Alexandra Stuhrenberg, RN

I met Ally under circumstances I never expected. In the middle of a cross-country road trip with my sister, I was suddenly hospitalized in Sioux City—far from home, overwhelmed, and unsure what would happen next. From the moment Ally became my primary nurse, everything shifted.

Ally brought a steady, positive presence that grounded me in a moment that could have easily spiraled into fear and frustration. She didn’t just deliver excellent clinical care—she offered something just as critical: hope. She found small, thoughtful ways to lift my spirits, even sharing photos of her two adopted cats and her dog. Those simple, human moments made a hard day feel manageable and reminded me I wasn’t alone.

What stood out most was how deeply she advocated for me. Ally was fully on my team—anticipating needs, communicating clearly, and going above and beyond to ensure I received the best possible care. I never felt like just another patient on her shift. I felt seen, prioritized, and genuinely cared for.

At the same time, Ally was training a nursing student, and it was remarkable to witness. She modeled not only clinical skill and attention to detail, but also compassion, advocacy, and respect for patient dignity. She took the time to explain the “why” behind her actions, showing exactly what it means to be an exceptional nurse. If that student carries even half of what Ally embodies into their career, future patients will be very fortunate.

Ally represents everything the DAISY Award stands for—clinical excellence, compassion, advocacy, and humanity. In a moment when I felt vulnerable and far from home, she made all the difference. I am deeply grateful for her care and for the way she showed up—not just as a nurse, but as someone fully committed to helping me heal and move forward.