From Transport to Team Leader:
Representing the Children’s Values of Commitment and Compassion

A native of Birmingham, Courtney Stokes never imagined his part-time job would grow into a lifelong career in orthopedic and sports medicine.

“It gives me a reason to wake up and be happy every day,” he said. “I’m literally taking care of kids.”

More than 13 years ago, Courtney began working in central transport while studying kinesiology. Unsure whether medicine aligned with his passions, he explored several departments, including Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, before interning in the Orthopedic Clinic. That internship led to nearly five years as an orthopedic technician.

Courtney’s perception of the nursing field was once limited. However, his daily encounters with the diverse and skillful nursing teams at Children’s gave him a fresh perspective on it.

“As I started working here more and more, I gained a lot more respect for nurses,” he said. “They do a lot more than people realize. They’re pretty much the heart and soul of this entire hospital.”

With this new spark, and encouragement from mentors like Ross Clay and John Martin, Courtney was inspired to go back to school to pursue a degree in nursing. He enrolled in the UAB School of Nursing and participated in the Children’s Tuition Reimbursement Program to help make it possible.

“The hospital helped pay for nursing school,” he explained. “It helped so much because I couldn’t work as many hours while I was in the program.”

With support from his wife—whom he met while working at Children’s—his team, and the hospital, Courtney balanced full-time work and school. After graduating, Courtney began his nursing career in the Emergency Department before becoming the interim coordinator in Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. Now, he leads a team of 50 employees and serves as a guide, advocate, and “voice of reasoning” for both staff and families.

Patients remain Courtney’s greatest motivation, but mentorship, teamwork and using available resources shaped his journey — lessons he now shares with staff. Courtney encourages employees to talk to other coworkers and hear their stories to gain insight into their own career path. Reflecting on his education, career and marriage, Courtney says he has found a home at Children’s.

“I owe a lot to Children’s,” he said. “Children have given me my purpose in life.”