I nominate Courtney Wheat because of her outstanding compassion and loving care that she gave me during my recent stay. I was admitted and had an appendectomy the next day. I was doing fine until the next evening when suddenly I began to feel very bad. My blood pressure dropped very low, I had severe headaches and nausea. I got really scared and buzzed for the nurse even though my husband and daughters were in the room.

I really trusted Courtney. She came immediately, moved to the side of the bed facing away from my family, knelt down so that we were at eye level, took my hand and began asking questions about how I was doing and listened to what I had to say. She could tell that I was scared and she stayed by my side comforting me, reassuring me, and discussing with me what the plan of action would be. I felt like she included me in the decisions that were made because she actually asked me how she could help and then gave me options to choose from.

She contacted my doctor, treated me with Torodol and anti-nausea medication. She continued to check in with me throughout her shift. She even came and told me goodbye when she was getting off of her shift. She assured me that she would be back the next day to see me.

Courtney was my nurse for three of the five days that I was in North Hills Hospital. Her upbeat, happy spirit and loving compassion truly stood out and makes her an exceptional nurse. All the staff from the emergency department to the third floor was great but Courtney really stood out not only to me but also to my family and to all my other visitors.