In high school, one of Ashlee's friends started coming to school in scrubs. Curious, Ashlee asked her about it and learned about the Certfied Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that she would go on to join herself.

"I did that my senior year, and I passed in a couple of months. I think it was only one semester for my CNA, and once you pass you can work at a hospital, clinic, or nursing home," she recalls.

When she joined us here at Duke Health, she started in the solid organ transplant unit, but she soon felt overwhelmed by the stress that comes with the transplant team and was drawn to a different department. In September 2024, Ashlee made the transition to the postpartum unit.

Now, she spends her days supporting new parents in their first hours with a newborn. This includes checking babies' blood sugars and nutrient levels, monitoring vitals on mothers, and assisting with mealtimes and baths.

"That's a special moment between the family and the baby as well. It's their first time touching new fresh water and not amniotic fluid," emphasizes Ashlee. "When they're getting that running water on their head, they just enjoy it. It's like they're sleeping."

Ashlee has found a rewarding rhythm in her new role, supporting as many as 30 babies and familes in a single day. Her innovative thinking and problem-solving skills have earned her multiple "stars" from patients. This recognition program highlights team members who have made a positive impact and delivered excellent care.

"It makes you feel like you belong, and that you're meant to be there and just getting rewarded for what you do," Ashlee explains. "I really value that patients admire what we do and take gratitude in what we do."

But patients aren't the only ones uplifting Ashlee. Fellow team members and leaders share her dedication to care and have been a strong network of support for her within the postpartum unit.

"On this new unit, all the nurses just seem so bubbly and nice," shares Ashlee. "They've helped me understand what I need to do. Even when telling me If I'm doing something wrong, they're very sweet about it."

As Ashlee begins a new chapter in her career journey, her team continues to show up for her. When she got accepted to nursing school, they threw her a party in the break room. Her leaders also make sure that her shifts accommodate her new school schedule, so that she can thrive both academically and with patients.

Looking ahead, Ashlee can see herself pursuing a master's degree and even progressing to become a midwife. She knows that she can achieve that growth here at Duke Health, with a team that has her back and tuition reimbursement resources to support her continued education.

Join us as we continue to innovate and advance health together.

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