Each and every day that Ashley comes to work she is an advocate for her patients. She is always engaged in some form of patient care. Whether it be a simple conversation to check on the family or performing an assessment, it is as if she never leaves the patient's room. I have personally seen her spend an extended period of time with families so that they can better understand diagnoses and treatment plans. One specific family comes to mind when I think of her compassion. In this instance, I saw her go above and beyond. This family was upset about the diagnosis and she never left their side. She clearly laid out what was going to happen with treatment and why. Days later, the family told me how much they appreciated the time she spent with them and how they "had never experienced care like that before". I have seen her stand by her patients' sides when they are crying and when they are angry. Her compassion is remarkable. She is compassionate no matter what the circumstances are. This is a true characteristic of a nurse. She is a constant advocate for her patients, and I know how much they appreciate that. I know she will carry her compassion into her future career of being an APRN. When thinking of a fantastic bedside nurse, you need to look no further than her.
Ashley consistently makes connections with her patients and their families. She has the best personality a nurse can have; understanding, caring, friendly and knowledgeable. She makes these connections by first introducing herself, of course, but then continuing conversations with families. These basic conversations then turn into topics which she and the patient wind up bonding over. There have been times where I have watched as she would tell families about situations she has faced that are similar to those they are currently facing. She always finds a way to connect with her patients. This leaves them comforted and appreciative. She knows exactly what to say to families to allow them to understand, assess and reflect on their current situation. The amazing thing is, she doesn't even realize how much of an impact her connection with these families actually affects the families. However, the families see it and comment on it. She creates a truly therapeutic relationship with her patients that cannot be beaten. There have been numerous patients who have come back specifically to see her and thank her for her care. As recently as a few weeks ago, a family that she took care of several years ago came back, remembered her and spoke about how great of a nurse she is.
We all know a large part of nursing is education. Nurses must receive their education in order to practice but it is not over at that point. Once a nurse becomes licensed, they must be educators for their patients. We know that medical providers sometimes do not have the time to explain in common terms a diagnosis, procedure or general treatment of a patient. This is where nurses educating patients and families is invaluable. I have seen Ashley talk to patients and families after the provider has left where she is asked many questions that they did not have the chance to ask the provider. She always takes the time and effort to answer every question. If she doesn't know the answer, she finds it. I have seen her spend hours communicating with physicians to get answers for families. One specific example was when a family requested a medication be placed at a specific pharmacy. The physician sent it to said pharmacy only to have the patient then tell her they wanted it sent to a different pharmacy. The physician was very busy but Ashley made sure, after many phone calls and several hours, that the patient was able to get the prescription sent to the pharmacy that they wanted. Small things like this, which patients may not see, are what make the difference for patients. Patients may not see all of the movement going on in the background but sometimes it takes a lot for the nursing staff to get an answer for a patient. She will do whatever is necessary for her patients and that, to me, is a difference maker. Some nurses may not go above and beyond as she does and I believe that making that extra effort shows what an exemplary nurse she is. Ashley is a true DAISY Nurse.