My father was admitted to the Gibson Pavilion for an IVIG treatment. He has a disease that weakened the muscles in his throat and made it almost impossible for him to swallow food. He has lost 30 lbs in the last 2 months and was down below 120 lbs. This treatment was one of a few last-resort options, and we had decisions to make. It was not an easy place for my family to be in, as not everyone was on the same page as to what direction we should go in. The tension in my father's room was so thick you would have needed a butcher knife to cut the air. He was in the hospital for 10 days and I can say that he was not happy about this. It was hard leaving him each night knowing how upset he was, but your nursing staff did such a remarkable job of taking care of him. It was such a relief knowing that he was in the hands of such caring and competent people. I was so thankful to every one of them.
Eventually, the decision was made to have a feeding tube put in and Ashley happened to be his nurse during these difficult few days, which was very difficult for everyone. As I said, all of the staff were so helpful and caring but Ashley stood out for several reasons. First, as I said, not all my family members were in agreement that we should go in this direction, as my father is 88 years old with a terminal cancer diagnosis. I am sure that Ashley sensed this and wanted to run. When Ashley walked into the room with such a calm and confident professional manner all attention went to Ashley. This was not only important for our father but our entire family. It was essential that we move forward and focus on his care and her presence and demeanor helped us do this. Ashley took charge and the focus was on my father and his feedings, the only thing my father wanted was to go home. Over the next few days, I watched and listened as she gave us lessons on how to care for him at home, how to feed him and administer medications through the feeding tube and who to contact when we had questions/concerns. I can say, truly, she is a wonderful teacher!
The last day in the hospital she came in to help get him ready for discharge. She had prepared a packet of information so we would have references at home. She took the time to research and print out relevant material but she also had pages of handwritten instructions for us. What really stood out to me and was so touching is that she came in before her shift to do this. At first, I was surprised that she took the time to come in early to get this ready for us, but then it made perfect sense because I truly feel that is who she is. We are very fortunate to have met her, she made such an impact on my father and other siblings that have no medical background.
Sometimes you are given a guide or angel to help lead you down a difficult path. We feel Ashley was our angel, my other siblings see it now since we are home and it was Ashley's style of communication and follow up that made all the difference, so we can take care of my father at home with his last days being at home, which was his wish all along. Ashley made this happen with detailed handout information, encouragement and reinforcement. She allowed us ALL to demonstrate how to do my father's tube feeds, what to look for and ask the dumbest questions. The professionalism was outstanding, I myself being in healthcare was in awe of Ashley's caring compassionate care she provided. Her integrity and values were recognized and we all respected Ashley so much. Her smile was what my father needed, he relaxed when he saw Ashley come into his room. She put him at ease with her genuine, heartfelt being. I can't thank you enough for all you did for us. We will never forget you.
Again, my family is so intense with such baggage, but you kept us ALL on track and made a very difficult situation beautiful. Thank you, Ashley, for being there for us. You are blessed with many gifts! Thank you for choosing to share them with people who need them the most!