Daisy Winner Nichole Peebles "Exemplifies the Very Best of Nursing"

Nichole Peebles, RN, is a community hospitals nurse at Benefis Teton Medical Center in Choteau and our third Daisy Award winner of 2026. 

She was nominated by Mary Francis Frieling, whose mother was a patient who received care from Nichole over the years and during her last days. Mary Francis is also the manager of Provider Practices for the General Surgery department at Benefis. She wrote the following about Nichole: 

Nichole Peebles, RN, is the definition of an extraordinary nurse. Seven years ago, she was there on the day my mother was admitted to Benefis Teton Medical Center. Through all the years that followed, Nichole provided compassionate, skilled care and treated my mother with dignity, kindness, and respect. What speaks most to Nichole's dedication is that she was also there on the day my mother passed away seven years later. As families, we always hope our loved ones are safe and cared for, but it is the people who show up day after day who make the difference. Nichole was one of those people. During my mother’s final hours, Nichole offered comforting words to our family, shared her nursing wisdom as we faced difficult decisions, and brought a calm, reassuring presence that meant more than she will ever know. Her smile, compassion, and genuine concern helped guide us through one of the hardest moments of our lives.

Nichole was moved by the nomination letter. She said that caring for patients in their final moments is something she is especially passionate about, so being chosen for this award based on that particular letter is very meaningful to her. 

Mary Francis attended Nichole's Daisy Award ceremony at BTMC. Her letter goes on to say:

Nurses working in long-term care facilities often do not receive the recognition they deserve, yet they build relationships that span years and become part of a family’s journey. Nichole exemplifies the very best of nursing through her skill, empathy, and unwavering commitment to her patients and their families. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Nichole Peebles for the Daisy Award. She made a profound difference in my mother’s life and in ours, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.

Many of Nichole's family members and colleagues attended the surprise ceremony. A few of them wondered if the award could stay a secret, but Nichole said she was truly surprised ... right until the moment she was led to the closed door of the board room at BTMC.

"My suspicions kicked in then."

BTMC's Director of Nursing Amber VanSetten is the one who led her to the boardroom, and Amber also wrote Nichole's Benefis Best nomination letter, in which she praised her willingness to go above and beyond for patients, their loved ones, and her co-workers. 

"Nichole Peebles is the definition of an exceptional nurse, mentor, leader, and preceptor, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team," Amber wrote. 

The letter went on to say:

Nichole’s impact reaches far beyond the bedside. As a preceptor and mentor, she is invested in helping other nurses become confident, safe, and capable clinicians. She takes the time to teach, answer questions, provide guidance, and encourage critical thinking. She leads by example and never hesitates to step in when someone needs support. Her calm demeanor allows new nurses and co-workers to feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance, even in stressful situations. Her willingness to invest her time and knowledge into other nurses makes our entire team stronger.

Nichole makes our facility better simply by being part of our team. Her clinical expertise, work ethic, compassion, calm presence, and commitment to developing others make her someone we can rely on and someone others look to as an example. Nichole represents the very best of nursing and the very best of our organization. She doesn’t just provide excellent care — she makes a lasting difference in the lives of the people she encounters. 

She is truly deserving of recognition for the extraordinary nurse, mentor, leader, and preceptor that she is.

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