Speaker: Ashley Valvano, Detox Nursing Supervisor
How long have you been at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, and how did you find your way to your current role?
Ashley Valvano: Hello, My name is Ashley Valvano and I'm a nurse here at DLC on the detox unit. I started five years ago as a PRN nurse just trying to get my foot in the door because I've heard such wonderful things about this place. And then within a year and a half time I was quickly promoted to the position I have now, which is the detox nursing supervisor. And I really found kind of a family that I love so much in a real continuum of care.
What is your favorite part of your position and the team at DLC?
Ashley Valvano: As someone with lived experience in addiction, my favorite part of this position is advocating for these clients. Many times they come in, and the first step is they just know they want to get here and they don't know what's going to happen once they walk through the door. So we help them kind of decide what is going to be best for them in their lifestyle after for continued success and recovery.
What stands out to you about the culture at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health?
Ashley Valvano: I love the culture at DLC, mostly for the team approach. You never feel like you're alone or unsupported. If you have a question, you can ask anybody and they'll get right back to you. And I feel like that goes a long way for people that are just starting out in their careers and learning and will help for the long, hopefully the long haul and stay with us.
How do you see DLC's mission of providing life-saving and life-changing care in action?
Ashley Valvano: One of the ways I see DLC's life changing mission in action is we give free Narcan to people who ask for it here, and especially on the detox unit. You know, many of them have come in post overdose, and Narcan is the only thing that I saved their lives long enough to get them into detox and into treatment. So it's a really big push for us to educate the community to carry this lifesaving medication that we give free of cost.
What makes DLC a great place to work?
Ashley Valvano: What makes DLC a great place to work is the people that I work with. Given the serious nature of our job, you know we see life and death and serious things every single day, but we truly are a family that supports each other and makes each other laugh every day even with the clients. You know we really meet them on their level, so they feel comfortable and part of the team because they are. They are part of their treatment team. So just to see all these amazing people in action, working for these people in the community that desperately just need support, is my favorite part.
