Meet Our Nurses: Ashley Duross, RN, BSN

Nursing As It Can and Should Be, At St. Mary’s Healthcare

For Ashley Duross, becoming a nurse was more than a career choice. It was a calling. And, when she graduated from Russell Sage College and joined St. Mary’s Healthcare as a new graduate RN, she found more than a job.

“I found a community that values compassion and teamwork,” she says. “Fifteen years later, I still feel that way. I work with incredible individuals. They’re empathetic and compassionate. They serve with their hearts. Together,

we’re making a real difference in people’s lives, every single day.”

Today, Ashley is the hospital’s Associate Director for Medical Oncology, Infusion Center, and Headache Center. And, while serving in this management role, she’s also staying active at the bedside.

“I want that active nursing role,” she says. “It makes me a better leader. Working with the team, we learn from each other. We encourage one another. We empower one another. And I get to work alongside people who care as deeply as I do.”

Ashley believes working in a community hospital makes it easier to have this kind of positive work environment. “We’re able to have a greater impact on patient outcomes,” she finds. “And as an employee you also feel more valued.”

For Ashley, being at St. Mary’s has meant feeling supported. “I’m pursuing my Master’s because of that support,” she says. “Both financial support and support for my work/life balance. I’ve got a family, with two young daughters. I’m allowed — even better, I’m encouraged — to not miss the special moments, to be fully there with my family.”

She says it all comes down to one simple concept: “I work for an organization that understands what nursing can and should be. Nursing is special. We have the opportunity to make someone’s life better. St. Mary’s has made me successful in doing this.”

To learn more about nursing at St. Mary’s Healthcare, visit our Nursing Careers page.