At SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, something very special has been occurring – one rooted in compassion, mentorship, and community. Over the past few years, a group of young women began their careers in Ripon as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and today, they proudly walk the halls as registered nurses (RNs), embodying the spirit of “growing our own.”

These women – Ally Bentley, Lily Derleth, and Ariel Krieger – didn’t just clock in and out. They became part of the hospital’s fabric. As CNAs, they have become known for their warmth, responsibility, and ability to seamlessly integrate into the care teams.

“It has been so beneficial to Ripon Community Hospital that we have opportunities where students can come in as CNAs and practice as part of their schooling,” according to Jen Bunker, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Inpatient, Emergency and Surgical Services director. “Our patients love them. They’re compassionate. They are just excellent team members.”

Their journey wasn’t just about career progression – it was about transformation. Working in a small, rural hospital meant they weren’t just assistants – they were integral to patient care. They learned to think critically, adapt quickly, and support patients and colleagues alike.

“At a small hospital, you’re not just the nurse – you’re the code team, the pharmacist after hours, the respiratory therapist,” explains Desiree Stensrud, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital inpatient nursing supervisor. “It teaches you to be a well-rounded nurse.”

For Ariel, the path to nursing was deeply personal. After caring for her grandfather and experiencing burnout from a previous health-related job, she nearly gave up on health care. But SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital changed that. “I felt supported here,” according to Ariel. “I felt safe. Everyone was welcoming.” That sense of belonging rekindled her passion and gave her the confidence to pursue nursing school.

Lily’s story echoed similar themes. Having worked in a group home for adults with special needs, she brought unique insight into her hospital role. When she encountered former residents as patients, she became a bridge between their past and present care. “I could help the team understand how best to care for them,” she says. “It felt full circle.”

“I have always wanted to make a difference,” Ally shares, “no matter how big or small. Health care made me realize there are so many different opportunities to do just that. I’ve most enjoyed working side by side with some of the best mentors I could ever ask for. Everyone has been so willing to help me learn. My work here really helped me increase my knowledge.”

All participants credit their CNA experience with giving them a head start in nursing school. They had seen real wounds, assisted with procedures, and developed the kind of bedside manner that can’t be taught in a classroom.

“I was more confident than other students,” Lily share. “I’d already seen so much.”

Now, as RNs, they’re not just providing care – they’re a part of SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital’s future. Their presence is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to nurturing talent from within. “It’s a big deal that we’re able to grow our own,” says Morgan Zink, a physical therapist. “We’re lucky to have them.”

Their advice to aspiring nurses? Start as a CNA. “It gives you a real sense of what nursing is,” Ariel says. “You learn the dirty work, but also the heart of the job – connecting with patients.”

At SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, these nurses are more than employees. They’re family. And their journey from CNAs to RNs is a powerful reminder that with the right support, mentorship, and heart, small beginnings can lead to extraordinary careers.

“It’s nice being a smaller hospital as it affords them a little more time to learn because it’s not the busyness of a bigger hospital because as a new nurse, you want that experience,” according to Ashley Kolberg, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Emergency Department manager. “It’s really great having a program like this for our CNAS, and to watch them personally grow in their knowledge and overall confidence.”

Lily Derleth

Ariel Krieger