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Ben Ellis "didn't only treat my dad like a patient — he treated my dad like family." 

A patient's relative is praising a UVA Health University Medical Center nurse for not only providing extraordinary care, but going above and beyond to really get to know the patient and his family.

Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Chair Caitlin Lowman, BSN, RN, CCRN, surprised Ben Ellis, BSN, RN, 4 Central, with a DAISY Award.

The patient's relative nominated Ellis:

"My overall experience with UVA Health University Medical Center has been very, very good and I am grateful for the professional and 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.

"The first day our father arrived at 4 Central, I was impressed with the care and attention to detail Ben displayed 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 only treat my dad like a patient — he treated my dad 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 with him.

"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. And whenever Dad had to be transported, Ben was always right there ensuring 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 even found the time to have conversations with Dad about his childhood and former military service. Ben would tell me stories about my Dad that only I and my Mom 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 at some point in the future. Ben is an exceptional nurse — but more importantly — he is an exceptional young man!"

Know a Fabulous Nurse?

"DAISY" stands for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System." The DAISY Award was established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of only 33 of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of his nurses — so they created this national award to thank nurses everywhere.

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award. Patients or their families, visitors, and team members may submit a DAISY Award nomination.