Award-winning RNs are partners at work and in life

[Allina Health Newsroom, September 09, 2025] Eight years ago, Tryniti Almquist and Yerko Besmalinovic began their nursing careers just one week apart at Allina Health United Hospital in St. Paul. Today, they not only share a workplace and overnight shifts—Tryniti in the rapid response float pool, Yerko in the medical cardiovascular ICU—but also a life together as husband and wife.

This year, they achieved a rare honor: both received the Daisy Award for extraordinary nursing care—Yerko in April, Tryniti in June. 

Yerko was recognized for his compassionate care of a non-responsive patient with cerebral palsy and multiple complications. The patient’s sister wrote, “Yerko worked his magic. We are grateful.” 

“You have to show patients you’re competent and that you care,” Yerko said. “Sit down and say, ‘I’ve got your back.’” 

Tryniti was honored for her support of a patient and his family during his final hours staying to comfort the patient and his loved ones. A colleague described her holding the patient’s hand with one arm and embracing his grieving wife with the other. 

“The bedside staff are the backbone of care,” Tryniti said. “We shifted from trying to save the patient to helping the family through their grief.” 

Both nurses see their actions as simply part of the calling—and they’re preparing for more. Now in their third year of a Family Nurse Practitioner master’s program, they’re set to graduate together next year.