Courtney Klein
July 2025
Courtney
Klein
,
RN
Unit
Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
Rapid City
,
SD
United States
Courtney was our voice when no one else was hearing us.
I truly believe our caregiver saved our family member's life.
We brought our family member to the emergency department after accidentally ingesting Guanfacine. Based on symptoms, extremely sleepy, could barely stay awake, and I knew something wasn’t right. We waited four hours before seeing a provider, and during that time, I kept expressing my concerns. Oxygen levels were dropping, and heart rate — it was terrifying.
Despite my persistent concern, it felt like our initial caregivers weren’t fully hearing me. They were preparing to send us home, even though every instinct in me said we needed to stay. Looking back, I believe that if we had left, we would have faced a devastating outcome. Instead, we are celebrating.
A different caregiver came into the room, Courtney, and calmly asked what medication my family member had taken. When I said Guanfacine, she clarified, “Like guaifenesin, the cough medicine?” And I said, “No — Guanfacine, the ADHD medication. Four extended-release pills, we think.” From that moment, the caregiver jumped into action.
She assessed our family member immediately, asked more questions, and, most importantly, they listened. I told her about the apnea spells and that something was wrong — and they didn’t brush it off. Courtney validated my concerns, advocated for us, and made sure our family member received the care urgently needed.
I asked for a VBG and made it happen without hesitation. Courtney stayed with us through those terrifying moments, offering compassion, strength, and an incredible level of clinical skill. I cried; it was awful seeing my family member so lethargic and limp, but Courtney was there. The calm presence, quick thinking, and genuine care made all the difference.
Courtney was our voice when no one else was hearing us. They advocated fiercely for our family members' safety. They listened, and because they did, our family member is alive and well today.
Courtney is the definition of what a caregiver should be: smart, compassionate, courageous, and deeply committed to patients. We are forever grateful. In our hearts, they are a hero.
We brought our family member to the emergency department after accidentally ingesting Guanfacine. Based on symptoms, extremely sleepy, could barely stay awake, and I knew something wasn’t right. We waited four hours before seeing a provider, and during that time, I kept expressing my concerns. Oxygen levels were dropping, and heart rate — it was terrifying.
Despite my persistent concern, it felt like our initial caregivers weren’t fully hearing me. They were preparing to send us home, even though every instinct in me said we needed to stay. Looking back, I believe that if we had left, we would have faced a devastating outcome. Instead, we are celebrating.
A different caregiver came into the room, Courtney, and calmly asked what medication my family member had taken. When I said Guanfacine, she clarified, “Like guaifenesin, the cough medicine?” And I said, “No — Guanfacine, the ADHD medication. Four extended-release pills, we think.” From that moment, the caregiver jumped into action.
She assessed our family member immediately, asked more questions, and, most importantly, they listened. I told her about the apnea spells and that something was wrong — and they didn’t brush it off. Courtney validated my concerns, advocated for us, and made sure our family member received the care urgently needed.
I asked for a VBG and made it happen without hesitation. Courtney stayed with us through those terrifying moments, offering compassion, strength, and an incredible level of clinical skill. I cried; it was awful seeing my family member so lethargic and limp, but Courtney was there. The calm presence, quick thinking, and genuine care made all the difference.
Courtney was our voice when no one else was hearing us. They advocated fiercely for our family members' safety. They listened, and because they did, our family member is alive and well today.
Courtney is the definition of what a caregiver should be: smart, compassionate, courageous, and deeply committed to patients. We are forever grateful. In our hearts, they are a hero.