orthopedics

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Jennifer Bowden RN, Clinical Manager, Ambulatory Care, Orthopedics

Meet Jennifer – clinical manager of Ambulatory Care who works closely with our scoliosis patients. Get to know more about her in our #SRHstaff Spotlight below.​
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The patients! The daily opportunity to help our patients and their families never gets old.
 
What’s your favorite thing about the hospital?
It’s a tie between the staff and the patient population.

Describe a typical day.
As soon as I get to work, I am checking email and messages in order to prepare for the day. I am continuously touching base with staff to make sure everyone has what they need to complete their day and take care of their patients. Throughout the day, I work on several different patient situations and communicate/coordinate the needs of our patients to/with the entire hospital. Meetings, meetings, meetings are also a big part of my day!
How long have you been working at the hospital?
12 years.
 
How did you find out about the hospital?
I was a patient here from birth to 18 years of age. I loved coming to the hospital when I was a patient. I had a leg length discrepancy and Hemihypertrophy. I had surgery with Dr. Birch when I was 13 years old. Scottish Rite Hospital was a big part of my childhood!
 
What made you want to work here?
My experience as a patient and my love and respect for the hospital. 
 
What skills do you need for your job?
Communication, coordination, creativity, flexibility, patience and kindness. Of course, sharp nursing skills are definitely required!
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My very first job was working at a sales associate at Pier 1 Imports. I had always admired people in health care when I was younger. I had a family friend that was a hot shot OR nurse and she inspired me to become a nurse. Nursing is something that I was meant to do! I have been at the hospital since I graduated from nursing school. I worked on the Inpatient Unit for eight years prior to coming down to Ambulatory Care.
 
What is your favorite…

  • Hospital event: ALL of our Christmas events
  • Food in the cafeteria: Fried shrimp and chicken parmesan
  • Place in the hospital: Inpatient Unit and the playground
What’s your favorite…

  • Place to travel: Florida
  • Type of food: Junk food
  • TV show:The Office

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Rewind!
 
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I had always wanted to be a marine biologist when I was a kid. The ocean and marine life fascinate me. As I got older, I quickly realized becoming a nurse would be awesome! I learned how nursing could provide a stable, diverse and rewarding career.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Becoming a mom

What’s the last book you read?
I’ve started about three or four recently, but haven’t finished any of them!

What kind of animal would you be?
An elephant or a crab. Elephants are so smart and protective of their families. Crabs are independent and cute!
 
How long is your commute? What do you do on the drive?
I live in Lewisville. It takes 30 minutes to get to the hospital. I chat with my daughter and most of the time we are singing to our favorite songs. Lately we’ve been singing along to The Greatest Showman soundtrack!
 
What is something people don’t know about you?
I’m a very picky eater! People are always shocked at how picky I am.
 
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Manic Monday” by the Bangles