Courtlynn Howard
May 2026
Courtlynn
Howard
,
MSN, RN, CMSRN
Observation Unit & Phlebotomy Department
Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center
The Woodlands
,
TX
United States
Courtlynn demonstrates calm, ethical, and thoughtful leadership in all situations.
Courtlynn is an exemplary nurse leader whose professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence elevate both patient care and the work environment. She consistently demonstrates the qualities recognized by the DAISY Nurse Leader Award and serves as a model for leadership within the organization.
Courtlynn demonstrates calm, ethical, and thoughtful leadership in all situations. She is a reliable resource for staff during complex clinical and operational challenges, consistently modeling sound judgment and professionalism.
Her leadership extends beyond the unit. During the 2022 Leadership Development Academy, she developed a shared insulin vial project that became the first in her cohort to be accepted and implemented systemwide. She continues to present this project to current LDA classes as an example of effective project design and implementation.
Courtlynn also advances her own professional growth, having completed her MSN in Leadership this past year. She maintains her CMSRN certification and is actively preparing for the NE-BC examination.
When Courtlynn assumed her role as a new manager, she recognized that staff had voiced concerns regarding morale, workload, and communication. She responded by listening intentionally and creating structured opportunities for open dialogue. Her quarterly “Carbonated Conversations” provides a safe environment for staff to discuss well-being, workflow barriers, and career aspirations.
She also helped restructure the CDU Unit Council, strengthening shared governance and enabling staff to lead meaningful operational improvements. Through this work, the council advanced initiatives such as the Break-Pass initiative, a staff-led idea that she supported, which provides an additional protected recovery period each scheduled cycle.
Courtlynn supports professional development through certification resources, fellowship guidance, and hosts a CDU CMSRN Study Game Night. Her leadership has contributed to measurable improvements. Employee Engagement increased from 86 percent to 94 percent, well-being rose from 55 percent to 94 percent, and FY26 voluntary turnover remains at 0 percent.
Courtlynn motivates her team through clear communication, consistent expectations, and a shared vision for high-quality patient care. She engages staff in collaborative problem-solving, including role-flexing strategies that improved workflow during high-acuity periods.
When she assumed oversight of phlebotomy, she quickly established effective communication channels, addressed operational barriers, and improved efficiencies. Her leadership promotes accountability, teamwork, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Courtlynn enhances the image of nursing within the organization and the community. She shares her engagement strategies and leadership practices with peers at the Manager Council, contributing to leadership development across the system. She also represents nursing through participation in community events such as the YMCA Dragon Boat Races, Heart Walk, Project CURE, and Light the Night. Her involvement demonstrates professionalism, service, and commitment to community health.
Courtlynn exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding nurse leader. Her professionalism, strategic leadership, and dedication to staff well-being and patient care have produced measurable improvements and strengthened the culture of the Clinical Decision Unit.
Courtlynn demonstrates calm, ethical, and thoughtful leadership in all situations. She is a reliable resource for staff during complex clinical and operational challenges, consistently modeling sound judgment and professionalism.
Her leadership extends beyond the unit. During the 2022 Leadership Development Academy, she developed a shared insulin vial project that became the first in her cohort to be accepted and implemented systemwide. She continues to present this project to current LDA classes as an example of effective project design and implementation.
Courtlynn also advances her own professional growth, having completed her MSN in Leadership this past year. She maintains her CMSRN certification and is actively preparing for the NE-BC examination.
When Courtlynn assumed her role as a new manager, she recognized that staff had voiced concerns regarding morale, workload, and communication. She responded by listening intentionally and creating structured opportunities for open dialogue. Her quarterly “Carbonated Conversations” provides a safe environment for staff to discuss well-being, workflow barriers, and career aspirations.
She also helped restructure the CDU Unit Council, strengthening shared governance and enabling staff to lead meaningful operational improvements. Through this work, the council advanced initiatives such as the Break-Pass initiative, a staff-led idea that she supported, which provides an additional protected recovery period each scheduled cycle.
Courtlynn supports professional development through certification resources, fellowship guidance, and hosts a CDU CMSRN Study Game Night. Her leadership has contributed to measurable improvements. Employee Engagement increased from 86 percent to 94 percent, well-being rose from 55 percent to 94 percent, and FY26 voluntary turnover remains at 0 percent.
Courtlynn motivates her team through clear communication, consistent expectations, and a shared vision for high-quality patient care. She engages staff in collaborative problem-solving, including role-flexing strategies that improved workflow during high-acuity periods.
When she assumed oversight of phlebotomy, she quickly established effective communication channels, addressed operational barriers, and improved efficiencies. Her leadership promotes accountability, teamwork, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Courtlynn enhances the image of nursing within the organization and the community. She shares her engagement strategies and leadership practices with peers at the Manager Council, contributing to leadership development across the system. She also represents nursing through participation in community events such as the YMCA Dragon Boat Races, Heart Walk, Project CURE, and Light the Night. Her involvement demonstrates professionalism, service, and commitment to community health.
Courtlynn exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding nurse leader. Her professionalism, strategic leadership, and dedication to staff well-being and patient care have produced measurable improvements and strengthened the culture of the Clinical Decision Unit.