Edwards named nurse manager

“I became a nurse because of themany opportunities that are available in the field and the variety of experiences and challenges that it presents each and every day.”

— Ashley Edwards

Rome Memorial Hospital Registered Nurse Ashley Edwards, BS, RN, CCRN, CEN, has been appointed as the new nurse manager of the hospital’s emergency department and intensive care unit (ICU).

“Ashley is a natural born leader with strong clinical skills,” said Emergency Department Director Kelly West, BSN, RN. “Her appointment was based upon her excellent communication skills, clinical expertise and desire to improve and advance the development of the emergency department patient care staff.”

“I amvery excited about my newposition,” Edwards said. “I became a nurse because of themany opportunities that are available in the field and the variety of experiences and challenges that it presents each and every day.”

After graduating from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing with her associate’s degree in Applied Science in Nursing, Edwards earned her bachelor’s of science degree in Nursing from SUNY Poly in Marcy.

“Ashley is a passionate professional who leads by example through her actions and her ability to unite physicians and staff by encouraging their participation in decision-making,” said Vice President Clinical Services/ChiefNursingOfficer, Durinda Durr, MS, RN. “She has the unique ability to remain calm and levelheaded in any situation in pursuit of the best interests of our patients.”

Initially hired as a graduate nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Rome Memorial Hospital in 2012, Edwards transferred to the Emergency Department in 2014.

“Critical care nursing is fascinating because it involves dealing with pa- tients who can presentwith acute and serious issues,” Edwards said. “Being able to take a look at the test results and combine that knowledgewith everything else we learn about our patients allows us to help unravel mysteries and return them to their optimal level of health as quickly as possible.”

Edwards is in charge of the daily flow of the emergency department and ICU, handling staffing and serving as an advocate and problem solver for staff issues. She also is available to help with concerns that may arise from patients and their families. In general, she is responsible for keeping the potentially chaotic emergency department environment running as smoothly as possible.

Edwards feels her experience working as a nurse in both departments has afforded her a unique perspective as a leader. “My time as a nurse definitely helps me empathize when the staff goes through difficult situations,” she said. “I make sure that my staff knows that I am available 24/7 to help them work through any situation, whether it is clinical help or a shoulder to lean on.”

Edwards and her husband, Will, live in Rome with their daughter Olivia.

Ashley Edwards