Ally Bentley, RN, Emergency Room, has been named a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses winner at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Bentley was nominated for the care she offered to a young patient with a complex medical history and past traumatic care experiences.

“He was fearful and resistant to procedures due to previous experiences. Nurse Ally Bentley built trust by taking time to connect with him, listening to his fears, and using a trauma-informed approach. She asked others to step out, worked one-on-one with him, and successfully completed all necessary tests without escalating his anxiety. Her compassionate care, including small comforts like adjusting lighting and providing warm blankets, helped him feel safe and empowered.”

The family expressed deep gratitude, noting that Bentley provided some of the best care he has ever received and demonstrated exceptional empathy, respect, and advocacy – leading them to nominate her for a DAISY Award.

During a brief ceremony, Bentley was recognized by SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital leaders, including Nicole Gill, Ashley Kolberg, and Renee Weier. She received a certificate commending her as an “Extraordinary Nurse.”  The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” according to Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, president and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Ripon Community Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.       

Ally Bentley

Date posted: July 13, 2026