Healing Hearts: Empowering Pediatric Critical Care Providers
Healing Hearts
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and is intended as a training tool for Children's Nebraska personnel. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Each patient is unique and information provided in any educational forum must be tailored to each patient's unique situation. By recording this podcast, neither Children's, nor any provider, is engaged in the practice of medicine, nursing or any other health care service. All rights to this podcast are reserved. Copyright Children's Nebraska 2018.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 8, 2026 • 10min
Acute Viral Myocarditis
In this episode, Dr. Laura Ortman, MD, Critical Care Pediatrics talks about Acute Viral Myocarditis - how it presents, what causes it, how we treat it, and what outcomes to expect.
Jan 1, 2026 • 21min
Introduction to Meditation with Holly Baynes
Start the New Year with Mindful LivingJoin Holly Baynes, Nurse Practitioner in Cardiothoracic Surgery, for an insightful session on meditation and its impact on your well-being.Holly brings special training from HeartMath, teaching you how to access a healthy, high-performance state called heart coherence—a balance of mind and emotions that:Reduces stressImproves clarity for better decision-makingEnhances overall resilienceYou’ll also learn about heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback and the science behind meditation. Plus, stay tuned for future meditation episodes with Holly!
Jan 1, 2026 • 4min
Meditation with Holly Baynes
Meditation for Heart Coherence with Holly BaynesTake a few minutes to reset with this guided meditation led by Holly Baynes, Nurse Practitioner and HeartMath-trained practitioner. This session helps you achieve heart coherence—a state that supports stress relief, emotional balance, mental clarity, and resilience. Perfect for mindfulness, heart health, and overall well-being.Background music provided by Sydney Timmons, Music Therapist at Children’s Nebraska, who uses the power of music to support healing and emotional well-being for patients and families.
Dec 15, 2025 • 11min
BeInvolved Story: Camp Hot Shots
Listen in to Melissa Shade, Endocrine Registered Nurse, and Molly Paskach, Diabetes Clinical Educator at Children's Nebraska tell their story of running and working at Camp Hot Shots, a camp for pediatric patients diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Listen in to hear their passion about their work and creating this wonderful summer experience for their patients.
Dec 4, 2025 • 12min
Hero Story: Barb Schwarz
We are proud to hear from a beloved team member at Children’s Nebraska, Barb Schwarz, who shares the story of her 46 years of service before her retirement in December 2025. Barb, who most fondly remembers her many years in the OR as a nurse, leaves a legacy of passion and care for the patients and families at Children’s Nebraska. Listen in as Barb reflects on her journey and shares her hopes for the future of Children’s Nebraska.
Dec 1, 2025 • 6min
BeInvolved Story: Jessica Haywood
At Children's, we get the opportunity to spend time in service of others within the community through our BeInvolved community volunteering program. The BeInvolved community volunteering program empowers our team members to demonstrate the same kindness, care and compassion that we demonstrate daily to our patients, families and colleagues and extend that to our community. Listen in to hear Jessica Haywood, Director of Clinical Operations & System Integration at Children's Nebraska, as she shares her BeInvolved story.
Nov 17, 2025 • 10min
Hero of Heroes: Amber
In our tenth episode of this storytelling series, meet Amber Phipps, Vice President Patient Experience & Regulatory Readiness at Children's Nebraska. Be inspired by her story of allyship from her hero and how this has guided her career and leadership philosophy.
Nov 1, 2025 • 9min
Hero of Heroes: Jerry
In our ninth episode of this storytelling series, meet Jerry Vuchak, EVP Chief Information & Innovation Officer at Children's Nebraska. Be inspired by his hero and her leadership amidst a crisis and how that guided his career.
Oct 15, 2025 • 9min
Cardiac Lesion Series: Cor Triatriatum
Discover the rare cardiac defect, Cor Triatriatum, as Dr. Laura Ortmann shares how it shaped her journey in pediatric cardiac intensive care. Explore its embryology, the challenges in diagnosis, and the risks of postoperative complications. Learn about the management of low cardiac output and the importance of preventing pulmonary hypertensive crises. Dr. Ortmann also highlights the promising recovery prospects for patients post-repair, making for an insightful and inspiring discussion.
Sep 2, 2025 • 45min
WeThrive 2025 Fall Magazine Bonus Episode with Sheri
In this bonus episode, we share the inspiring journey of Sheri, a former administrative assistant in Child Life and Healing Arts. Though recently retired, Sheri generously shared her story with us before stepping into this new chapter. She reflects on finding strength, balance, and resilience in the midst of life’s challenges—offering a powerful reminder that even in seasons of uncertainty, hope and healing remain possible.🎧 Listen to Sheri’s full story here, and explore the abridged version in the Fall 2025 issue of WeThrive Magazine.
