June 2026 Honoree
Austin Zarbok, BSN, RN
I wanted to take a moment to nominate Austin for the DAISY Award and share our family’s sincere gratitude for the exceptional care Austin provided during our son S’s recent hospital stays. It’s hard to describe how quickly S's life changed—from playing in a JV basketball game to barely being able to walk by that Friday. On Sunday, he was transferred by ambulance to Sanford Fargo, facing a daunting list of health challenges: MRSA in his blood, a slight stroke, additional aortic valve damage, and a number of other concerns. It was overwhelming, both for us as parents and for S as a 15-year-old boy.
Austin was S’s nurse for two day shifts during his first days out of a 17-night stay, and he quickly became S’s comfort person in a time of uncertainty. S is very much a “guy's guy,” so having a male nurse was a real blessing for him. Austin took the time to connect with S over things he loves—video games, sports, hunting, and just about anything else that could help S feel more at ease. He also did a fantastic job explaining all the IVs, medications, and tests, making everything less intimidating. As a teenager, needing help for even basic tasks like walking to the bathroom can be humbling. S told me, “Mom, if I fall, you won’t be able to catch me.” Austin’s height and strength brought S comfort as he made those careful trips from bed to restroom.
After S was moved a few rooms down the hall until discharge, Austin would pop in whenever he was working—just to check on S and say hello, even if it was only for a few minutes. He also took the time to play catch with S, helping with his physical therapy in a way that felt natural and encouraging. When S’s teenage cousins visited, Austin patiently answered all their questions, including “Do you drive home after working that many hours? I wouldn’t want to be on the road if you do!” They chatted and threw the ball back and forth, making the hospital stay feel a little less daunting.
When S arrived at Sanford again, the first thing he asked was, “Is Austin working?” Although S had other wonderful nurses, Austin truly went above and beyond, making S’s stay and his health problems a little more bearable. As a parent of a very sick, often cranky teenage boy, I was so appreciative of the care and support Austin gave—not just to S, but to me. He always asked if I had any questions or if there was anything he could help with. My husband was home with our other son, so having a calm male presence popping in and out from time to time was such a blessing. Thank you for everything Austin did for our family. His compassion and dedication made an enormous difference during a very challenging time.
Austin was S’s nurse for two day shifts during his first days out of a 17-night stay, and he quickly became S’s comfort person in a time of uncertainty. S is very much a “guy's guy,” so having a male nurse was a real blessing for him. Austin took the time to connect with S over things he loves—video games, sports, hunting, and just about anything else that could help S feel more at ease. He also did a fantastic job explaining all the IVs, medications, and tests, making everything less intimidating. As a teenager, needing help for even basic tasks like walking to the bathroom can be humbling. S told me, “Mom, if I fall, you won’t be able to catch me.” Austin’s height and strength brought S comfort as he made those careful trips from bed to restroom.
After S was moved a few rooms down the hall until discharge, Austin would pop in whenever he was working—just to check on S and say hello, even if it was only for a few minutes. He also took the time to play catch with S, helping with his physical therapy in a way that felt natural and encouraging. When S’s teenage cousins visited, Austin patiently answered all their questions, including “Do you drive home after working that many hours? I wouldn’t want to be on the road if you do!” They chatted and threw the ball back and forth, making the hospital stay feel a little less daunting.
When S arrived at Sanford again, the first thing he asked was, “Is Austin working?” Although S had other wonderful nurses, Austin truly went above and beyond, making S’s stay and his health problems a little more bearable. As a parent of a very sick, often cranky teenage boy, I was so appreciative of the care and support Austin gave—not just to S, but to me. He always asked if I had any questions or if there was anything he could help with. My husband was home with our other son, so having a calm male presence popping in and out from time to time was such a blessing. Thank you for everything Austin did for our family. His compassion and dedication made an enormous difference during a very challenging time.
Thank you, Austin, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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