Courtney Bode made a very lasting impression on me. I had to have a nerve block injection into the scalene muscles in my neck and honestly, I was terrified. She came and introduced herself and right away made sure that I was comfortable. She explained all of the forms I needed and everything that was going to happen. She took me back to the procedure room and the whole time assured that I was feeling ok and that I was comfortable. Things starting to happen, and I started to panic, a single tear even streamed down my face. She immediately noticed and calmly talked to me. She told me she understood why I was nervous, but that my doctor was the best there is and that everything would be ok.
Once again, Courtney took the time to explain exactly what was going to happen, gave me something to squeeze, and stood right by my side the entire time. She made conversation with me and was so personable. She brought me back to my room and stayed with me until the necessary evaluations were done and I was able to leave. She made sure that I was warm, felt ok walking, and overall was doing alright. She made the experience so much better for me and really calmed me down.
The following week I had to get a nerve block injected into my scalene muscles on the opposite side. When I was taken back to my prep room, I was saddened when I saw that Courtney was not my nurse; I knew every nurse would do a great job, but I just really wanted her. After I was prepped and waiting, sure enough, she comes in and opens the door. I was so happy to see a friendly face. She asked me how I was doing, how finals were going, and how I felt about this one I was getting today. She told me that she technically wasn't supposed to be in the room with me for this procedure, but that she would try to. Sure enough, she found a way to be in the room and stood by my side the entire time. She assured me how everything was going and was always focused on my feelings and how I was doing. I was so thankful that she was there for both of my injections. I was terrified, and she made everything ok.
I am currently in nursing school and I can only hope to be a nurse like Courtney one day. She is an all-star and embodies everything that a nurse should be. I am so lucky to have had her by my side through this whole process and I could not thank her more. Having a proper bedside manner and being able to hold all types of conversations are essential. Her personality was contagious, and she had a very comforting demeanor. You can tell that everyone around her loves her, and I can clearly see why.
Courtney did not have to do all the things that she did for me; she helped me medically, physically, and emotionally. She did not even have to be in the room with me, but she never left my side. The second injection she was not even my nurse for! Yet she found a way to be there and give me peace of mind about the whole process. Courtney truly demonstrates and embodies what it means to be a nurse, and I could not be more thankful.