Ashley always entered the room with a smile. Before her, we were kind of having a hard time with person after person coming into the room because it can become a bit overwhelming, especially when everyone ends with "now try to get some sleep". But when she came in the room, her joy and the air of peace about her made us feel calm and restful. We became excited to see her again and again. When the doc said that they thought we would be staying a third night, Ashley was the one who said, "I think you guys will be ready to go home today. I believe in you guys". She did more than just what a typical nurse is expected to do.
With every checkup, every test, every "ice diaper", Ashley would offer an encouragement, affirming us that we weren't just stuck, but were progressing and getting closer to home. Something that made us confident when we were too tired to have confidence in ourselves. When we desperately needed sleep, she offered to take our little newborn into the nursery for a while just so we could rest. Now we know that this is something the nurses are supposed to do, but she didn't act like she "had" to do it. We could tell that she legitimately cares for each of her patients.
We have heard it said that Doctors provide treatments, but nurses provide healing. That is exactly how we felt with Ashley. The final kicker was about 3 hours before shift change, she came in and told us that they were sending her home for the day due to having enough staff. This was not your typical shift change, or an obligatory message. She came in because she just wanted to let us know one more time that she was rooting for us, and that she looks forward to hearing about our boy growing up. We are so thankful for the staff at St V's. But especially for Ashley. My wife described her as an angel, and I would agree.
Thank you so much, Ashley, for all you and your team did for us. We left feeling thankful for the time spent and the people met, instead of mourning our original plan. We wanted you to know that as you have believed in us, we also believe in you. We know that you will treat every patient with the same amount of care and love that you showed towards us and it is why we wish we could do everything in our power to nominate you and give you our highest recommendation for the DAISY Award. Keep moving hearts with your smile and healing people with your love.