Nomination Letter
Written by Jennifer Urban, Field Training Specialist of BrightStar Care® of Conejo Valley & Simi Valley
Ashley has a great welcoming smile, and she is very motivating when it came to Mike's recovery.
When an individual comes out of the hospital with a lot to overcome, then not only is there physical disability, but also one's mood is affected. It was disheartening to go into the hospital with a minor complication and then come out of the hospital with reprehensible physical issues due to the treatment at the hospital. Ashley was able to provide care in such a way that uplifted the Mike's mood as well as made him desire to work hard towards his recovery.
Ashley deserves to be recognized because of her endearing nature and drive to learn more about improving care for Mike. The family observed this characteristic in Ashley right away because the physical therapist, occupational therapist, and wound nurse would perform their duties, and Ashley would be right there to attentively observe what they were doing.
The family and Mike feel as though Ashley was an integral part of Mike's recovery since she was able to be there daily and work with him. She was able to motivate and encourage him through her patient and pleasant personality. She was consistently there working with Mike to recover, and they started thinking of her as family.
Ashley's constant desire to improve the health of others is seen through Mike’s journey as well as how astute she was with regards to reviewing his needs. She is also continuing her nursing journey as she just completed her schooling to be a registered nurse. She should be testing for this license soon.
Mike went into the hospital with a diagnosis of COVID. When he came out from the hospital, he had a stage 4 subcutaneous bed sore, a tracheostomy, he was unable to walk, and had cognitive issues. Over the course of Ashley's care, the trach eventually was removed, the bed sore was gone, and he eventually started walking without any assistive devices. Mike progressed from being in a wheelchair to using a walker. Then he eventually could walk by having the physical therapist guide him and eventually he is now walking on his own. Ashley was there next to him through it all and would follow him with a wheelchair just in case he needed to rest during his therapy exercises.
When Mike came out of the hospital, the doctors told the family that he would not survive. They essentially said that he was not going to live long. However, when Ashley came into Mike’s life, she was able to change his mood. They shared a lot of interests together. She would sing to him. She went with him to his favorite concerts and became not only a caregiver, but also an inspirational friend which instilled positivity with regards to his recovery. His face would always brighten up when he would see her as she gave him not only hope, but a great friendship. Ashley helped Mike overcome the odds and negative assessments from doctors with regards to his health. Today he is breathing on his own, walking, and smiling. You can see that he has come a long way from his initial discharge from the hospital to where he is now, and this is all due to the care from Ashley.
This portion written by Bill, Mike’s Father:
Ashley is outstanding! Everything she did was the right thing. She always knew just what to do. Ashley is like a sister to Mike, and a daughter to us. She stopped by the other day to visit; we told her how much we missed her, and we all went to dinner. She is a true family member. Mike would not have recovered like he has without her expertise. Her wound care treatments were excellent! She saw a fissure no one else had seen, and she recommended Mike speak with his doctor about it, which ultimately led to him going to the hospital and having surgery for it. This could have been life threatening if it was not found when it was. She is extraordinary in every way. We had a lot of nurses, and caregivers, and she was our favorite!
Mike and Ashley would watch The Voice, and they would do sing-a-long’s. It was so funny, and we all had a good laugh. She brought joy into our home and lit up the room and our lives. It was really amazing! Ashley is the Best!
Mike got strong enough to go to the Doobie Brothers concert, and he needed a nurse to assist in going to the restroom. Ashley was just the nurse to bring. They all had a blast!
We are planning a big celebration for this big win on this long journey back to health. Everyone who has worked so hard will be invited!