January 2026 Honoree
Ben Kippes, MSN, RN
Ben provided compassionate, trauma-informed care to my husband during a very difficult hospitalization. My husband has been in and out of the hospital for over a decade and lives with severe medical PTSD. During this admission, Ben consistently treated my husband with dignity, patience, and deep respect.
From the beginning, it was clear that Ben genuinely cared not just about completing tasks but also about how my husband experienced his care. As a newer nurse, Ben showed an impressive level of curiosity and dedication. He took time to understand my husband's complex medical history and asked thoughtful questions to better grasp what my husband was going through physically and emotionally. Rather than making my husband feel like a burden, Ben was proactive and reassuring, helping to reduce anxiety during an already overwhelming time.
Ben demonstrated strong trauma-informed practices by explaining what he was doing before doing it, checking in frequently, and being attentive to my husband's comfort and sense of safety. He anticipated needs, thought ahead, and looked for small but meaningful ways to make things better. His approach helped my husband feel respected, seen, and in control during moments when control is often lost.
What stood out most was Ben's genuine concern and intentional presence. He did not rush interactions and never made us feel like an inconvenience. Instead, he showed empathy, professionalism, and a sincere desire to learn and improve qualities that will make him an exceptional nurse for years to come.
Ben embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award. His trauma-informed care, thoughtfulness, and compassion made a meaningful difference in my husband's hospital experience and in our family's sense of trust and safety. We are deeply grateful for the care he provided.
From the beginning, it was clear that Ben genuinely cared not just about completing tasks but also about how my husband experienced his care. As a newer nurse, Ben showed an impressive level of curiosity and dedication. He took time to understand my husband's complex medical history and asked thoughtful questions to better grasp what my husband was going through physically and emotionally. Rather than making my husband feel like a burden, Ben was proactive and reassuring, helping to reduce anxiety during an already overwhelming time.
Ben demonstrated strong trauma-informed practices by explaining what he was doing before doing it, checking in frequently, and being attentive to my husband's comfort and sense of safety. He anticipated needs, thought ahead, and looked for small but meaningful ways to make things better. His approach helped my husband feel respected, seen, and in control during moments when control is often lost.
What stood out most was Ben's genuine concern and intentional presence. He did not rush interactions and never made us feel like an inconvenience. Instead, he showed empathy, professionalism, and a sincere desire to learn and improve qualities that will make him an exceptional nurse for years to come.
Ben embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award. His trauma-informed care, thoughtfulness, and compassion made a meaningful difference in my husband's hospital experience and in our family's sense of trust and safety. We are deeply grateful for the care he provided.
Thank you, Ben, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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