This Nurses Week, we have the privilege of shining a spotlight on one of our exceptional team members, Ashley Johnson, whose dedication and passion for nursing enlighten the halls of Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. Ashley serves as the Tracheostomy Nurse Manager, affectionately known as the trach safety ambassador, embodying the nature of compassionate care and commitment to her patients and their families.
From a young age, Ashley felt a calling to serve others, inspired by her faith and a deep-rooted desire to make a difference in people’s lives. She shares, “When I was 5 years old, I got asked this question, and my answer was, I want to be a pastor or a nurse. I explained my calling even at 5 years old. I believe that God helps me minister to others by being able to be a nurse through the care I give my patients.” Ashley’s journey into nursing was shaped by personal health struggles, propelling her towards a career path where she could minister to others through care and compassion. “As a nurse, I can comfort those around me when needed. I am able to spread joy through what I do and have families seek comfort in difficult times. I have always loved medicine and science and always had a love for the human body. I personally have walked through some health struggles as well in my life that have shifted my path to become a nurse, a nurse leader, and lead with vision for creating a safer, more loving and accepted environment for complex kids.”
Ashley’s journey led her to Nemours Children’s in Orlando—a place she had long admired from afar. “For me, working here is a full circle moment. For many years, my family and I would travel to Florida from Chicago every eight weeks or so due to my dad’s job at the time; we also would come for the theme parks. Every time we flew, whether coming into Orlando or flying out, I would sit in the window seat and see this place lit up with bright colored lights. Once I did my research, I found out that this building I saw with lights shining at night was a hospital for children. Every time I continued to fly over Nemours, I would pray and say I am going to work there one day.” Every flight over its illuminated skyline fueled her determination to step inside the Nemours Children’s Hospital halls in Orlando one day. Today, Ashley finds herself living her childhood dream and shares, “Now, three years later, I am still here at Nemours, and I am now in my dream position as a nurse.”
Working alongside the ENT and respiratory team, Ashley finds solace in the fellowship they share: “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this ENT and respiratory family. The support, love, respect, and kindness I receive every day from each team truly makes my job not only easier, but is also a part of why I want to come to work every day. It is a safe, fun, and encouraging environment for all.” Ashley cherishes the warmth and fellowship within Nemours, where genuine smiles and welcoming greetings are the norm. She adds, “I love the people! I love that I can come to work, and everyone smiles at you. They say hi and are genuine when they speak with you. I enjoy how Nemours is a hospital that not only teaches and allows everyone to learn and grow within their practice but also creates a nurturing and empowering environment for our staff and families to come together cohesively as one unit to help provide the best care for our patients.” At Nemours Children’s, Ashley has found not just colleagues, but a family united in their mission to provide exceptional care.
Ashley’s journey is marked by cherished memories, from creating fun-themed days with young patients and their families to dressing up as a pizza slice for Halloween. Reflecting on one significant moment, Ashley shares, “I had a patient who ended up having a trach due to having cancer, and we needed to keep his airway open. I was also a primary nurse for this patient and his mom. This kid loved pizza, so for Halloween, mom, and this patient dressed up as a pizza slice and pizza delivery boy, and together, we all got to go trick-or-treat here at the hospital. It was such a fun day for this family.” These moments of joy amidst difficult times exemplify Ashley’s commitment to bringing comfort and normalcy to her patients and their families.
Outside of work, Ashley finds joy in spending time with her loved ones at Disney World and is actively involved in her church community, leading a young adult group and serving in various outreach programs. “I love going to Disney with my family and friends, and I am also into Disney pin trading. I am very active at my church and help lead a college and young adult group called CYA. I am involved with our outreach community serving team, and I help in our kid’s ministry, ages 6 weeks to 2 years old. I volunteer not only with my church in our community, but I am also an advocate and part of a pediatric brain cancer foundation called The Ross K. MacNeill Foundation.”
Ashley’s dedication extends beyond patient care as she actively contributes to advancing trach management practices. She is set to present at FSHA, sharing her expertise on trach management and decannulations. “I have been working with our new hire team and presenting about trach management and care for our staff. With our new trach program, Nemours is also a part of the Global Trach Collaborative.” Ashley continues to drive innovation and excellence in tracheostomy care through her presentations and involvement.
Her commitment to excellence has been recognized in other ways. In 2022, Ashley was honored with the DAISY Award, a testament to her exceptional nursing skills and compassionate approach. Furthermore, she has received DAISY Awards from other families she has worked with at Nemours Children’s, further highlighting the profound impact she has made in the lives of her patients and their loved ones.
As we celebrate Nurses Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ashley Johnson for her dedication and commitment to providing excellent, compassionate care. Through her efforts, Ashley has touched the lives of countless individuals, embodying the essence of nursing with every action she takes. She serves as inspiration, instilling hope, facilitating healing, and embracing humanity in all aspects of her work.
