Ms. Ashley Swain is an extremely dedicated registered nurse who had forged a path in nursing with stellar attributes and vision that inspires others to strive to be the best nurse through compassion and dedication to the nursing profession. She is a skilled and effective communicator that leads with attention to detail, organization, and the ability to unify others, which demonstrates a caliber of excellence and thus embodies the spirit and meaning of this DAISY Award.

Ms. Swain serves as the Charge nurse for the Community Living Center (CLC). She leads and mentors a team of LPNs and Nursing Assistants. She is active in demonstrating the ICARE values throughout her nursing profession. Ms. Swain has received several ICARE awards from her peers throughout the year. She displays those values through her work and promotes and maintains a just culture and leads the unit as a High Reliable Organization.

Her dedication has led the Community Living Center to reach various quality metrics. Ms. Swain evaluates the practice of self and others using the American Nurse Association, the Medical Center Standards, policies, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines. Ms. Swain serves as a mentor to new staff to ease their transition to the team. She seeks every opportunity to further her nursing profession and desire for lifelong learning. Ms. Swain is a vital member of the Interdisciplinary team. She is well respected among her co-workers and is a subject matter resource for the unit.

Ms. Swain is a strong advocate for Just Culture and demonstrates the principles of a High Reliable Organization. Ms. Swain works in many different roles within CLC and collaborates with multiple team members within patient care services, facilities, and the community. Ms. Swain serves as a liaison for Traveling Veteran Coordinator. She responds to difficult challenges with ease and maintains a positive attitude. Ms. Swain's hard work and dedication are seen by her peers and complimented often. Ms. Swain truly is an asset to the John J Pershing VA and CLC.

Ms. Swain shows compassion to every veteran she cares for. She ensures each veteran’s care is centered around their specific needs. An example of this is when caring for hospice veterans. She ensures their pain is managed, dignity maintained, and comfortable until they take their last breath. She is confident and a major part of the CLC team. Ms. Swain volunteered to back up as Traveling Veteran Coordinator and provided education to Care in the Community, Primary Care, and all the CBOC while maintaining a full workload as the Charge nurse on CLC. This is just one of the many examples that make Ms. Swain a gold star team member.

Her dedication and commitment to the mission of JJP and CLC are undeniable. Ms. Swain embodies compassion and passion for the nursing profession. Ms. Swain is an effective communicator and works well with others. She is a strong advocate for the veterans and her co-workers. Her desire is to become certified in gerontology and to be a mentor to other nurses is her calling. Ms. Swain jumps in wherever needed and is always willing to support staff or other departments to complete a task without complaint. Ms. Swain is a remarkable RN.