Mount Nittany Health is pleased to recognize Josiah Contreras, RN, Emergency Department, for a recent DAISY Award honoring the excellent care he provided to a patient during a particularly stressful and painful experience. His attentive presence, empathetic communication, and dedication to patient comfort exemplify Mount Nittany Health’s core values of caring, excellence, integrity, and respect.
Josiah was nominated by a patient who arrived at the Emergency Department recently with severe post-surgery pain. The patient described feeling stressed, uncared for, and in significant discomfort, all of which Josiah helped ease with his attentive, compassionate care.
The nomination read:
“Please consider Josiah as a Daisy Award recipient. Josiah’s caring nature shone through during every single moment he was with me. He listened intently to my description of my problem. He expressed genuine concern for what I was going through and assured me that he, the doctor, and the ER team would take good care of me.
It was a busy day in the ER, and I was there for several hours, but Josiah checked on me numerous times, making sure my pain medications were effective and explaining all the tests and procedures. Josiah is everything a nurse should be. I can’t sing his praises enough! He did an amazing job, all while taking the time to talk to me and make me feel seen and heard, managing multiple patients at once. I’m sure he showed the same genuine care and expertise with all of his patients.”
Josiah has been part of Mount Nittany Health for one and a half years, serving as a bedside nurse in the Emergency Department. He earned his Certificate in Biblical Studies from Shasta Bible College in Redding, California, and his RN & BSN from Fresno State University in 2018. Prior to joining Mount Nittany Medical Center, he spent five years as an ER nurse at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Fresno, California. He holds certifications in ACLS, PALS, TNCC, and TCAR.
Reflecting on his work, Josiah said, “What I love most about my job is the opportunity to meet new people every day. I like how God gives me the opportunity to bring peace into people’s lives when they are experiencing turmoil. I feel honored that someone would take the time to nominate me for the Daisy Award. My name means ‘God heals,’ and I feel that God has placed me in this profession to be a healing presence.”
Josiah acknowledges being part of an exceptional team at Mount Nittany Health. “The best thing about the ED is the people — co-workers and patients alike,” he said. “I feel most fulfilled when I’m busy, and the ED often gives me that opportunity.”
Outside of work, Josiah enjoys spending time with his wife, Dana, and their four children — Miriam (5), Heidi (4), Joanna (2), and Amittai (1). He loves working in his vegetable garden, studying languages (Russian, Spanish, and some Ukrainian), and starting his mornings with prayer, Bible study, and a good cup of coffee.
Created by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999, the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international program designed to recognize exceptional nursing care. With over 5,000 participating healthcare facilities across all 50 states and 31 countries, nurses throughout Mount Nittany Health have the opportunity to receive this prestigious recognition.
Anyone—including patients, families, visitors, volunteers, or staff—can nominate a nurse for this esteemed award. If you are interested in nominating a deserving nurse or have any questions, please contact daisyaward@mountnittany.org.
Emergency Care (ER)
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