During this stay it was very difficult for our family. My dad had struggled from a massive stroke and had been intubated. On our first night there, we were introduced to Courtney, who would be taking care of him throughout the night. Courtney showed pure honesty and trustworthiness from the start. She introduced herself and explained what care she would be giving to our dad. My mom wanted to stay the night in the ICU in a chair to be there with him and she had offered to check to see if a room was open on another floor for her to be able to stay at the hospital and be comfortable and able to get some sleep and not have to go all the way home. Unfortunately, no rooms were available. What stood out was the initiative she took within the first 15 minutes of meeting us and making the call right in front of us so we would stay in the loop.

Anytime Courtney came into the room, she always made sure she explained what medications she was giving and answered any questions we may have had. She also made sure we were taken care of by getting water, blankets, a chance to vent and talk, and anything else that was simple. This young lady went above and beyond for our family from the two nights we had her. While talking with her she did inform us that he would have two nurses during the nights due to her being on orientation, but with the treatment we received from her and education on topics we needed, we would have thought she’s been a nurse for a while.

Courtney was a great example of what a nurse should be. We cannot thank her enough for how well she had treated our dad, mother, and all of us as a family. Our experience in the ICU was changed due to this nurse playing many roles during the stay.