As part of their National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week celebration, Kossuth Regional Health Center awarded Ashley Thompson, RN with the 2025 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
Ashley is a registered nurse in the Med/Surg Unit at KRHC and has been serving patients at the hospital for 10 years. Ashley was nominated multiple times for this year’s award by numerous patients that she’s touched with her compassion and care from helping bring babies into the world to saving lives.
A small part of her nominations read, “Ashley is the most amazing, professional nurse I have ever encountered. Her knowledge and personality are fantastic. She literally brought me back from death, working alongside Dr. Lampe. My life has been forever changed by Ashley’s care. I am no longer afraid to die, but I am really glad Ashley was my nurse that day and saved my life. She goes above and beyond…a true professional.”
This year Kossuth Regional Health Center had 18 nurses nominated for the award. Chief Nursing Officer Stephanie Colvin recognized all nominees at the award ceremony.
“Nurses are the quiet force that holds the healthcare system together. You are advocates, caregivers, educators, and often the calm in the storm,” said Colvin. The power of nurses is not only in your knowledge and skill, but in your compassion, resilience, and ability to make a lasting impact – one patient, one moment and one life at a time.”
2025 DAISY Award Nominees:
- Mercedes Becker (Community Health)
- Emily Erpelding (Med/Surg)
- Allison Gisch (Community Health)
- Lis Grimm (Med/Surg)
- Pam Hanselman (Med/Surg)
- Madi Hauswirth (Med/Surg)
- Martha Hoffman (Med/Surg)
- Riley Kintzle (Med/Surg)
- Kendra Koppen (Community Health)
- Kristen Roethler (Clinic)
- Rhonda Sexton (Med/Surg and Cardiac Rehab)
- Julie Stebbins (Med/Surg and Cardiac Rehab)
- Brittany Stevens (Community Health)
- Ashley Thompson (Med/Surg)
- Mary Vollrath (Med/Surg)
- Brooke Winkelhorst (Med/Surg)
- Kelsey Zinnel (Med/Surg)
- Anna Olson (Med/Surg)
The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.
Past winners of the DAISY award at KRHC include Sandy Hoskins, Salena Siefken, Martha Hoffman, Jane Eischen, Mary Vollrath, Callie Gerber, Deb Hansen, Becky Lancaster, Stephanie Colvin, Madi Hauswirth, and Pam Hanselman. In 2021, KRHC honored ALL nurses for their dedication and compassion during the pandemic.
In addition to the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses, KRHC celebrates staff from all non-nurse disciplines who personify the remarkable patient experience for those we serve with the BEE Award. BEE stands for Being Excellent Every Day, and this year’s BEE award winner does just that!
Sam Weichert, KRHC Human Resources Director presented the BEE Award and emphasized the importance of each department within the hospital.
“Our care teams cannot thrive without the commitment, compassion, and excellence of our support staff,” said Weichert. “Every role matters and touches the patient experience, contributing to the heartbeat of our organization.”
Chris Koch, Maintenance Mechanic was named the 2025 KRHC BEE Award recipient.
Chris was nominated by a fellow team member who sees Chris going above and beyond at work each day. The nomination read, “Chris is the “eye of the storm”. No matter what is asked of him he always stays calm and is willing to try to figure it out. He always takes everything as a challenge to learn something new and master it. He understands the importance of being timely and efficient especially in patient care areas. As he knows it is essential, so staff can provide good patient care. He is always kind, willing to help and communicates effectively. He never complains or states he cannot do it. He took a new hire under his wings and is willing to help acclimate him to KRHC core values. KRHC is truly lucky to have a person like this to keep us preforming at our best.”
2025 BEE Award Nominees:
- Heather Coyle (Med/Surg)
- Molly Dickinson (Radiology)
- Kate Giddings (Dietary)
- Chris Koch (Maintenance)
- Allison Kruger (Dietary)
- Bernita Montgomery (Dietary)
- Miranda Olerich (Clinic)
- Jeany Reynolds (Patient Financial Services)
- Renee Richardson (Environmental Services)
- Ashley Riedesel (Clinic
- Jamie Totten (Home Health)
- Mara Walstead (Clinic)
“I’m so proud of the many lives our staff touch with their compassion and support each year,” said Dar Elbert, CEO. “Every member of our work family plays an important role in assuring the best possible care for those we serve, and it’s an honor and a privilege to initiate this annual award opportunity for both our nurses and support staff,” said Elbert.
Nominations for the DAISY and BEE awards are accepted all year round at KRHC. Nominations can be submitted by patients, families, coworkers, or anyone who has witnessed a great nurse or staff member in action. You may nominate a team member by sending a nomination to 1515 South Phillips Street, Algona, IA 50511, or you can also fill out an electronic form at here or pick one up in the hospital lobby.
