Ashley Basque, R.D.

Details

Clinical Dietitian, York Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Philadelphia, PA
Age: 27
Education: B.S. in nutrition and dietetics from the University of New Hampshire
Years at organization: 3

Why Selected?

According to Dan Schoenleber, director of dining services, Ashley has had an impact on dining services by:

•Acting with the poise and professionalism of a seasoned professional even though this is her first job as a dietitian

•Being the only dietitian on staff for a 240-bed facility, never getting behind in her work and always finding time to assist others in any area she can

•Having a great attitude and being well liked by all residents and staff 

Get to know

Q. What has been your proudest accomplishment?

Being able to work in a 240-bed nursing home with no prior experience and keeping up with the busy day-to-day schedule and admissions.

Q. What would you say you excel at over more seasoned colleagues?

I like to think I am very organized and handle stress well. I am able to work very efficiently due to good organization.
 

Q. What's the best career advice you've been given?

To learn as much as possible, even if it doesn’t directly deal with a nutrition issue. Learn anything you can from co-workers, doctors and other staff; you can never have too much education.
 

Q. What's been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome?

Learning to be confident in myself and not to be afraid to voice my ideas.
 

Q. What's been your most rewarding moment?

My most rewarding moments have been helping patients come off tube feedings and succeed enough to go home with their families.
 

Q. What would you like to accomplish in your career in the next two years?

I would like to obtain a master’s degree in nutrition within the next few years. 

Q. What's been your funniest on-the-job disaster?

There was a call-out in the dietary department and I had to help fill in. I couldn’t figure out how to set up the steam tables. I couldn’t get any of the pieces to stay in place and the food fell in the hot water. Luckily, there was enough extra and everything turned out fine.
 

Q. What can you look back at now and laugh at?

I would say that I would have laughed at myself when I first started working. This is my first dietitian job and I was unsure of myself at times in the beginning. But now I feel much more comfortable with my experience.