Ashley embodies all it means to be a nurse. She practices with the utmost clinical judgment and critical thinking. She is an expert at nursing's science, but most importantly she exemplifies what the art of nursing is truly about compassion, grace, and embracing each veteran's journey and continually meeting them where they are.
Not a shift goes by that Ashley doesn't have her "list" of care plan activities to complete for the day. This is far more than a list. It is the most comprehensive plan of care I have ever seen. This list often begins with communicating with the Veteran to discuss what their goals of care are for that day, and she works extra hard to meet those goals within her control. This coordination of care often involves a lot of advocacy, communication, and education to the Veteran, family, ICU, and specialty teams involved in the Veteran's care. I have never seen a bedside nurse more attentive to Veteran Centered Care and acting out what that means on a daily basis. As a consultant, I work with a lot of fantastic bedside nurses, what Ashley provides to her patients is truly above and beyond.
In the past two weeks, I have witnessed her continually meet Veterans where they are in their illness and plan. From consoling a Veteran with severe anxiety, advocating to meet his needs as well as comfort him in the process and keep his family informed of his condition, to bringing a Veteran in his final days a piece of chocolate cake from Filo, she truly illustrates what it means to respect, support, and advocate for Veteran's choices throughout his/her life.
I am honored to work beside her and am not sure that without her continued advocacy and presence at the bedside, my work as a consultant, would be nearly as impacting on a daily basis.