Nurses Week Spotlight: Ashley Mayes

Meet Ashley Mayes, RN, BSN, OCN

Question: Why did you become a nurse?

A: “I became a nurse to provide compassionate care to others. As a child, I watched my family require medical care and I can remember the nurses taking excellent care of my loved ones and our family. I decided to become a breast cancer Nurse Navigator as breast cancer is a disease I hold very close to my heart. I come from a family impacted by breast cancer and I myself am high risk for breast cancer. I wanted to support our patients throughout their breast cancer journey just as I would want my loved ones or myself care for.”

Q: What is your favorite part of being a nurse?

A: “My favorite part of being a nurse is making a positive impact on someone’s life. I often meet with patients at one of the scariest moments in their lives following a diagnosis of breast cancer. I strive to advocate for my patients and provide compassionate care at such a scary time for them. Another favorite part of being a nurse is educating patients of their diagnosis and what to expect next. I strive to prepare them for the journey ahead and to take each day one step at a time. I enjoy seeing our breast cancer survivors’ years after the diagnosis and they are doing well and thriving. I love to check in and say hello even years later.”

Q: What advice would you give an aspiring nurse?

A: “My advice for anyone aspiring to become a nurse is to listen. Listen to truly hear your patients’ needs and meet them at their level. No two patients are the same and each day you have the ability to make a positive impact on someone’s life in their time of need.”

Q: What keeps you motivated during tough shifts?

A: “Our team at the Breast Care Center and the patients we serve keep me motivated when the days are tough. Our team cares deeply for our patients and we encourage each other to provide the best care possible for our patients every day. They are always there to lift me up when the days are difficult. As a team, we have laughed together and cried together. I appreciate each one of them more than I could ever explain. Also, I remember back to the day I accepted the Nurse Navigator position at the hospital and my mom told me if I can make a difference in even one patient’s journey all of the hard work is worth it. When the days are hard, I remind myself of the true reason I accepted this position years ago.”

Q: What has been your best experience at the Hosptial that made you enjoy nursing more?

A: “Being a Nurse Navigator at the Breast Care Center allows me to not only see patients in the Breast Center but also follow along their cancer journey. I enjoy spending time with patients and being a consistent person in their care. I’ve been able to create meaningful relationships with our patients, and I’m brought joy to see patients doing well years later. I’ve even had patients call me or stop by the Breast Care Center months or years later to chat and tell me how they are doing, even if they didn’t end up receiving their cancer care here. It’s a reminder no matter how little time you spend with a patient you can make a lasting impact.”

Published on May 5, 2025

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