In the early morning hours, a phone call was made to the Emergency Department from the ICU. That phone call was answered by Ashley Renfro, a compassionate and experienced nurse in the ED. On the other end was an ICU nurse in need of urgent assistance. She asked if anyone in the ER could operate the Level 1 rapid infuser for a patient bleeding in the ICU. Without hesitation, Ashley’s instinct to help took over. She jumped into action and hurried to the ICU. She rapidly set up the complex Level 1 infuser and began administering blood products at the bedside, with the direction of the anesthesiologist.

I was called at 3:49 a.m. for a surgical consultation. When I arrived at the bedside, the patient was in obvious need of emergent surgical intervention. Ashley volunteered to remain by the patient's side, continuing to offer her calm, steady presence and skilled hands. Given the patient's condition, there was no time to call additional OR staff into the hospital. Ashley never left the patient’s side, administering 25 bags of various blood products, as well as IV fluids.

Without Ashley’s willingness to assist patients outside of her department, the outcome for this gentleman would have been very different. I have heard the phrase, “That is not my job”, numerous times during my twenty years of practicing medicine. Those words could never describe Ashley. She is a hardworking, dedicated, and knowledgeable nurse whose deep compassion for all patients drives her every action. Quality patient care always requires a team. On that day, I was profoundly grateful to have Ashley by my side. She is as responsible for this positive patient outcome as any member of his care team, including me.

It is with great honor that I nominate Ashley for a DAISY Award. She literally saved a life outside her department, without hesitation and with overwhelming compassion for the patient and her fellow team members. Her courage, skill, and selflessness exemplify the very heart of nursing.