I have worked with Ashley in the care of other patients of mine in the past and have always been impressed with her. She always knows everything going on related to the patient and always comes into the room when I make rounds. She’s smart and involved.

The following is a bit long and detailed, but important to weave the story together. Earlier this month, I had an inpatient, a very pleasant 69-year-old woman with severe PVD and multiple other medical conditions, who presented with a critically ischemic left leg and foot. She had undergone several prior vascular interventions in that limb in the past, and at this time, she had only one option for revascularization. A complex leg bypass, which I explained to her had a poor chance of saving her leg, but it was the only chance she had. So she decided to go ahead. Her only other option would have been an AKA, which was not acceptable to her. She already had a BKA in the other lower limb, and she was adamant that she would prefer to die than accept an AKA in her remaining limb.

We proceeded with the bypass. Postoperatively, she went to the CVICU, where she was cared for by Ashley Sharpe, RN. The bypass was technically successful, but it did not result in limb salvage. As I explained this to the patient the next morning, she was very distraught and tearful. Ashley was right there with her all along, not just rendering post op medical care, but helping the patient and family navigate this difficult moment. We enlisted palliative care, and as expected, the patient refused AKA, which she understood would have likely been lifesaving, and opted for DNR/CMO. Again, Ashley was right there with her all the way.

I was so impressed and touched by Ashley’s care as described above, in and of itself, but the thing that really amazed and impressed me above and beyond follows:
The patient, even though 69 years of age, had at home a favorite stuffed animal (dog) which she slept with and was a significant sentimental and psychological support to her. She spoke to Ashley about this and lamented that she wished she had it with her. Ashley, on her own volition and with her own money, went down to our gift shop and bought the patient a large stuffed animal (also a dog). The patient never let go of this from that moment on. She was transferred to a nursing floor, CMO, and treated for pain and given comfort measures. Three days later, on the day she was to be transferred to a nursing home CMO, she died comfortably and peacefully, with the stuffed doggie in her arms.

I will never forget the quiet, selfless display of compassion and love that Ashley Sharpe, RN, showed this patient.