My dad was admitted to OSF with severe Covid symptoms and was confirmed to be positive. When I got the notification, I was immediately transferred to his nurse, Ashlie. Ashlie gave me an overview of his condition since being admitted to the hospital emergency room earlier that morning. She also afforded me the opportunity to speak to my dad on the phone, which I will forever be grateful for her doing so, because that was the last time he was conscious.

Ashlie gave me a morning update prior to my commute to the hospital on Wednesday morning. She wished me safe travels before hanging up and greeted me so warmly upon my arrival. After helping me put on full PPE (I am fully vaccinated and discussed this with Ashlie prior to my visit), she allowed me to go in and see my dad, who was sedated and on a ventilator receiving 100% oxygen by this time. She reassured me that even though he was sedated, patients can often hear and sense their loved ones. She shared some of the information they discussed while he was still conscious and how he expressed his gratitude to her for being able to speak to me and to his brother. Ashlie then gave me a detailed overview of his prognosis and how we could prepare for the days to come. Speaking with her was like speaking with a trusted friend.

Ashlie continued to provide detailed updates for the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday. Despite an incredibly busy day caring for my dad and coordinating with other members of my dad's care team in an attempt to stabilize him, she called me Thursday night to offer yet another update. She also let me know that this would be her last shift for a few days, so I would be prepared that she was not on duty the next day. I thanked her for the outstanding care she and the rest of the team provided for my dad. She remarked that she cares for all of her patients as if they are her own parents and my goodness, does it show. The level of compassion and attentiveness, both to the patient and their loved ones is unmatched.

In my dad's very rapid decline, I am forever grateful for her candidness, her thoroughness, and her kindness, both to my dad and to his loved ones. I expressed to her that knowing he was under her care made me feel better about being away from him and made me feel assured that absolutely everything possible was being done to stabilize him and ensure his comfort. I would like to extend tremendous thanks to all members of my dad’s care team, but I would like to specifically recognize Ashlie, who embodies the very best of the nursing profession.