Goldbelt Glacier’s Ashlea Blevins, RN, Wins DAISY Award
A Beacon of Compassion and Dedication
Ashlea Blevins is the winner of the DAISY Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the nursing field. Ashlea is an ambulatory care nurse at Branch Medical Clinic Bush, an extension of U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan, who recently showed exceptional adaptability and determination to the care of her patients while working as part of Goldbelt Glacier’s Japan Allied Health contract. Clinical work is inherently stressful, and recent provider shortages have increased the patient load, making it especially challenging.
Despite this environment, Ashlea continues to deliver exceptional, companionate, and consistent care with a smile. “Ashlea is a skilled nurse, a dedicated mentor, and role model for her colleagues. She is known for her team-first approach which fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere in the clinic,” said Jen Juliano, Ashlea’s supervisor and Program Manager for Goldbelt Glacier.
During a recent virtual intake, Ashlea’s diligent approach very likely saved a pregnancy. During a consultative screening for an obstetrics and gynecology appointment to determine if a patient was pregnant, Ashlea discovered a combination of preexisting conditions and medications that could have had dire consequences during a pregnancy’s first trimester. This potentially toxic combination would not have been revealed through the patient’s records alone, as the patient had received care outside of the country and her records were not up to date. Ashlea consulted with the clinic’s provider, who agreed to see the patient promptly.
After the appointment, the patient was understandably anxious for her unborn child. Ashlea took the time to offer emotional support and resources, helping to ease the patient’s fears. The patient’s OB-GYN expressed deep gratitude for Ashlea’s quick intervention. By catching the issue early, Ashlea helped the patient avoid potential harm to her pregnancy and possibly saved the unborn child’s life.
Ashlea’s ability to think critically, to advocate for her patients, and her unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care makes her an outstanding nurse and an invaluable asset to the Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command’s team. Her compassion and perseverance embody the highest standards of nursing practice. Ashlea is a deserving of the esteemed DAISY Award, which recognizes nurses for extraordinary compassion and dedication. Ashlea personified the Goldbelt Mission by providing excellence in everything we do! Ashlea’s dedication to patient care is an inspiration to us all.