The best nurse I've ever had. 

For context, I met Courtney while I was hospitalized on the inpatient psychiatric unit at CDH. While she consistently provided (and continues to provide) kind, friendly, quality care to all of her patients (most people on the unit agree that she's their favorite nurse), she also went far above and beyond in my care. Her guidance, her realness, her listening, her trustworthiness, her relatability, her dedication, her compassion, and her empathy have been an invaluable part of my healing/treatment process. 

My specific story began when I was informed, in a less-than-empathetic way, by my case manager that if I did not comply with my treatment recommendations (which I was quite opposed to at the time) they would be forced upon me by the court system the next morning. I was confused and very scared and began to have a panic attack. Courtney came over to console me, and we spoke at length. Ultimately, she was successful at calming me down, and she prevented me from making a poor decision. 

The reason she was able to calm me down was largely due to the trust I found in her, something that I had not found in any other members of my treatment team. She shared with me that she had fought battles similar to mine, she shared with me how she won those battles, and she shared with me practical advice as to how I can win my battles. 

Courtney also shared with me that her life was changed based on the influence of a nurse she encountered during a difficult time in her life. And how since that time, she graduated a nursing program and holds the goal of being the nurse that changed her life for someone else. 

She has accomplished that goal. 

I am a firm believer in what some call angels, or benevolent influences on our world beyond our comprehension. I sincerely believe that Courtney was placed in my path by a higher power. And I know that my life has radically changed for the better as a direct result of our interactions.