Ashley served, Mrs. L, a 92-year-old patient in the ER. The hospital had no rooms available when Mrs. L was admitted with pneumonia and she remained in the ER until almost 4 am the next day before being moved to another floor for comfort care. As a close friend of the family, I was at the hospital for much of the night with Mrs. L and her family. I interacted numerous times with Ashley and had the opportunity to observe the compassionate and very knowledgeable care that she provided at a very difficult time. Ashley was gentle and kind with while working efficiently and effectively to ensure the needed care was provided.
The hospital was extremely busy with patients and their families, yet Ashley was attentive in a way that comforted not only Mrs. L, but all of her loved ones huddled in that ER room that evening. Ashley helped in clarifying information initially provided by the hospitalist. She explained the tests being conducted and the details and significance of each. Ashley willingly answered questions with knowledge and compassion throughout the evening and helped the family in understanding the options and challenges of Mrs. L's condition. Ashley's experience and knowledge were especially evident and extremely valuable to the family when she advocated for Mrs. L when the hospitalist on duty suggested to the family that a surgical consult be considered. Ashley understood the fragile condition of her patient. She was aware of her test results and condition, and she understood the family's desire to treat her, yet their priority to maintain her comfort.
Ashley's knowledge and compassion were a blessing to all of us that evening. She was patient with all of the questions she was asked as she took the time to answer each of them thoughtfully. Ashley provided an exemplary level of care for all of us that night in addition to all that she did for her true patient, Mrs. L. Mrs. L was eventually moved the next morning to a room in the hospital where she received comfort care and then passed away peacefully with her family at her side.
Ashley was tireless and patient, and knowledgeable and compassionate. Ashley's skills and expertise, along with her support, made a very challenging time be manageable. Thank you, Ashley, for your expertise, wonderful care, advocacy, and support that you provided to Mrs. L and all of us that night.