On Thanksgiving Day this year, I worked with Cortina (Cort) on the north hall of PBH. On this locked hall is adults 18+ plus a higher acuity level than open halls. Cort was one of the nurses (who is amazing on locked units) and made sure all of her patients who were awake received their meds in a timely manner and asked if they needed anything else. While there were many behaviors from many patients at once, Cort still kept her cool and handled everything with grace and respect.

When she needed a favor from the techs staffed on the floor, she always would tell us, "Whenever you get a second..." or "I know you are busy but when you can..." Once things calmed down and her nursing duties were down for the time being, she came out on the floor to talk to her patients and interact with them, which is something not everyone does. Having a nurse come on the floor is a huge help for the technicians. Working in behavioral health comes patient interactions as it could be the difference between them getting better or staying in the same state of mind upon admission. If a tech is wanting food, she will offer to stay on the floor while they go down to the cafeteria to get food.

Cort not only is an amazing nurse, but she is also an amazing friend. She listens and gives advice when needed and always lets people know that she is there for them. Whenever there is an agitated patient, Cort always attempts to talk to them and listen to why they are agitated so they do not become more agitated. If a patient is targeting another patient or staff member, Cort is quick to come to their defense. While I have only been at PBH since July 11th, Cort has easily become one of my favorite people to work with as I know I can always count on her and look to her in times of stress, whether it be in my life or while at work. Cort truly demonstrates Parkview's values, and I know I, along with anyone else, can always count on Cort.