Healthcare Heroes | Ashley Castro, RN

What is your official Title?
I am a Registered Nurse in Watertown Regional Medical Center's OB department.

How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
I've worked at Watertown Regional Medical Center for five years and have been in the labor and delivery unit for four years now. When I started, I worked in the pediatric unit when it was still open.

What do you enjoy most about working at Watertown Regional Medical Center?
I work with a really nice group of ladies, who are all so friendly. I also like the fact there  is a small and “homie” feeling to the entire hospital and everyone knows each other. I did training at a larger hospital and it’s not the same feeling as it is here.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I have been a care taker ever since I was little. If you had asked me when I younger what I wanted to be, I always said I wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse and always wanted to have a lot of kids. I have 4 kids of my own now and I’m getting to live my dream of being a labor and delivery nurse too.

What would you say to somebody wanting to get into your profession?
It can be scary for new nurses start in this profession. My advice is if it is your dream, just go for it. It’s not always glorious and when it’s bad, it can be really bad. It’s still a rewarding profession and when you have the good days, which are a majority of them, they are really good.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I have four kids who range in age from two to fifteen so I spend a lot of time hanging out with them. During the summer we spend all of our time outside, walking, biking and staying physically active.

What is your favorite place in the Watertown area?
Our favorite restauraunt is El Miriachi, we go so often they know our whole families order when we sit down.  We also like going to Latte Donate. My two year old even knows exactly what he wants from Latte Donate.

Why do you believe patients can Count on Watertown Regional Medical Center for quality care?
It’s a privilege to be part of a hospital that earns national recognition like the Leapfrog Safety Grade "A" and to know that our hospital is ranked at that level and that the community has such a great asset. We are kind of secluded in the OB department and don't always know what's happening in the rest of the hospital but everyone I've encountered is knowledgeable and has a great work ethic.

In the OB department, I have always thought we provided great care. Being recognized as one of only two hospitals in Wisconsin on the "Best Maternity Care Hospital' by Newsweek helped to confirm this. Our physicians and nurses are great and everyone has the best interest of the patient in mind.

What is one thing you’re doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
I wear my mask when I’m out in public. It’s an important thing to do as a healthcare worker trying to set a good example.