McKenzie Health Honors Deidre Ellis and Allison Barthelemy with Fall 2026 DAISY and BEE Awards

November 4, 2026

Released by:  McKenzie Health

McKenzie Health Announces Fall 2026 DAISY and BEE Award Winners

WATFORD CITY, ND— McKenzie Health is proud to recognize two exceptional members of its care team as the recipients of its Fall 2026 DAISY and BEE Awards. Deidre Ellis RN, CLC in the Labor and Delivery Unit, received the DAISY Award, while Allison Barthelemy, CNA, of the Good Shepherd Home was honored with the BEE Award. Both awards celebrate employees whose compassion, dedication and commitment to others make a lasting difference in the lives of patients, residents and their families.

“Every day, our team members have opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life, but it’s the way they show up with compassion, kindness and genuine care that truly sets them apart,” said Pete Edis, CEO of McKenzie Health. “Deidre and Allison exemplify what it means to go above and beyond. Their stories remind us that exceptional care isn’t just about what we do; it’s about how we make people feel. We are incredibly proud to recognize them and grateful for the difference they make for the families we serve.”

Deidre Ellis, RN, CLC Receives Fall 2026 DAISY Award

The DAISY Award celebrates nurses who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and families. Deidre was nominated by a patient who experienced her compassionate care during a hospital stay following a C-section.

In the nomination, the patient praised Deidre for making their family’s hospital stay an especially positive experience through her attentiveness, kindness and respect for their wishes.

“Deidre made our stay after my C-section the greatest experience I’ve ever had,” the nominator shared. “She was respectful of our wishes for our little one. She made sure to explain everything if there were any interventions needed for myself or our baby.”

The nomination also highlighted Deidre’s attention to detail and proactive communication with providers, noting that she regularly kept the care team informed of even the slightest changes in the health of both mother and baby. Whether anticipating needs, ensuring the family was comfortable or taking time to explain their care, Deidre made them feel supported every step of the way.

“Her kindness was beyond what I ever thought possible,” the nominator wrote. “The future patients that get her as their nurse are in for something truly special.”

Deidre’s recognition reflects the compassion and dedication that define nursing at McKenzie Health. Her commitment to treating patients and families with respect, keeping them informed and creating a supportive environment exemplifies the difference extraordinary nursing care can make.

Allison Barthelemy, CNA Receives Fall 2026 BEE Award

The BEE Award recognizes exceptional employees throughout McKenzie Health who demonstrate outstanding commitment, compassion and dedication in their work. Allison Barthelemy, CNA, of the Good Shepherd Home was nominated by a family member who shared how her genuine care and personal connection have made a profound difference in their father’s life.

The nomination praised Allison for her ability to meet each resident where they are, demonstrating patience, understanding and compassion while treating every individual with dignity.

“Allison goes above and beyond, far beyond my expectations in the care she provides for my dad,” the nominator shared. “She has an incredible ability to meet him wherever he is at that particular day, which is not always easy to do. She shows patience, compassion, understanding and genuine care for him as a person, not just as a resident.”

The nominator also noted Allison’s warm personality and Louisiana charm, which bring an extra measure of joy to her interactions with residents and their families. But one particular act of kindness demonstrated just how deeply Allison’s compassion extends beyond her everyday responsibilities.

When the resident became critically ill and was fighting for his life in the ICU at Sanford Bismarck, Allison took the time to visit him. No one asked her to, and she wasn’t required to. She simply went because she cared.

“During an incredibly frightening and uncertain time, knowing that someone from Good Shepherd who had cared for my dad took the time to check on him while he was in the ICU was incredibly meaningful,” the nominator wrote. “It showed us that her care for him goes beyond her job description.”

The family expressed deep gratitude for Allison’s continued dedication, noting that her kindness, genuine concern and willingness to go the extra mile have made them feel confident their loved one is truly cared for.

“She consistently goes above and beyond, treats my dad with dignity and compassion, and makes our family feel like he is genuinely cared for,” the nominator shared. “I am incredibly grateful for Allison and everything she does for my dad. She is truly special and our family is blessed to have her in his corner.”

Allison’s recognition is a testament to the lasting relationships built through compassionate care and the extraordinary impact of employees who treat residents and families like their own.

McKenzie Health congratulates Deidre and Allison on their well-deserved recognition and extends its gratitude to all team members who make a difference through their dedication, kindness and commitment to those they serve.

About the DAISY and BEE Awards:

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Nominations may be made in writing at any one of our kiosks within McKenzie Health or online at mckenziehealth.com/daisy-award/

The BEE Award complements the DAISY Award, honoring non-nursing staff who consistently go above and beyond in support of patient and community care. If you have had an excellent experience with a McKenzie Health professional, please nominate that person for the BEE Award. Applications are available throughout McKenzie Health’s locations and online at mckenziehealth.com/bee-award/.

About McKenzie Health:  McKenzie Health is committed to quality services, continuity of care, assurance of qualified staff, and family involvement for individual patients and clients. Headquartered in Watford City, ND, the organization consists of a 22-bed Critical Access Hospital, Rural Health Clinic, Specialty Clinics, Urgent Care, Good Shepherd Home (long-term care), Horizon Assisted Living, and Connie Wold Wellness Center.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Lynn Welker-Fevold, MMHC, ACHE
307-399-4145
lwelker@mchsnd.org