August 2026 Honoree
Ben Ellis, RN
My overall experience with UVA Health University Medical Center has been very good, and I am grateful for the professional, caring doctors and nurses we've been blessed with. A few have gone above and beyond in their daily duties! One in particular: Ben Ellis.
On the first day our father arrived at 4 Central, I was impressed by the care and attention to detail Ben showed while setting up Dad in his new room. Over the next several days, Ben continued to impress me more and more. He is a very, very good nurse —but he is more than that. He didn't just treat my dad like a patient—he treated him like family!
Although he had other patients under his charge as well, Ben constantly stopped by to check on Dad throughout the day. Since Dad was very weak and spent a lot of time sleeping, Ben would always ask me how Dad was doing first—then ask if it was OK for him to wake Dad to do whatever he needed.
And since Dad had very little appetite and was having a hard time eating and drinking, Ben came up with several creative ways to help him get his medicine down and also eat his puree meals. Whenever Dad had to be transported, Ben was always right there ensuring the transition went smoothly — and in one instance, I was really glad Ben was there. He stepped in to help transport and more. And as busy as Ben was — and he was always hopping — he still found time to talk with Dad about his childhood and former military service. Ben told me stories about my Dad that only my Mom and I know.
I could probably write a short story if I were to continue telling all the small (and very large) ways Ben went well above and beyond in his care for my father, but I'll cut this short and just say that for a week, Ben slowly but surely transitioned from being one of Dad's nurses — into being my brother. I honestly hope God crosses our paths again in the future. Ben is an exceptional nurse—but more importantly, he is an exceptional young man!
On the first day our father arrived at 4 Central, I was impressed by the care and attention to detail Ben showed while setting up Dad in his new room. Over the next several days, Ben continued to impress me more and more. He is a very, very good nurse —but he is more than that. He didn't just treat my dad like a patient—he treated him like family!
Although he had other patients under his charge as well, Ben constantly stopped by to check on Dad throughout the day. Since Dad was very weak and spent a lot of time sleeping, Ben would always ask me how Dad was doing first—then ask if it was OK for him to wake Dad to do whatever he needed.
And since Dad had very little appetite and was having a hard time eating and drinking, Ben came up with several creative ways to help him get his medicine down and also eat his puree meals. Whenever Dad had to be transported, Ben was always right there ensuring the transition went smoothly — and in one instance, I was really glad Ben was there. He stepped in to help transport and more. And as busy as Ben was — and he was always hopping — he still found time to talk with Dad about his childhood and former military service. Ben told me stories about my Dad that only my Mom and I know.
I could probably write a short story if I were to continue telling all the small (and very large) ways Ben went well above and beyond in his care for my father, but I'll cut this short and just say that for a week, Ben slowly but surely transitioned from being one of Dad's nurses — into being my brother. I honestly hope God crosses our paths again in the future. Ben is an exceptional nurse—but more importantly, he is an exceptional young man!
Thank you, Ben, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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