Adding a Little Magic: Nurse at Cook Children's - Prosper Paints Whimsical Characters on Patients’ Windows
Peaks the Dragon, Bluey, Olaf, Little Mermaid, Rapunzel and Mario are a few of the characters that greet patients.
By Heather Duge
Shalyn Coulombe, RN, of Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper says spreading joy is one of her favorite things to do.
“I like to add a little happiness and smiles wherever I can,” Coulombe said. 
Lately, that place has been the windows of rooms in prep/recovery at Cook Children’s in Prosper so when patients are taken to their pre-operation room the first thing they see is a whimsical character. Coulombe draws characters such as Peaks the Dragon, Bluey, Olaf, Little Mermaid, Moana, Rapunzel and Mario.
Coulombe’s love for drawing began a few years ago during college. While at Disneyland, she visited the animation station and drew Mickey Mouse with a Disney artist. She had no idea her newfound passion would become a highlight of her day at work.
“Being in the hospital can be super scary for children and seeing the characters and familiar faces for a brief moment can bring comfort,” Coulombe said. “For many kids who are having anxiety being in a new place with new people, the art flips the switch and lets them focus on something else.”
Her masterpieces have brought smiles to more than patients and passersby – they are a much-anticipated part of her coworkers’ days. Many of them have young children and have ideas for the next drawing. The team takes part in polls with three options to vote on. Coulombe says it has become a bonding moment for the whole unit.
“I feel like I can make a difference even in the small things like this,” Coulombe said. “It gives a more personal touch to the patient families’ experience and hopefully adds a little magic to their days.”
About Cook Children’s Health Care System 
Cook Children’s is more than a health care system: we strive to be an extension of your family, growing with your child from their first steps to adulthood. By collaborating to deliver on our Promise—to improve the well-being of every child in our care and our communities, we connect the dots for our patients.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, we’re 8,000+ dedicated team members strong, passionately caring for over 1.5 million patient encounters each year. Our integrated, not-for-profit organization spans two medical centers (including our new, state-of-the-art location in Prosper), two surgery centers, a physician network, home health services and a health plan. It also includes Child Study Center at Cook Children's, Cook Children's Health Services Inc., and Cook Children's Health Foundation. Discover more at cookchildrens.org.
