Emerging Leaders Under 40 Spotlight: Ashley Bartholomew, BSN, RN, CNOR, ONC

Balancing Leadership, Family, and a Perioperative Career

Perseverance and adaptability define Ashley Bartholomew’s perioperative nursing journey. As a military spouse, mother of three, and an enthusiastic nurse leader, Ashley has faced and overcome challenges that have shaped her into the leader she is today. We spoke with her about the significant challenges facing nurses today and how she balances a demanding career and personal life.

The Journey to Perioperative Nursing

Ashley’s path to perioperative nursing began during her time in the Air Force, where she first encountered the OR while working as a dental assistant in oral surgery.

“When I was 18, I joined the military - active-duty Air Force - right out of high school and went overseas to Japan,” she said. “I learned how to scrub in and pass instruments. Navy nurses taught me how to do a foley and an IV, and I found it so interesting and exciting.”

After leaving active duty, Ashley pursued an LPN and continued working in the operating room, despite frequent relocations due to her husband’s military career.

The relocations every two years could have been a setback. But she turned them into opportunities.

“It’s given me the chance to work in a variety of settings - from a 54-bed hospital to a Level 1 trauma center,” she said. “Each move brought a new experience and helped me adapt to different environments.

Navigating Challenges in Nursing

Ashley identifies one of the most significant challenges in nursing today as the fluidity of the workforce, which became even more pronounced after the pandemic. She says loyalty to just one organization has diminished over time.

“This shifting dynamic has created challenges in leadership, particularly when it comes to staffing. Sometimes people end up in positions just because they were available, not necessarily because they were the best choice. Challenges arise when roles are filled quickly in a high-demand environment,” she said.

But she sees this as a chance to redefine leadership.

“It’s important to recognize and nurture leadership qualities in nurses, regardless of their official titles. Being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean being a manager. You can be a leader without holding a formal management position,” she said. “It’s about investing in individuals and their potential, even if they don’t hold formal titles.”

Balancing Work and a Personal Life

Meanwhile, balancing a demanding nursing career with a personal life also requires careful planning and a flexible mindset, Ashley says.

But she’s found ways to make it work. And that means using a strategic approach to manage her time.

“If you’re going to grab something from the supply room, we grab two. Sometimes I grab three,” she said. It’s the same thing with balancing work and life where you work hard and play hard. When I’m working, I’m working. And when I’m off, I’m off.”

Support from her team and leadership is also crucial. She says it’s all about strategic thinking.

“If you find your groove and your team, and if that team is willing to put in a little extra effort to be creative in areas like scheduling, it can work out beneficially for everyone,” she said.

About AORN's Emerging Leaders Under 40

This recognition highlights outstanding AORN members under 40 who have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas over the past five years: Teamwork, Communication, Collaboration, & Equity; Mentorship or Preceptorship at national, community, or organizational levels; Involvement in AORN Governance or Volunteerism; Impactful Change or Innovation; and Educational Achievements or Certifications earned in 2023. Nominees were self-nominated or nominated by others. All were recognized at AORN’s Annual Conference.