One brother called her M's Angel…
M has been a patient admitted to the hospital countless times over the last year; he is one of our oncology patients. With each admission, Ashley's bond strengthened with the patient and his family. With each admission, she advocated and cared not only for M, but also his family. Ashley's ability to speak his native language and translate what was going on provided M and his family knowledge and trust in his care.
January of this year would be his final admission. This admission would prove to be a very trying time for M and his family. M, a young man himself with a wife and two children, coming to understand "you are terminal and going to die". Ashley was a constant with this family over the course for his seven-week admission. She could translate what his actual thoughts and feelings were so they could be met. He trusted her enough to ask her for help. She brought him comfort while everyone surrounding him was struggling.
It was also during this time, Ashley also bonded with his little boy who would light up when he saw that she was working, and ask when she would be back. On M's final night with us at the hospital, Ashley made certain that his final transition home would go smoothly. Ashley's primary goal was to ensure and help M achieve his final wish to go home and be with his family. She spoke at length with the family to ensure someone would be in the ambulance with him. She double and triple checked with hospice to make sure the house was ready for all of his needs. Ashley facilitated communication between Hospice and EMS as they would be bringing M home.
Twelve hours later M passed peacefully surround by his family in his home; Ashley granted him and his family with a final wish. At the services to celebrate M and his life, his family expressed how very grateful they are to Ashley and for all she did for him.
It's a privilege to work alongside such a caring compassionate nurse.