I don’t think I have ever been more impressed by the actions of another nurse than the day I witnessed Ashton respond to a patient code in the Physician Pavilion elevator. This patient had come in for an outpatient appointment when her life nearly ended.

Ashton single-handedly provided this patient with high-quality emergency care, rooted in ACLS principles. That alone is DAISY worthy, but to accomplish this in a non-clinical environment takes her actions to another level. As we all know, the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest are the most important, and I believe that Ashton’s clinical expertise and courage, her calmness under pressure, and her quick action saved this woman’s life.

It was amazing to watch Ashton delegate to staff, obtain necessary life-saving equipment, and implement the most important steps of emergency care until the code team arrived. She made it seem so effortless! In my 6 years of ICU experience, I have not seen another nurse as capable as Ashton. She truly exemplifies the qualities of a resource nurse, is highly regarded by her peers, and is a worthy recipient of this recognition.