I recently had the privilege to work side by side Courtney while taking care of a critically ill patient in the CVICU. The patient was in the unit for about a month and required a tremendous amount of physical and emotional support during her entire stay. Courtney became one of her primary nurses taking care of her almost every scheduled shift, and picking up extra hours, making sure her care stayed consistent. I was very impressed with the care Courtney provided day in and day out. No matter how physically and emotionally exhausted she was, she never showed it.

Courtney even made sure she had time during her chaotic shifts to provide this patient with "spa" time. She washed her hair, painted her nails and made sure she was taken care of. Not only did Courtney take impeccable care of her patient, she made sure that she took time out to talk to family, discussing plans for the shift and orders that went with it. Courtney showed levels of clinical skills, high quality care, concern, compassion and sympathy that each of us should strive for every day.

The CVICU is extremely lucky to have Courtney as a member of its team and I feel just as lucky to have gotten a chance to work side by side with her and see the dedication that she displays in her nursing care. Courtney’s work ethic is the example that we as nurses should want to replicate. Courtney deserves to be recognized for the incredible care she provided, not just to this patient, but also the patient’s family!