Healing Hearts: Empowering Pediatric Critical Care Providers

Episodes

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  Hybrid Procedure 21.10.2026 10m

  Dr. Laura Ortman describes the Hybrid Procedure - what it is, why we do it, and what you need to know to take care of these patients in the ICU.
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  Pulmonary Artery Band 06.07.2026 10m

  In this episode, Dr. Laura Ortman, Critical Care Pediatrics talks about the surgical procedure referred to as PA banding.
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  Acute Viral Myocarditis 08.04.2026 9m

  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.
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  Meditation with Holly Baynes 01.01.2026 4m

  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.
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  Introduction to Meditation with Holly Baynes 01.01.2026 20m

  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!
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  BeInvolved Story: Camp Hot Shots 15.12.2025 10m

  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.
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  Hero Story: Barb Schwarz 04.12.2025 11m

  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.
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  BeInvolved Story: Jessica Haywood 01.12.2025 6m

  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.
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  Hero of Heroes: Amber 17.11.2025 9m

  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.
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  Hero of Heroes: Jerry 01.11.2025 8m

  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.
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  Cardiac Lesion Series: Cor Triatriatum 15.10.2025 8m

  In the cardiac lesion series, Dr. Laura Ortmann, Pediatric Intensivist at Children's Nebraska, discusses the cardiac lesion Cor Triatriatum. Listen in to learn more about this rare defect and how it inspired Dr. Ortmann's career. If you plan to listen to the cardiac lesion series in order, this episode follows RV to PA conduit episode. The TAPVR episode discussed in this podcast is linked here. #drortmanncicu #picu #cicu #pediatrics
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  WeThrive 2025 Fall Magazine Bonus Episode with Sheri 02.09.2025 45m

  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.
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  Cardiac Lesion Series: RV to PA Conduit 26.08.2025 9m

  In the cardiac lesion series, Dr. Laura Ortmann, Pediatric Intensivist at Children's Nebraska discusses Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduit (RV to PA Conduit) . Listen in to learn more about caring for heart transplant patients. If you plan to listen to the cardiac lesion series in order, this episode follows the second heart transplant episode. Note that PTLD stands for Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder. #drortmanncicu #picu #cicu #pediatrics
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  Heroes of Heroes: Renee 01.07.2025 4m

  In our eight episode of this storytelling series, meet Renee Rafferty, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health & Wellness at Children's Nebraska. Be inspired by her hero and how this has guided her career.
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  Heroes of Heroes: Laurie 16.06.2025 5m

  In our seventh episode of storytelling series, Hero of Heroes, meet Laurie, Vice President at Children's Nebraska. Listen in to her story about her hero, Paula, and the importance of being honest, even when it is hard.
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  Cardiac Lesion Series: Heart Transplant Episode 2 01.06.2025 9m

  In the cardiac lesion series, Dr. Laura Ortmann, Pediatric Intensivist at Children's Nebraska discusses Heart Transplant. Listen in to learn more about caring for heart transplant patients. If you plan to listen to the cardiac lesion series in order, this episode follows the first heart transplant episode. Note that PTLD stands for Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder. #drortmanncicu #picu #cicu #pediatrics
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  WeThrive 2025 Spring Magazine Bonus Episode 01.05.2025 1h 22m

  Listen in to hear the full interview from Diane Varnes, a guest contributor for the Spring 2025 WeThrive Magazine. Diane works for Dr. Bruce Perry, who co-authored the book with Oprah Winfrey: What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing.
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  Heroes of Heroes: Chelsey 07.04.2025 10m

  In our sixth episode of storytelling series, Hero of Heroes, meet Chelsey, Respiratory Therapist Clinical Educator at Children's Nebraska. Listen in to her story about the life-saving power of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and the compassion of strangers.
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  Heroes of Heroes: Bob 01.03.2025 3m

  In our fifth episode of our storytelling series, Hero of Heroes, meet Bob Davidson, Vice President of Marketing and Communication at Children's Nebraska. Listen to his inspiring story about the surgeon who became his childhood hero.
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  Heroes of Heroes: Ryan 01.02.2025 5m

  In our fourth episode of our storytelling series, Heroes of Heroes, meet Ryan Cameron, Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Children's Nebraska. Listen in as Ryan shares the story of his hero- a former professor, mentor, and boss.