Courtney Wilson, RN, Psychiatric Liaison Nurse, Behavioral Health Unit, is a compassionate and skilled clinician who offers hope, comfort, and advocacy to patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. She exemplifies Mount Nittany Health’s core values of caring, excellence, integrity, and respect, and her recent recognition with a DAISY Award reflects the powerful impact she has on those she serves.
Courtney was nominated by a patient who described a harrowing mental and physical health crisis. During her hospitalization, the patient felt frightened, isolated, and overwhelmed—until Courtney walked in. Her empathy, validation, and advocacy helped calm the storm the patient was enduring and restored a sense of dignity and strength.
Part of Courtney’s nomination read:
“I am writing to nominate a special nurse, but I cannot make this nomination without sharing the story of my journey through a harrowing storm, and the nurse who provided comfort from the torrent and peace in the eye…
I was feeling scared and alone. I desperately needed the shelter of my family’s support… My mind and heart could not fathom these further assaults from this storm. I asked for an Advocate to shelter me.
Like the peace in the eye of the storm or a gentle rain after a torrential downpour, the Psychiatry Liaison entered my room. They immediately validated my every medical concern and fear and acknowledged the pain of being denied my support system during such a crisis… They understood that to calm the storm, she first needed to calm the soul in crisis.
They braced themselves and put their back against the storm to protect me with their presence, which was firm, yet compassionate… Their actions restored my strength and my dignity to weather the remainder of the storm of this hospitalization through validation, empathy, encouragement, compassion, and reassurance…
Courtney Wilson is my hero, my DAISY. I am forever grateful for the shelter she provided me during the darkest time of my life. Because of her efforts and professionalism, the storm subsided, allowing a new daisy to bloom.”
Courtney has served Mount Nittany Health for seven years, working exclusively as a Psychiatric Liaison Nurse. She began her nursing journey at Pennsylvania College of Technology, first completing the LPN program while working in personal care and memory support, then earning her associate degree and working at The Meadows Psychiatric Center prior to joining Mount Nittany Medical Center.
When asked about her work, Courtney shared: “I am blessed and grateful to be a part of the Behavioral Health team at Mount Nittany Health. Not only does the team strive to support others in the community and throughout the organization, but we also take pride in offering support to each other within our department. My co-workers will always have a special place in my heart. I’m honored to have received the DAISY Award, most importantly that I was able to offer support to an individual who was going through some unfortunate events. It is often a team effort when caring for patients, and I am part of a great team!”
Outside of work, Courtney enjoys tending to her indoor and outdoor plants, thrifting for secondhand treasures, and spending time with her husband, Josh, and their two children. Their Shih Tzu, Josie, has been a much-loved member of the family for 13 years.
Created by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999, the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international program designed to recognize exceptional nursing care. With over 5,000 participating healthcare facilities across all 50 states and 31 countries, nurses throughout Mount Nittany Health have the opportunity to receive this prestigious recognition.
Anyone—including patients, families, visitors, volunteers, or staff—can nominate a nurse for this esteemed award. If you are interested in nominating a deserving nurse or have any questions, please contact daisyaward@mountnittany.org.