Wellik was one of seven nominees for the prestigious annual honor, which recognizes nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical skills and compassionate care. The other Daisy Award nominees included Cindy Christensen, Melissa Vaughn, Amy Alcazar, Allisa Fox, Kelli Elliott and Chris Foster. The presentation Wednesday coincided with the beginning of National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6-12.

Created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by his family, The Daisy Foundation was established to recognize and thank nurses around the world for the extraordinary difference they make in the lives of patients and families every day.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, family members, coworkers, physicians or staff members who witness exceptional care. Nomination forms are available on the hospital’s website at vandiestmc.org.

This year’s nominations were reviewed by a selection committee comprised of VDMC leaders.

During the ceremony, VDMC Chief Executive Officer Lisa Ridge reflected on the significance of the Daisy Award and the profound impact nurses have on the lives of patients and families.

“We hold the Daisy Award Celebration as a moment to pause, reflect and say thank you to our nurses,” Ridge said. “Before I was a CEO, I was a nurse, and I have been a nurse for 36 years. Because of that, I hold today close to my heart.”

Ridge said nurses often carry the emotional weight of their work long after a shift has ended, while also quietly creating moments of comfort and reassurance that patients never forget.

“I know the weight you carry, the stories, the moments you replay in your mind long after your shift ends,” Ridge said. “I also know the quiet victories, the hand you hold, the reassurance you give, the lives you touch in ways that will not show up in a chart but will never be forgotten.

“Each nomination tells a story of a nurse who showed up with compassion, skill and heart and changed someone’s life in a lasting way,” she added.

VDMC Chief Nursing Officer Amy McDonough said the Daisy Award honors nurses who embody the very best qualities of the profession each day.

“This year, as we celebrate the Daisy Award, we honor nurses who exemplify the very best of our profession,” McDonough said. “Someone who leads with empathy, works seamlessly within a team and brings compassion to every interaction.”

McDonough added that modern nurses continue the legacy of Florence Nightingale while helping shape the future of healthcare through daily acts of compassion and excellence.

“Nurses carry forward the legacy of Florence Nightingale, while shaping the future of nursing through daily acts of excellence,” she said.

Wellik was nominated by Fort Dodge clinic patients Tami and Clara Enquist, who attended the surprise presentation Wednesday afternoon.

In their nomination, the Enquists said Wellik immediately made them feel comfortable and took time to answer questions while genuinely getting to know them as people.

“Ian was very welcoming from the start,” they wrote. “He answered all our questions and was extremely knowledgeable. He wanted to get to know us and was really interested in what my child wants to do with her life. He recommended programs to assist her in her journey to her career.”

According to the nomination, Wellik balanced professionalism and efficiency with heartfelt compassion throughout the appointment.

“He was so very respectful and kind,” the nomination continued. “We appreciated everything he had to say. He did this all while taking my daughter’s vitals and gathering the information the provider needed for our visit.”

They added that they believe Wellik has a bright future ahead of him in healthcare.

“I really think he can go far in his career and move up as he chooses,” they wrote. “After meeting him, I have to say, I don’t see a ceiling to his career. I’ve never been so impressed with a nurse on a first meeting.”

During the ceremony, Wellik was presented with a certificate, a Daisy Award pin, a bouquet of daisies and “The Healer’s Touch,” a hand-carved sculpture symbolizing the special bond between nurses and their patients.

Following the presentation, Wellik admitted he was caught completely off guard by both the nomination and the award.

“I worked two years in a nursing home before joining the clinic, and there were times where I wasn’t sure it was for me,” he said. “When I joined the medical clinic, I fell in love with nursing again. I’m just so glad to be here.”

Wellik’s parents, Mindy and Jon Wellik, were on hand to celebrate the recognition.