05/05/2026
is here, and there's no better way to celebrate than by letting our team speak for themselves. 💙 These are the people who bring both the skill and the soul to patient care — and we couldn't be prouder of them! Today, get to know Ashleigh, an Assistant Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department (ED).
Q: Why did you decide to become a nurse?
A: Growing up with an ICU nurse for a mom and a nurse manager for a stepdad, I was hesitant to follow my passion for science and nursing because of how interesting the dinner table conversations were. After having my sons, I gained a deeper sense of purpose leading me toward nursing, where I could be there for people during some of their most vulnerable moments. Working in the ED, I get to combine compassion, critical thinking and advocacy; and I try to show up for every patient the way I'd want someone to show up for my kids and loved ones - with patience, respect and genuine care.
Q: What has your career journey at Baptist been like?
A: My career with Baptist has been filled with professional growth. I started out as a CNA on the Surgical Treatment Unit in 2018, quickly transferring to the ED as a tech when my manager learned it was my goal to work in the emergency room. I worked nights during nursing school, graduating in 2023 and recently became an Assistant Nurse Manager in 2026. I am living my dream job and growing professionally and personally, thanks to the opportunities Baptist has given me, and I am forever grateful.
Q: Can you recall a specific patient or team interaction that made you proud to be in the nursing field?
A: I am privileged to work with an amazing team that makes me proud to be a nurse on a daily basis. Every code we work on, every critical patient we collaborate on, reinforces that patient care is a team effort. It is hard to pinpoint a specific event that stands out when we have the support and teamwork that we do consistently. However, one moment highlighting this collaboration would be when a patient arrived in labor and had to deliver the baby in the emergency room. I have never felt more out of my element, but my team (including my manager and ANM) was at the bedside within seconds to assist (followed closely by our Labor & Delivery team), and I have never felt prouder to be a nurse and to be a part of this team.
Q: Why do you like working at Baptist Health?
A: Baptist fosters a culture of growth and collaboration that I didn’t know existed in health care. Baptist encourages open communication where concerns are addressed to help produce the best outcome for our patients. Everyone involved in patient care has the ability to voice ideas on better processes, and these ideas are celebrated. Baptist is unique in that way, and I feel lucky to work in such an environment.
Q: What would you tell someone who is considering entering the nursing field?
A: Being a nurse has been the most challenging and fulfilling career I have ever had. It has made me think and grow in ways I did not foresee, and I am forever grateful for how it has shaped who I am today. If someone were entertaining the idea of nursing school, I would tell them that other than my two children, it is my proudest accomplishment.
Q: If you weren’t a nurse, what would you do for a living?
A: If I were not a nurse, I would love to work at Universal Studios, designing houses for Halloween Horror Nights. I love the attention to detail, down to the smell, from both Universal and Disney, that transports you into another world. It has always fascinated me and helping make that happen would be amazing. Or, I'd be a professional traveler and post about all the amazing places and my experiences around the world. Normal stuff. 😊
