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Jun 03, 2019 / Spotlight
Get to Know our SRH Staff: Marivel Cuevas, Ambulatory Care
What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis?
I am a RN coordinator for Dr. Rathjen and Dr. Ramo. I coordinate nursing care for medical, surgical, orthopedic and neurological patients, as well as the medically complex. I’m responsible for providing assessments, planning and follow-up for our patients. I facilitate and educate families’ pre and post-operative treatment plans to optimize patient outcomes. I am also involved in precepting new registered nurses and nurse externs as well as involved in several committees. In addition, I am a BLS (CPR) instructor here at the hospital.
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
I always wanted to be a pediatric nurse. As a nurse extern, I was able to attend both the spina bifida and arthritis camps and it was one of the best experiences of my life. You see what our patients go through on a daily basis and it makes you realize that no matter what challenges they face, they always do it with a smile. In their eyes, there is no disability...no limitations. I’ve been here for eight years.
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
One of the things that I enjoy the most about this hospital are the patients and their families. The role of an RN coordinator allows me to develop long-term relationships with families and their children, not just at a professional level, but also on a personal level. One of my patients that has infantile scoliosis is currently being treated with a Mehta cast. She has named her dolls after Dr. Ramo and I. She even named a cow stuffed animal after me. They brought me a cute cow with a Mehta cast the last time they were here for their cast. Some of our patients with infantile scoliosis are treated with Mehta casts. I work closely with these patients and their moms because we have to do cast changes every two months. I have a lot of happy tears when I call these moms to let them know how much their child's curve has improved. The surgeons here are also very easy going and friendly. They are approachable and truly hold the child’s best interest in mind. I never have to worry about dreading to come to work each morning because I actually look forward to it. I have the best co-workers and they are not just co-workers, but one big family.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
When I was a nursing student at The University of Texas at Arlington, I received an email about a nurse extern program at Scottish Rite Hospital. I decided to apply and was offered a role as the rheumatology nurse extern. I continued to work here PRN and came on full time after graduation.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to work on arts & crafts, relax and spend time with my family.
Three words to best describe you:
Passionate, loyal, patient
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Work at Chipotle. I love Chipotle, I could eat it every day.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
My husband once convinced me to go on a “short hike” in The Grand Canyon. The hike was supposed to be 14 miles long. We started the hike around 6 a.m. and didn’t get finished until 7 p.m.….it was not 14 miles long…more like 24 miles. I was so tired I even turned down dinner… my husband knew something was wrong.