“I knew I could advocate for them when they are going through one of the most vulnerable times of their life.”
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
Ashley Whaley has been a labor and delivery nurse in the Maternity Tower at Riley Children’s Health just since December, but she has made a big impact in that short time.
Whaley was nominated for a Daisy Award for her clinical skills and compassionate care three times in one month alone.
And recently, she was surprised during morning huddle when team members and leadership gathered to present the official award to her.
“I saw the daisies and thought, ‘That’s nice, someone won a Daisy.’ As they were reading the nomination, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, congrats to whoever it is.’ ”
It took her a minute to realize the award was for her.
“I thought they couldn’t be talking about me. I am super shy and hate being in the spotlight. I was trying not to cry.”
Whaley, who previously worked as a cardiovascular critical care nurse in Florida, was always interested in women’s health, specifically labor and delivery. Finding a position at Riley was a dream come true.
“I did travel nursing last summer, and I was at University Hospital. I applied to Riley, they called me, and I cried. I literally have my dream job.”
She is a dream team member as well, according to Tara Povinelli, clinical operations manager for labor and delivery.
“Ashley builds strong connections while caring for her patients to ensure they have a positive experience while they are with us, so it is no surprise she was chosen as a Daisy Award winner,” Povinelli said. “She also supports her teammates by sharing knowledge, offering advice and working extra when the team needs it. We love having Ashley on our team.”
The women who nominated Whaley for the Daisy describe her as “a pillar of strength,” “intuitive,” “kind” and “supportive.”
“She was on top of everything,” one said. “I felt very safe.”
“She really showed she cared for mother, baby and dad,” said another.
As the mother of a 9-year-old son, Whaley knows how important it is to provide the best possible labor and birth experience to the moms in her care.
“I knew I could advocate for them when they are going through one of the most vulnerable times of their life,” she said.
She has found that the culture at Riley suits her, and she appreciates her managers and co-workers, describing them as one big family.
Outside the hospital, Whaley and her son like to explore Downtown Indianapolis, which is where they live, and she loves to cook. In fact, she went to culinary school before switching to nursing.
“I’ve been cooking since I was 3 years old with my parents and grandma,” she said, “but I decided not to make a career of it. Medicine and women’s health was my top priority.”
The Healing Hands sculpture that sits on her fireplace mantel – presented to her as part of the Daisy Award ceremony – is a reminder that she made the right choice.
Nominate a nurse who exemplifies excellent clinical skills and compassionate care here. https://www.rileychildrens.org/form/riley-daisy-award
Photos submitted and by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org
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