Ashley is an amazing nurse every single shift, however, I wanted to give her recognition for her compassion, empathy and dedication she gave to a fetal demise patient recently.

Many nurses, including myself, have shied away from taking demise patients for whatever reason, but not Ashley. I have seen her step up and take not only this particular demise patient, but others as well. She has only been a nurse for about a year, so she could easily use this as a fair reason for not taking the more challenging cases/patients. 

When Ashley’s demise patient delivered quickly on our shift, she remained calm and collected. Her calm attitude allowed for a devastating moment in the patient’s life to feel slightly more peaceful. Her ongoing support of this patient and the patient’s baby was wonderful. Everyone in the room was able to pick up on the energy. She knew how important it was to allow this patient to have a vulnerable and undisturbed moment with the baby she had been dreaming of and had to unexpectedly mourn. Even though Ashley had to spend much of her time focusing on the patient’s medical needs, she always made sure the patient felt supported emotionally. 

Ashley was able to send this patient home with countless mementos to honor the baby’s life, like photos, face/hand/foot molds, foot/handprints, blankets, books, support resources, and so much more.

I know that this patient will remember Ashley as a shining light, and she will never forget the way she was treated with such respect and kindness. This is just one small example of the amazing care I’ve seen Ashley give her patients in the short year I’ve worked with her as a nurse. Ashley works incredibly hard and is never looking for recognition or appreciation in this sometimes-thankless position. I am so lucky to have her as a coworker, and I know all my coworkers on Birth Suites feel the same. 

You rock, Ashley! <3