Ashlee Dunn's leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication have transformed our organization in ways that will continue to impact staff, patients, and our community for years to come. From the moment she stepped into her role as the Director of Education at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Ashlee has demonstrated extraordinary vision and commitment.

She developed and expanded our RN extern program in partnership with the Heartland Forward Grant, opening new pathways for students and strengthening the future of nursing within our region. Her work has directly influenced the growth and confidence of countless aspiring nurses. One of her most remarkable accomplishments has been rebuilding the entire nursing competency program, including the high-risk, low-volume competencies that are so critical to patient safety. This was an enormous undertaking that she managed with precision, expertise, and a relentless drive to improve the quality of care we provide.

She also reorganized and streamlined our education tracking system, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clarity for staff and leadership alike. In doing so, she became the hospital’s subject-matter expert on the ALC, guiding departments with patience and professionalism through processes that many found confusing before her involvement. Her leadership in revamping our new-hire orientation program and designing a comprehensive preceptor program has deeply improved how we welcome and support new employees.

Thanks to her efforts, new nurses enter their roles feeling confident, supported, and well-prepared to give exceptional care. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, Ashlee developed and implemented two highly successful skills fairs annually. These events have become invaluable opportunities for staff development, competency validation, and team engagement. In addition, she has built an education team that reflects her values—collaborative, knowledgeable, compassionate, and deeply committed to excellence.

Despite her heavy workload, Ashlee continuously goes above and beyond. Her work ethic is unmatched, and she approaches every task—big or small—with integrity, positivity, and a true desire to uplift others. She has touched countless employees' and patients' lives through her dedication to education, safety, and professional growth. Her partnerships with Human Resources have streamlined processes for multiple departments and significantly improved our ability to support staff. She makes everyone’s job easier, not by taking shortcuts, but by building systems that truly work.

The bond and connection we have developed working together has made a profound difference in my life and in the way I lead my own team. She is the friend, collaborator, caregiver, and confidant I never knew I so deeply needed. Ashlee embodies everything the Daisy Leader Award represents: someone who inspires, empowers, advocates, and leads with heart. Her impact is felt throughout the entire hospital, and her legacy will be reflected in every nurse who grows under her guidance and every patient who receives care from a better-prepared clinical team.