OLEAN, N.Y. — Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), the healthcare system consisting of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), presented registered nurse Ashley Ameis with its first-quarter Nightingale Award.
A recent Alfred State College graduate, Ameis joined OGH in June 2023 and is currently a nurse in the acute care department.
“Ashley is the most considerate and compassionate nurse to join UAHS. She takes the extra time to care for her patients entirely and demonstrates kindness to the highest degree. Ashley extends her courageousness and empathy to other staff members both clinical and non-clinical,” her nomination reads. “Ashley is the epitome of what a nurse is. Co-workers are grateful to work alongside her and patients are fortunate to have her for their care.”
The Nightingale Award is a result of nominations from medical providers and other team members throughout UAHS. The award is presented quarterly to one nurse who provides exceptional patient care, excels in patient and family teachings and creates an environment of efficient open communication with patients, as well as serving as a role model for peers.
UAHS named the nursing award after Florence Nightingale, who laid the groundwork for the philosophy and underpinnings of modern-day nursing. Throughout Nightingale’s career she displayed qualities such as integrity, nursing excellence, compassion and service. Ameis’ characteristics are the true definition of what Nightingale sought to achieve in nursing, hospital officials noted.
Ameis’ journey to become a nurse all started when she noticed how a nurse’s care affected her grandmother’s experience during a long-term hospital stay. Her current role as a medical-surgical nurse is something she said she is truly passionate about and exactly where she would like to spend her nursing career.
“I saw how much a nurse could affect my grandmother and it was heartwarming to see how excited she was when her favorite nurses were present,” said Ameis. “Through that experience, I knew I wanted to be that person to put a smile on my patients’ faces and make them feel so very cared for.”
Ameis, along with licensed practical nurse Erin Langworthy and registered nurse Amanda Wehler, the second quarter 2024 Nightingale awardee, and the Golden Stethoscope physician recipients, will be recognized at this year’s UAHS Pulse of the Community Gala on Sept. 20 “It’s a genuine privilege to take care of the UAHS community, and I’m honored to be a part of my patients’ lives even for just a short time. Loving and caring for my patients will always be my number one priority,” added Ameis.
