My son had his tonsils and adenoids taken out and was admitted to the Pediatric floor. After being at the hospital since 5 am that day, I was tired, and my toddler was inconsolable. 

When Courtney’s shift came along, I was hangry and my child was not taking medicine. I was not ready for the night, but when Courtney walked through the door of our room, I was instantly put at ease. 

She noticed the pain on my face and immediately jumped into action to help me calm my son, find a way to have him take his medicine, and even got me something to eat. She was not cross at the fact that I was rude to her at first; she simply asked me, “How can I help you?” But it was the way she asked with empathy in her tone and understanding. She really wanted to help, not just do her job. 

Throughout the evening and night, we figured out a way to get my son to take his medicine by using a stuffed monkey she found. Now this kid is steadfast, stubborn, but she was able to win him over. She stayed on the exact schedule for his pain medications, even in the middle of the night. I was actually able to sleep and not worry when it was time for medication. She would sneak in and wake us up with grace in a soothing tone of voice. Every single time after we had a dosage, my son went right back to sleep. 

She was very clear on what time each medication would be given and when she would be back. She was clear on the plan of action the Doctor wanted and what needed to be done to be discharged the next day. 

She did not have to make sure I slept; she didn’t have to make sure I ate. She saw me as a mom who was worried and lost, and she comforted me and guided me. 

I’ve worked in healthcare, I’ve been a patient, and a mom to a patient in healthcare. There are not many nurses like her. She saw me, and that meant the world.