Getting a really big surprise twice in one year at your workplace can be disconcerting, just ask Michelle Ashby.

Michelle was named the Team Member of the Month in October 2018 and was shocked then, but was even more surprised to learn she was named the VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital Star Service Team Member of the Year for 2018.

Michelle’s work as a home health nurse earned her the distinction thanks to her interaction with a patient over many weeks.

“I’ve been in home health for 20 years and it’s great to enjoy what you do and to be honored like this, I just want to thank the patient who nominated me,” she said.

Her patient was glowing in praise for Michelle’s knowledge, friendliness and efficiency.

The patient said, “I am an extreme introvert. The thought of someone I don’t know coming into my home was not a good feeling for me. Add to that, not feeling well and just having been through a traumatic emergency surgery and you can guess how apprehensive I was. But we needed help and I could not have had a better experience.”

She continued, “I never felt like she was rushing to her next home visit even when my questions kept her with me longer than normal. And speaking of normal, she put me at ease many times over my expectations of how long my healing was taking versus how I thought it SHOULD be going. I could ask her absolutely anything health related and knew I would get an honest answer and helpful suggestions.”

Michelle’s supervisor, Megan Gardner, agreed with the patient about Michelle. “In her short time here at VCU Health CMH, Michelle has touched the lives of many patients within our community. She is always thinking ahead on how to improve organizational processes and is more than willing to go that extra mile for her patients. Michelle is an integral part of our home health and hospice team and our organization as a whole is better because she is a part of it.”

By earning the Team Member of the Year Award, Michelle received a special gift from VCU Health CMH, a gift certificate for $200 to spend on a getaway and $300 in spending cash. The patient who nominated Michelle learned about her selection as the Team Member of the Year and said, “I’m extremely happy that she received this well-deserved honor.”

Michelle has been with VCU Health CMH for just over a year. She was recently married to Mike Thomas and Michelle has two children, Daleigh, an RN herself, and Hunter.

She’s a graduate of Lenoir College in Kenston, NC and resides in the Bracey, VA area.

Michelle has experienced a major health issue herself. She broke her neck in two places nearly 10 years ago and understands the impact healthcare can have on a person and how the treatment a patient receives makes such a huge difference in their life.

Other nominees considered for 2018 VCU Health CMH Star Service Team Member of the Year were: Erin Davis, Lovellah Ballesteros, Brian Jones, Laure Gill, Bertha Evans, John Watson, Megan Llewallen, Ashley Wray, Patricia Urda, Mildred Waye and Linda Wilkins.