Kevin Schmader, RN, Receives DAISY Award

Mount Nittany Health is proud to recognize Kevin Schmader, RN, as a recent recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award honors nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill, compassion and dedication to patient care.

Kevin was nominated by two patient families who shared heartfelt stories about the extraordinary care and support he provided during difficult moments in their healthcare journeys.

One nomination highlighted Kevin’s commitment to helping both patients and families feel informed, respected and cared for throughout a hospital stay.

“Kevin ensured that my husband and I understood care decisions that were being made by the hospitalist,” the nominator shared. “Further, he took time to get to know my husband and I as individuals. We were more than a patient and his wife in a hospital room.”

The nominator also noted that even after the patient was transferred to another room and assigned a new nursing team, Kevin continued checking in, assisting staff with equipment and helping ensure a smooth discharge process.

“In this instance, we felt cared for, heard by and safe with Kevin,” the nomination continued. “He is an extraordinary nurse who should be recognized with the DAISY Award.”

A second nomination described the meaningful connection Kevin formed with a veteran patient and his family.

“My dad was a very accomplished veteran who had many stories, one of which being that he survived a plane crash,” the family member wrote. “First, Kevin thanked my dad for his service. It was the most sincere thank you I think I’ve seen.”

The nominator shared that during their conversation, they heard personal stories from their father that they had never heard before.

“Thank you to Kevin, because had it not been for you, I wouldn’t have heard some of those stories,” the nomination stated.

Kevin joined Mount Nittany Health in 2025. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Clarion University, a Diploma of Nursing from Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University. Prior to joining Mount Nittany Health, he worked for several years as an agency nurse.

“The part I enjoy about this job most is the interaction with the patients and their families,” said Kevin. “By conversing with them, I get to understand what led to their admission and make their stay here as comfortable as possible. There are many exceptional employees here at Mount Nittany Health that deserve recognition each day. It was an honor for me to receive a DAISY Award and be recognized by these patients and their families.”

Outside of work, Kevin, who is originally from Brockport, enjoys spending time outdoors and fishing in local streams.

Created by the family of Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999, the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program celebrating extraordinary nurses. More than 5,000 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing worldwide participate in the program.

Mount Nittany Health encourages patients, families, visitors, volunteers and staff members to nominate nurses who provide exceptional care. If you are interested in nominating a deserving nurse or if you have any questions, please contact daisyaward@mountnittany.org.