Mount Nittany Health is proud to announce that Josiah Contreras, RN, a bedside nurse in the Emergency Department, has been recognized with the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. The award honors his exceptional compassion, professionalism and dedication to patient-centered care during a particularly stressful and painful patient experience.
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award was established by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999. The program recognizes nurses worldwide for the clinical skill, compassion and meaningful difference they make in the lives of those they serve. Today, more than 5,000 healthcare organizations across all 50 states and 31 countries participate in the DAISY Award program.
Contreras was nominated by a patient who arrived at the Emergency Department in severe post-surgical pain. Through his attentive presence, clear communication and genuine empathy, Contreras helped ease the patient’s discomfort and anxiety.
In the nomination, the patient wrote:
“Josiah’s caring nature shined 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.”
Contreras has been part of the Mount Nittany Health team for a year and a half. He earned his RN and BSN from Fresno State University in 2018 and previously spent five years working as an emergency nurse at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Fresno, Calif. He holds multiple certifications, including ACLS, PALS, TNCC and TCAR.
Reflecting on his work, Contreras shared, “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.”
Contreras also credits the Emergency Department team for their collective dedication. “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, Contreras enjoys spending time with his wife, Dana, and their four children. His hobbies include gardening, studying languages and starting each day with prayer, Bible study and coffee.
Mount Nittany Health congratulates Josiah Contreras, RN, on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for the compassion, skill and excellence he brings to patients and families every day.
Anyone including patients, family members, visitors, volunteers or staff may nominate a Mount Nittany Health nurse for the DAISY Award. To learn more or submit a nomination, email daisyaward@mountnittany.org.
Emergency Care (ER)
Discover more about Emergency Care (ER), including locations and providers, at Mount Nittany Health