Shay Bantz
March 2026
Shay
Bantz
,
RN
ICU
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
Mason City
,
IA
United States
We recognize Shay Bantz, a Critical Care nurse whose extraordinary compassion, communication, and presence have deeply impacted multiple family members during some of life’s most difficult moments. Across five nominations, Shay is described as gentle, calming, highly skilled, and consistently going above and beyond to bring comfort to patients and their loved ones.
From Shay's Patients / Family Members:
“Shay cared for my grandmother during her stay in the CCU. Shay was gentle and kind as we navigated the loss of a dear member of our family. She gave us information in an easy-to-understand way. She treated my grandma like it was her own family member, with respect and kindness the entire time. I rarely find nurses with the natural ability to put people at ease and walk alongside during times like this. Our whole family was so blessed by her.”
***
“We came into the CCU under very stressful, traumatic conditions. Shay was there Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, caring for our mom. She was always so gentle with mom, explaining to her what she was doing every step of the way, even though mom was mostly unresponsive. With the family, she had such a calm and gentle spirit, answering questions as we had them and explaining completely what was happening every step of the way. Mom passed away on Monday evening, just as Shay was getting off her shift, and yet she stayed on to answer questions and offer her comfort. She made a terrible situation so much more bearable.”
****
“Shay provided an immense level of care and comfort to our mother as well as our entire family. We are grateful to her for making our mom’s final hours more comfortable in a caring, capable, and compassionate manner.”
***
“Shay was so very kind and respectful to both our family and our mother, who was a patient in the CCU. She made a very difficult time easier.”
***
“If I'm rating on a scale of 1-10, Shay gets infinity. After my mom's stroke, my wife and I traveled overnight to visit her. When we arrived at the hospital, Shay had already made an indelible impression on my sisters. One of them told me as I entered Mom's room, "If you need anything, let Shay know. She's wonderful!" She was right!
While I know she was attending to other duties, she seemed to always be present with Mom. Her attentiveness and compassion for my mom and the entire family, who cycled in and out nonstop throughout the two-and-a-half days, were comforting and beautiful. I wish Shay and my mom could have talked-they would have loved each other!
Words can't adequately describe the relief my family felt knowing that Shay (and the entire MercyOne CCU staff) were watching over Mom, even when we weren't there. Shay is definitely a keeper! Thank you for everything!”
From Shay's Patients / Family Members:
“Shay cared for my grandmother during her stay in the CCU. Shay was gentle and kind as we navigated the loss of a dear member of our family. She gave us information in an easy-to-understand way. She treated my grandma like it was her own family member, with respect and kindness the entire time. I rarely find nurses with the natural ability to put people at ease and walk alongside during times like this. Our whole family was so blessed by her.”
***
“We came into the CCU under very stressful, traumatic conditions. Shay was there Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, caring for our mom. She was always so gentle with mom, explaining to her what she was doing every step of the way, even though mom was mostly unresponsive. With the family, she had such a calm and gentle spirit, answering questions as we had them and explaining completely what was happening every step of the way. Mom passed away on Monday evening, just as Shay was getting off her shift, and yet she stayed on to answer questions and offer her comfort. She made a terrible situation so much more bearable.”
****
“Shay provided an immense level of care and comfort to our mother as well as our entire family. We are grateful to her for making our mom’s final hours more comfortable in a caring, capable, and compassionate manner.”
***
“Shay was so very kind and respectful to both our family and our mother, who was a patient in the CCU. She made a very difficult time easier.”
***
“If I'm rating on a scale of 1-10, Shay gets infinity. After my mom's stroke, my wife and I traveled overnight to visit her. When we arrived at the hospital, Shay had already made an indelible impression on my sisters. One of them told me as I entered Mom's room, "If you need anything, let Shay know. She's wonderful!" She was right!
While I know she was attending to other duties, she seemed to always be present with Mom. Her attentiveness and compassion for my mom and the entire family, who cycled in and out nonstop throughout the two-and-a-half days, were comforting and beautiful. I wish Shay and my mom could have talked-they would have loved each other!
Words can't adequately describe the relief my family felt knowing that Shay (and the entire MercyOne CCU staff) were watching over Mom, even when we weren't there. Shay is definitely a keeper! Thank you for everything!”