Dell Children’s North Nurse Brings Art and Healing to Young Patients

At Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus (DCN), the emergency room lobby displays a large painting of a whimsical oak tree draped in bright colors and the hospital’s characteristic tower nearby. The painting is one of two commissioned from DCN emergency department nurse and local artist Tonia Houghteling, RN.

Tonia has 31 years of experience as a pediatric nurse and joined Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin two years ago. She transferred to DCN when it opened and quickly spotted a way to use her artistic talent as well as her nursing skills to help patients and their families.

“When I walked into this brand new hospital, as exciting and beautiful as everything was, there were lots of blank walls,” Tonia said. “Other facilities have had years to gather art pieces, and we had just opened. So I thought I might be able to help.”

The lobby painting titled “I Spy – Day and Night” hangs prominently next to the check-in desk. On closer inspection, viewers might spot an ant on a motorcycle, a crocheting spider or caterpillars playing football. The painting contains 28 tiny characters each representing a DCN associate and their favorite activities. Nearby, a table with printouts and crayons invites children to color their own version while spotting the characters. Tonia included herself as a ladybug driving a Jeep sharing her combined loves of travel and the outdoors.

“I Spy” ripples with the texture of paint layered over images and words as typography peeks through the colors. It’s part of a mixed media technique that Tonia brought back with her from a 2016 trip to Belize that included kayaking, caving, and art.

The hallway leading from the emergency department lobby to the triage area displays a second painting in more muted tones titled “Stained Glass Oak.” Tonia created the texture of this piece from a layer of photos of associates’ children or the associates themselves in their younger years.

“The focal point is a tree with lots of light, and including so many of the staff in their photos in the background gives everyone a bit of ownership,” Tonia said. “I don’t think it’s obvious that it’s stained glass, but I do think that it might reach people at a deeper level and help them tap into something spiritual, calming and loving.”

Tonia said merging her nursing and artistic sides has been a journey that’s both exciting and vulnerable. She enjoys seeing people interact with her artwork and hopes it brings smiles and some peace to families who need emergency care for their children.

“I love seeing the kids’ faces light up when they look at the paintings,” she said. “The more color and fun we can bring, we can reduce the stress on the kids and on their families. Art can change the feeling of a space when someone walks in, and I hope that my art helps our patients feel better.”