I was a patient of the Methodist Hospital. Courtney was my nurse; I had been there for four days not knowing at the time what had happened to me. There had been many failed tests as they were trying to find out what happened to me. I had no insurance, was very frustrated and fed up with the experience. I just wanted to go home, so I lost it and wanted to see my nurse.
Courtney came in and I told her I was leaving and needed to sign myself out. She could see I was very upset, but that did not stop her from telling me the importance of waiting to see the results of the MRI before making that decision. Still upset, I demanded to sign out. I could see she was hesitant to stop me, but she stood her ground and asked if I would like to talk to the doctor first. I said no, I was ready to go. I have let my emotions make so many decisions in my life and mostly when I am mad and angry, and I was about to do it again.
Courtney explained the importance of my health and the results of the test and that I would be going against the doctor's advice if I left. She explained that I mattered to her as her patient. Her saying that calmed me down enough to at least listen to her and for the doctor to get there. The doctor showed me the MRI and explained that I'd had a bad stroke. I was totally caught off guard by what I saw. It was a game changer in my life and that is what Courtney is to me, a game changer. She showed me that I need to look beyond the anger and madness to see what is important, including my health. So many things have happened in my life, I just gave up and I was not important anymore. Courtney taught me that I am important and so is my health.
Thank you for going the extra mile Courtney; young dogs can teach old dogs new tricks. Thank you so much for being the best nurse a patient could ever want. Thank you for keeping me here long enough to realize that I am important. I will never forget you!