UTMB Nursing Services

03/31/2026

🎉 We’re celebrating an incredible achievement by our nurse residents! 🎉

Last week, at the 2026 Vizient Nursing Programs Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, four of our former nurse residents expertly presented their Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) poster, “White Noise and Rest Promotion in Pediatric Intensive Care.”

Please join us in congratulating Sasha Ortiz, RN, Lorin Madera, RN, Alejandra Flores, RN, and Emily Svoboda, RN, for representing UTMB Health with excellence and professionalism.

We also applaud Emilee Mendez, RN, and Joceline Cienfuegos, RN, for delivering a podium presentation on their EBP project, “Resuscitation with Balanced Crystalloids in Critically Ill Patients,” sharing meaningful research and advancing evidence-based nursing practice on a national stage.

We are incredibly proud of all our nursing residents who presented and their dedication to innovation, research, and exceptional patient care!

03/27/2026

📢 Designers needed for UTMB's upcoming Earth Day Recycle in Style Show!

Strut your stuff sustainably, next Friday, April 3rd from 12-1 PM at Moody Medical Library Plaza.

Garments must be created from 100% recycled or reused materials, should be runway-ready and remain workplace-appropriate. Designers may submit individually or as part of a team.

Whether you’re an experienced designer, a DIY enthusiast, or simply passionate about eco-friendly fashion, now's your chance to design and submit a one‑of‑a‑kind recycled garment for the runway.

If you’re interested in participating or would like more details, please reach out to utmbearthday@UTMB.EDU

Not a designer? No problem! There's more to do at UTMB's Earth Day Celebration, happening from 11 AM-1 PM, including a tree seedling giveaway!

03/26/2026

✨ Now Accepting Nominations! ✨

The Marshall‑Watson Award for Excellence in Preceptorship celebrates outstanding UTMB Nursing Service Nurse Clinicians who go above and beyond in their role as preceptors.

This award is a collaborative partnership between UTMB Nursing Service and the UTMB School of Nursing in Galveston.

It honors nurse clinicians who demonstrate excellence as educators and coaches, leaders and influencers, facilitators, evaluators, protectors, and role models—shaping the next generation of nurses through commitment and mentorship.

Nominations can be made by any UTMB employee or nursing student. If you know a preceptor who exemplifies excellence, we encourage you to review the eligibility criteria and submit a nomination by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 17th.

Help us recognize those who make a lasting impact!

Nominate a Nurse Clinician today at https://utmb.us/fgx

03/24/2026

03/19/2026

UTMB employees and eligible dependents covered under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) health plan have access to convenient telehealth services through MDLIVE.

MDLIVE provides virtual access to:
• Urgent care services
• Counseling and therapy
• Psychiatry services

For counseling and therapy, the BCBSTX plan includes:
• Coverage for up to one visit per day
• No copay
• No annual limit on the number of visits
• An average appointment wait time of 1–2 days
• Evening and weekend appointments available

Employees and dependents can enroll with their BCBS Benefits by visiting Welcome to MDLIVE or by downloading the MDLIVE app on a mobile device.
These services are designed to support timely access to care while offering flexibility to fit your schedule.

With MDLIVE you can have a virtual doctor visit with board-certified physicians from the comfort and convenience of your own home or from wherever you are, whenever you want – nights, after hours, weekends, and holidays.

03/10/2026

Please consider nominating a colleague today! Visit http://www.gsftx.org/excellence-in-nursing/ to submit your nomination. Deadline for all submissions is April 15th.

03/09/2026

To promote National Poison Prevention Week, the Southeast Texas Poison Center will host a Health Fair on Monday, March 16 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Wayne Johnson Community Center in La Marque.

This event is designed for senior community center members only and will feature local vendors, safety resources, and poison prevention education. If you would like to be a vendor please email Eugenio Alvarez at eaalvare@utmb.edu

Poison centers are free to call, confidential, and available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222

03/05/2026

Greater Gulf Coast Engage Me Series (GTX-GEMS) is the Place to Be!

You’re invited to join us in learning about interprofessional teams in all healthcare settings from UTMB and regional health experts!
~Sparking Conversations, Igniting Action, Building a Healthier Future Together~

Bringing together leaders from government, healthcare, education, industry, advocacy, and the community to address key health issues through an interprofessional approach and using open dialogue, policy advocacy, research, and public health initiatives

Topic: Healthcare Workforce Burnout
Panelists: Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Chief Executive Officer at Texas Nurses Association and Texas Nurses Foundation

Stacy A Ogbeide, PSYD, ABPP
Tenured Associate Professor Assistant Dean for Faculty Vitality, LSOM & Vice Chair of Prof Dev & Scholarship, FCM
UT Health San Antonio

Veronica Kwarteng-Amaning, PhD, MHA, RN, CCRN, NE-BC
Director of Patient Care Services & Assoc Chief Nursing Officer
TDCJ Hospital UTMB Galveston

Julie Griffith, MPH
Director of Wellness for the Academic Enterprise
University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston

March Topic: Healthcare Workforce Burnout Bringing together leaders from government, healthcare, education, industry, advocacy, and the community to address key health issues through an interprofessional approach and using open dialogue, policy advocacy, research, and public health initiatives.& #160...

03/04/2026

St. Vincent's Annual Benefit Concert

Annual Concert
Benefiting St. Vincent's Clinics
Thursday, March 5, 2026
The 1859 Ashton Villa
2328 Broadway Ave J
Galveston TX 77550
Social Hour 5pm
Concert begins 6pm
General Admission $30 // Student and Resident Admission $15 // Sponsorship packages available
To purchase tickets or donate please use the link below:

Join us for the 2026 Annual Benefit Concert!Enjoy dinner and a show at our Annual Benefit Concert, hosted at the 1859 Ashton Villa, a beautiful and historic landmark. This event will feature a talent showcase full of remarkable performances by local, talented community members, all coming together t...