August 2026 Honoree
Courtney Robare, MSN, RN, CPEN, TCRN
In just under two years as a unit-based educator (UBE) in our Pediatric Emergency Department (PED), Courtney has become an extraordinary asset, not only to our PED, but to Adult Urgent Care (AUCC), the ED Admin group, and the broader hospital community. With her strong background from Vanderbilt and our PICU, Courtney hit the ground running and quickly established herself as a vital resource.
She has developed and launched multiple essential programs that have greatly strengthened our department, including a PED triage course, individualized competency validations for each department (PED, AUCC, ED Admin), new hire and department equipment orientation, and a comprehensive trauma orientation class she is currently building. This new trauma program is especially impactful, as it will shift us from a less effective “learn as you go” model to structured, hands-on training. In addition, she is an instructor of ENPC/TNCC and assists clinical education with these courses four to six times a year.
Courtney is the only educator supporting the PED, AUCC, and the ED Admin group, overseeing nearly 200 employees. Despite this large scope, she personally checks in with every orientee every two weeks throughout their orientation. She also maintains her clinical skills by working 2–4 shifts per schedule, ensuring she stays connected to the realities of frontline care. In addition to her core responsibilities, she actively serves on required committees as well as the Pediatric CPR Committee, Pediatric Sepsis Committee, and Pediatric Pharmacy Committee.
Her dedication extends far beyond standard duties. Courtney precepts nursing and paramedic students and provides monthly additional training for interns and externs (approximately four hours each month). We have seen an increase in intern and extern nurses choosing to sign on as new graduate nurses in our departments, and every one of them has recognized Courtney for her outstanding support, educational training, and encouragement that inspired them to begin their nursing careers in the emergency department. She is also precepting an MSN in Nursing Education student.
Courtney has become the trusted “go-to” for staff as employees truly feel comfortable going to her with concerns. She consistently listens with empathy while offering thoughtful, practical, and meaningful guidance. Staff frequently recognize her with kudos for being an invaluable resource for both education and real-world clinical advice.
What truly sets Courtney apart is her unwavering commitment to people. She works closely with the adult ED and pediatric inpatient units UBEs across the hospital and never hesitates to jump in during busy times or complex patient cases. Even though her role could easily keep her in an office, she chooses to be present on the floor where she is most needed. Patients and families have also recognized her compassionate support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Courtney consistently carries a heavy workload yet always makes time for anyone who needs help. Her energy, expertise, reliability, and genuine care for both staff and patients make her one of the most deserving candidates for this recognition. She truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award through her clinical excellence, educational leadership, and compassionate presence.
She has developed and launched multiple essential programs that have greatly strengthened our department, including a PED triage course, individualized competency validations for each department (PED, AUCC, ED Admin), new hire and department equipment orientation, and a comprehensive trauma orientation class she is currently building. This new trauma program is especially impactful, as it will shift us from a less effective “learn as you go” model to structured, hands-on training. In addition, she is an instructor of ENPC/TNCC and assists clinical education with these courses four to six times a year.
Courtney is the only educator supporting the PED, AUCC, and the ED Admin group, overseeing nearly 200 employees. Despite this large scope, she personally checks in with every orientee every two weeks throughout their orientation. She also maintains her clinical skills by working 2–4 shifts per schedule, ensuring she stays connected to the realities of frontline care. In addition to her core responsibilities, she actively serves on required committees as well as the Pediatric CPR Committee, Pediatric Sepsis Committee, and Pediatric Pharmacy Committee.
Her dedication extends far beyond standard duties. Courtney precepts nursing and paramedic students and provides monthly additional training for interns and externs (approximately four hours each month). We have seen an increase in intern and extern nurses choosing to sign on as new graduate nurses in our departments, and every one of them has recognized Courtney for her outstanding support, educational training, and encouragement that inspired them to begin their nursing careers in the emergency department. She is also precepting an MSN in Nursing Education student.
Courtney has become the trusted “go-to” for staff as employees truly feel comfortable going to her with concerns. She consistently listens with empathy while offering thoughtful, practical, and meaningful guidance. Staff frequently recognize her with kudos for being an invaluable resource for both education and real-world clinical advice.
What truly sets Courtney apart is her unwavering commitment to people. She works closely with the adult ED and pediatric inpatient units UBEs across the hospital and never hesitates to jump in during busy times or complex patient cases. Even though her role could easily keep her in an office, she chooses to be present on the floor where she is most needed. Patients and families have also recognized her compassionate support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Courtney consistently carries a heavy workload yet always makes time for anyone who needs help. Her energy, expertise, reliability, and genuine care for both staff and patients make her one of the most deserving candidates for this recognition. She truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award through her clinical excellence, educational leadership, and compassionate presence.
Thank you, Courtney, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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