Ashley Sweeney

Ashley was taking care of a female patient that was from a nursing home. The patient was dependant a ventilator and had a tracheotomy from Lou Gehrig Disease. The patient had a family member who died previously from the same disease and needless to say, the patient provided challenges mentally, physically, and especially emotionally, spiritually.  Ashley was able to provide the patient with medical and emotional support during the times the patient was in their greatest need.  The patient developed a bond with Ashley and when the patient made the decision to be withdrawn from the vent, she asked Ashley if she would be there for her. Ashley helped the patient through a difficult time and came in on her day off with ice cream (the last request of the patient). Ashley stayed with the patient and staff from the nursing home until after the patient expired.

As co-workers of Ashley, they were extremely touched and humbled by such a selfless act on her part. We learn in nursing school how to do skills, but very few transcend the boundaries of caring, loving and compassion as Ashley did.  A staff nurse of 26 years learned from Ashley, a nurse of about 5 years, what nursing really means. We the staff in MISCU are very blessed to have Ashley on our team.