The STAR Squad is an Ambulatory float pool team staffed by RNs, LVNs, MAs and PSSs. The staff are full-time UTMB Health employees aligned with the values of UTMB and Ambulatory Operations.
The Squad was developed to support critical staffing needs across Ambulatory and designed to reduce the burden on staff while honoring the workforce. STAR Squad members receive training and mentoring to expand their skillsets to enable them not only to fill in when and where they are needed but also to open pathways within UTMB to further their own careers.
Employees are selected through an interview process that includes behavioral-based questions. However, staff across UTMB can get involved by sharing knowledge and experiences, acting as a mentor to team members or simply supporting the team's growth.
The STAR Squad supports the employees of the Health System by providing relief. STAR Squad staff are a bridge between each clinic and administration. They support process improvements and transformation and model the behavior and enthusiasm we hope to see in our clinics. The team consists of a diverse mix of well-prepared staff that bring disparate thinking. The team has many skills to share with others and is open to growth and learning.
The STAR Squad is a way for staff to expand their knowledge by learning about different departments, interacting with various personalities and building a network. There is continuous mentorship among the group, collaboration and emphasis on communication.
The team grows by gaining skills and new experiences while evolving their soft skills and emotional intelligence. The soft skills gained will continue to lead them to excel in their career path within UTMB.
We do this by supporting and engaging each individual in their development plan, connecting them with leaders and mentors and creating a safe space within their team.
“It’s UTMB for Life because who wouldn’t want to be a ‘lifer’ for a place that doesn’t just give you a job, pay and benefits but gives you direct connection to your ‘why’ by providing continual engagement via growth, development and a tangible path to the future,” said Sharon Chapman, director of operations, Ambulatory Services.
Eileen Garza is the project manager for Ambulatory Services.
Top Photo: Pictured are STAR Squad staff, back row from left: VP, Ambulatory Operations, Pete Gutierrez; Lindsay Davis; Jeanette Correa; Sandra Salazar; Karina Suarez; and Sharon Chapman; front row from left: Marisol Gomez, Eileen Garza and Vanessa Phillips.