Ashley Sample’s journey into nursing started with a pivot back in high school, which turned into a lifelong calling. Later, a deeply personal experience completely reshaped how she looks at family-centered care, making her story a powerful reminder of why true compassion in healthcare matters so much.
Dive in to read all about her diverse nursing background, her drive to make processes better, and the wonderful “happy chaos” that keeps her energized when she’s away from the hospital.
Why are you excited to step into this new role at NMC Health?
I’m excited to continue growing at NMC Health and to step into this new role. One of the things I’m most excited about is the opportunity to work alongside the incredible people in Case Management and Quality. I truly feel like I get to work with the best of the best. They are incredibly smart, talented, dedicated and passionate about the work they do, and I feel blessed to be part of a team with them.
Why did you choose to have a career in healthcare?
I didn’t originally plan on a career in nursing. I had plans to become a dentist. During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to job shadow both a dentist and at a hospital. From my very first day at the hospital, I just knew that was where I was meant to be. I loved the environment, the people and the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. That experience completely changed the direction I thought I was going, and I’ve never looked back. Nursing has given me so many opportunities to learn, grow, and make meaningful impact.
What is your specialty, and why did you choose it?
One of the things I love most about nursing is that there are so many different areas where you can work and make a difference. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in the Emergency Department, Med Surg, Swing bed, Outpatient Clinics, Medicaid and Medicare Utilization review, Case Management, and Quality. Each area came into my life at just the right time.
As I’ve gone through different seasons of life and raising my kids, nursing has given me the flexibility to grow and change both personally and professionally without ever having to leave a career I love.
What inspires you to do what you do every day?
What inspires me today is my sister. At just 44 years old, she suffered a massive brain bleed, and watching her journey completely changed my perspective. Being on the other side of healthcare, as a sister and a family member instead of as a nurse, reminded me just how much the care we provide matters.
It gave me an even greater appreciation for the people who show up for patients and families during some of scariest and most uncertain moments of their lives. Her strength and resilience continue to inspire me, and her experience is a reminder of why I care so deeply about making healthcare the very best it can be for every patient and every family.
What is your favorite thing about working with patients?
My favorite thing is process improvement. I love looking at how we do things, identifying opportunities to make them better, and working with others to create changes that improve both the patient and staff experience There’s something really rewarding about seeing an idea turn into a process that truly makes a difference.
What is your top priority when providing healthcare?
People will always be my top priority in healthcare, both patients and staff. I truly believe that when we take care of people, everything else gets better. I want patients to feel cared for, safe and confident in the care they receive, but I also want staff to feel supported, valued, and proud of the work they do.
What are your favorite things to do outside of the office?
My absolute favorite thing is spending time with my family! My husband Joe and I have four kids, Henry, Lucy, George, and Opal, so life is always busy, loud, and a lot of fun! We spend a LOT of time watching sports, cheering on our kids, and running from one activity to the next, and I truly would not have it any other way. Add in our four dogs, and there is definitely never a dull moment at our house! Family, sports, and a little bit of chaos are my happy place!
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a career in healthcare, what would it be?
My biggest piece of advice is to remember that you have to take care of yourself, too! Healthcare can be incredibly rewarding, but we spend so much time caring for others that it can be easy to forget about ourselves. Give yourself the same grace and care you give to your patients and coworkers. When you take care of yourself, you’re able to show up as the best version of yourself for the people who count on you.
What’s the best advice you received?
Never stop learning!
What’s one thing you wish every patient knew?
I wish every patient knew just how deeply we care. There are countless hours spent learning, growing, asking questions, and finding ways to provide the very best care possible. I often find myself thinking about my work long after I’ve left for the day because the people we care for truly matter to me. Nursing is so much more than a job, there are real people and families behind every decision we make, and I never lose sight of that.
Ashley’s commitment to you is at the heart of everything she does. We are thrilled to see her step into this new role within Case Management and Quality, and we are so grateful for the heart and leadership she brings to NMC Health every day.