Late at night, I entered the hospital thru the ER. After I was transferred to the unit, Courtney calmly and confidently cared for me by giving me a helpful, clear, and supportive dialogue of information and encouragement.
I entered the ER with nothing except my cellphone. It had been many hours since I had anything to eat. That morning, Courtney found a delicious sandwich and hot tea for me, as well as all the toiletries and warm blankets that I could possibly need. During a long and mostly sleepless night, she continued throughout the hours to drop in, speaking softly and reassuringly answering questions and checking my monitors, attentive with such patience and efficiency.
Although she was busy with her other patients and mentoring a nurse colleague, Courtney continually seemed to show up just when I would begin to feel anxious or alone in my uncertain medical situation. She even rounded up a power cord to recharge my cellphone so I could keep in touch with my husband.
I am a retired teacher having been a high school teacher for many years. One of Courtney’s notable traits is her skill with teaching and guiding the young colleague who shadowed her. She did a great job telling him what she was doing, offering insights and techniques, and letting him share in as many tackles as possible. While she continued to work on tasks around me, she simultaneously and quietly encouraged him to join in the conversations that she had with me, stepping back and letting him complete a task and ask me questions, and then offer his explanations.
When Courtney's night shift was ending, she stopped by to let me know and to say goodbye and offered final words of encouragement. Her skill, care, and compassion were uplifting during a time of anxiety and unfamiliarity. I remain most grateful to Courtney for helping me through the changes of that life event. Many thanks, Courtney!