UCAN took over Douglas County’s Nurse Home Visiting Program about eight years ago. At the time, Ashley Pittam Hays was working for the County, so she became one of our first home visiting nurses. Having grown up locally, Ashley obtained her associate’s degree to be a registered nurse from UCC, and then her bachelor’s degree from Oregon Health and Sciences University. She had a variety of positions after completing her education, but soon decided that she wanted to be a home visiting nurse.
After eight years in this position, the work continues to be very meaningful to her. For one, Ashley gets to work with families who live in communities similar to where she grew up and continues to live. While their circumstances may be very different from Ashley’s, they’re folks whose challenges she understands from having grown up here.
Unlike many other nurses, who often work with a patient for less than one day, Ashley works with families for many days, even months. She connects with each family intimately, in locations that work best for the family, has time to really understand their needs, to address those needs comprehensively. Ashley has the opportunity to work with families to problem-solve complex issues. Over time, she gets to see dramatic changes in the well-being of the parents and young children with whom she works.
One family she’s been working with recently has two children, both with serious developmental disorders. The youngest had to have heart surgery while still a baby. Mom, dad and the kids live with several cats and dogs in a remote corner of Douglas County. The parents lack basic resources, as dad just lost his job, and they need a lot of support to understand and connect with medical professionals.
Ashley serves as their guide, helping them find doctors, get to appointments, understand what doctors are telling them, and she advocates on their behalf to ensure their children get the care they need. She checks in on mom’s mental health. She screens the ongoing development of the children. And she works to get them resources, many of which UCAN offers, like help paying utility bills. Ashley says: “Their needs are so great, they were overjoyed when I brought them a single food box, and arranged for some Christmas toys for their children.”
While Ashley enjoys the challenge of her work, she points out one more reason she loves her job. Many employers require nurses to work odd shifts. Many don’t get typical vacation days off. Ashley has a flexible schedule here. She is able to ensure that while she meets the needs of so many vulnerable families, she is able to prioritize the needs of her own family.
