Grace Visiting Nurses

Ashley Smith, RN, BSN - Palestine Branch Manager

What do I do at Grace?

I am the Palestine Branch Manager as well as a skilled nurse

How many years have you been with Grace?

I have been employed for ½ a year

What do you like about working for Grace?

I like how Grace Visiting nurses is a small company and how the needs of our patients always come first.

Describe your most rewarding or satisfying experience since you started working for Grace.

I believe the most satisfying experience has been having the ability to help people, who have been devastated with a diagnosis, find the confidence to care for themselves or their loved ones in the comfort of their own home.

Why did you choose nursing as a profession?

That is a hard question. I did not grow up dreaming to be a nurse. I wanted to be a doctor. When I looked hard enough, I realized that I could have a family as well as help people have a better quality of life as a nurse, without having to work the hours that a physician works. I am so glad I made the right decision.

What is your perfect day?

My perfect day would be riding an inner tube and floating down the Little Missouri River with my husband; then cooking a big meal at our campsite with our family

What do you consider your greatest skill?

I wanted to say “making people feel loved” but when I pictured myself doing this it was me caring for my family, my puppy, my friends. So I guess my greatest skill is caring for the people around me. I also tend to be optimistic and always look for the “silver lining.”

Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve had?

When I was 15 years old, I worked at a full service gas station where I changed tires, changed oil, pumped gas and washed cars.

What are your hobbies?

I love reading, working with my husband on our little farm, fishing with my family, and of course taking care of Punk in, my puppy.

And finally what is something unique that most people don’t know about you?

Other than being able to catch the smallest fish in the lake, I have played a set of drums at church several years.