10/14/2025
A record high total of 73 nominations were submitted this past quarter for the Fireweed Award, and today we were pleased to recognize Lijo Thompson, Kris Bernaldo, Elizabeth Ramseth, and Ryan Olsen (L to R) for their exceptional care and service to the community. 🙌 🎉
Lijo Thompson is a Home Care Aide who was nominated by her coworker for going above and beyond assisting patients’ needs independently despite the variety of challenges that accompany home health care. She always comes to work with a positive attitude and is motivated to assist and advocate for her patients. “We constantly receive phone calls from patients who express sincere gratitude for Lijo’s assistance with their personal care. Families have reached out on multiple occasions to request services from Lijo.” Lijo encompasses the positive characteristics required for a health care provider.
Elizabeth Ramseth is a Critical Care Nurse who was nominated by a patient for her professional, gentle, and considerate nature. “Elizabeth is very well trained and even though we know her and her parents, she made us feel comfortable asking personal questions. She was attentive and ensured privacy and conveyed a sense of calm as she looked me in the eyes when we spoke.”
Kristyn Bernaldo is a Nurse on the Medical/Surgical Unit who was nominated by a colleague for her high-quality care, compassion, and intelligence. “Kris recently recognized acute changes in her patient and quickly got help that resulted in fast treatment and a higher level of care for a patient having a stroke on the medical floor. I have watched her time and time again spending time with patients’ families, educating, and showing compassion. She goes above and beyond for the patients she cares for here, as well as everyone else's patients. She's also a gem to work with and is always helping other staff.”
Ryan Olsen is a Critical Care Nurse who was nominated by a patient’s family for his quiet strength, tireless compassion, and unwavering dedication. “Ryan never treated our dad as just another patient. He saw the person beneath the illness and treated him with a level of respect and compassion that truly moved us. What set Ryan apart was how deeply he listened, not just to our dad, but to us. He took in every concern, every question and responded with kindness, clarity and urgency. When something needed more attention, he didn’t hesitate to bring in respiratory therapy or other
specialists, advocating for our dad as if he were his own family. That sense of solidarity, of fighting alongside us, was something we will never forget.”
Nominations for next quarter are currently being accepted. To submit a nomination, visit bartletthospital.org/fireweedaward. Continuing sponsorship for this award is generously provided by the Bartlett Regional Hospital Foundation.
