Nurses Week 2023: The Inspiring Story of Ashley Hidalgo, a Travel RN

April 19, 2023

By: Angela White

Ashley Hidalgo

Travel RN



Q. How did you get into Nursing/What made you interested in it?

I knew that this is the field I needed to be in when I realized the impact that I get to have on a person's overall well-being, whether that is mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually. Even the smallest impacts leave everlasting effects especially during a time where people are in the care of a nurse and can feel the most vulnerable. I started off volunteering on an ICU unit at the age of 17 in high school and quickly fell in love with the interactions I was able to have with patients and other healthcare professionals and the pace of the job. It was so rewarding!

Q. What are your Nursing essentials/accessories that you can't live without?

I cannot live without my Lumify uNight Light, my favorite badge reels, Hoka sneakers for all day support, smooth gliding pens for reports, Nurse mate compression socks, and of course my Butter-Soft scrubs!

Q. What has been your biggest challenge in Nursing to overcome?

Practicing regular self-care to prevent burnout. Our career demands a lot of our attention and constant giving to others. Knowing when to set boundaries for myself and pouring back into my own cup is important in order to be able to care for my patients to the best of my ability.

Q. What has been your most rewarding moment in your Nursing career?

The most rewarding moment was having a patient only about four months into starting my first nursing job thank me for my empathetic efforts while he experienced one of the most traumatic moments of his life. I was there to recover him, and he told me he would never forget how kind and patient I was with him. He and his wife went on to email my manager letting him know of my efforts. As a brand-new nurse, it was as if everything I had worked so hard for had seriously paid off in that moment.

Q. What advice would you give to others wanting to get into the Nursing field?

Nursing is a fantastic field to get into if you are wanting to combine science and technology while having care and compassion. Know that your learning does not simply end when you leave the classroom. It is a field where you can constantly find ways to improve yourself both personally and professionally. The options in nursing are limitless! Go for it! It is so worth it.