Posts

A Calling to Comfort: My Journey into Hospice Care

Image
  Choosing a career in hospice and palliative care was not just a professional decision for me—it was a calling. As a nurse practitioner with years of experience in various healthcare settings, I have always been drawn to the human aspect of medicine. While acute care and primary care play essential roles in health and wellness, I found my true passion in hospice, where the focus is on comfort, dignity, and quality of life in a patient’s final journey. From the beginning of my nursing career in 2007, I encountered patients and families facing the most challenging moments of their lives. Working in home health and case management allowed me to witness firsthand the gaps in care that many patients experience as they transition toward end-of-life care. Too often, I saw families overwhelmed by complex medical decisions, uncertain about how to best support their loved ones, and struggling with the emotional weight of impending loss. These experiences solidified my belief that hospice is...
Post a Comment
Read more

Serving with Heart & Hands

Image
  Welcome back to Heart & Hands: A Journey in Nursing . While pondering on my topic, this scripture came to mind. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Today’s blog is about Serving with Heart & Hands. Healthcare is more than a job - it’s a calling. Every day, you walk into the unknown, stepping into moments of pain, hope, and healing. Some days, your hands bring comfort; other days, they bear the weight of sorrow. Through it all, God sees your labor of love. But let’s be honest—there are days when exhaustion sets in. Days when you feel unseen, unappreciated, or just plain weary. On those days, remember this: your work is holy work. Every patient you care for, every kind word you speak, and every moment of compassion you offer is a reflection of God’s love in action. God’s Strength in Your Weakness When Jesus walked the earth, He was the ultimate healer—not just of bodies but of sou...
Post a Comment
Read more

Slow Down & Don't Wish Your Life Away

Image
Welcome back to Heart & Hands: The Nurse’s Journey ! I’m Ashley Wiltcher, a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with years of experience in home health, hospice, case management, and primary care. While researching topics for this blog (ok - so I was scrolling on Facebook), I found an image that caught my attention: Therefore, today’s blog is about Slowing Down and Not Wishing Your Life Away . If you work in healthcare, you know the drill: long shifts, endless to-do lists, and the continual need of our patients. In a world where time is measured in passing medications, finishing documentation, and counting down the hours until your next break - or let’s be honest, until your next day off.  How many times have you said or heard your coworkers say something like this? “I just need to get through this day.” “I can’t wait until the weekend.” “Only five more years until retirement.”  It’s a cycle we fall into without even realizing it. We are so busy looking forward to what’...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Art of Listening

Image
Welcome back to Heart & Hands: The Nurse’s Journey ! I’m Ashley Wiltcher, a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with years of experience in home health, hospice, case management, and primary care. Through my journey, I’ve come to believe that one of the most powerful tools we have as nurses isn’t a stethoscope or a syringe—it’s the ability to listen . Today’s blog is all about The Art of Listening —why it matters, how it transforms patient care, and how we can all become better listeners in our daily practice. Whether you’re a new nurse or a seasoned professional, mastering this skill will elevate your impact and deepen your connection with your patients. Why Listening is a Nurse’s Superpower Think about a time when you truly felt heard—maybe it was a friend, a mentor, or even a patient who took the time to listen to you without interruption. That moment probably made you feel valued, respected, and understood. Now, imagine that same impact on your patients. When they’re scared...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Power of Compassion in Nursing

Image
Welcome to Heart & Hands: The Nurse’s Journey ! I’m Ashley Wiltcher, a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with a passion for inspiring and supporting fellow nurses. I’ve been in nursing since 2007, with experience in home health, hospice, case management, and primary care. Through the years, I’ve seen firsthand the resilience, dedication, and compassion it takes to be a nurse. Hearts & Hands: The Nurse's Journey  is where we celebrate the heart, dedication, and resilience of nurses everywhere. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this blog is here to inspire, uplift, and remind you why you chose this incredible path. This is a space to uplift, encourage, and remind you why you chose this incredible path. Whether you're just starting your journey or you're a seasoned nurse, I’m here to share stories, insights, and strategies to help you thrive—both professionally and personally. Let’s dive in! Today, we’re talking about The Power of C...
Post a Comment
Read more