Daisy Winner Ryan Burger Provided 'Best Support Imaginable' to Patient and Loved Ones

Ryan Burger, RN, is a nurse on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Ryan is our first Daisy Award winner of 2025.

He was nominated for the Daisy Award by Andrew Littrell, CNA. Andrew shared the following in the nomination letter:

I would like to nominate Ryan Burger for a Daisy Award due to the immense amount of compassion and support that he provided to a patient and spouse during the patient’s final hours of life. This patient had been admitted to Benefis for the past couple of weeks and was at the end of his life. The patient was transferred from Libby and, due to his wife’s disabilities, she was unable to make the drive to Great Falls.

Ryan took the time to contact the Sheriff’s Department as well as a local church in Libby. From this, they were able to set up a FaceTime meeting between the patient and his wife. This was the first time the patient and his wife had visually seen each other in weeks, and this would be the last time they would say goodbye. Ryan was the rock that this family needed during this difficult time. He provided comfort to the patient, explained what was happening throughout the entire process, and supported the wife in the final moments. Most importantly, the patient and spouse trusted Ryan to the end, and that is something that will forever be remembered.

Ryan is known for his direct communication, but his true softheartedness definitely leads the way, and he was able to provide this family with the best support imaginable through this difficult time. I, along with fellow staff members, were very touched by the amount of kindness and tenderness that Ryan displayed in this situation. We are very proud of him as a person and as a nurse.

ICU Manager John Spiering also commended Ryan for his clear communication and leadership during a recent code blue.

"His knowledge and application of protocols directly contribute to effectiveness of the resuscitation efforts and overall patient care," John said. "Ryan, thank you for all you do for our patients and co-workers! You are a great asset on our team!

To nominate a nurse for the Daisy Award, click here.