In healthcare, some of the most meaningful moments happen quietly. For one family at Mitchell County Regional Health Center (MCRHC), those moments were shaped by a nurse whose presence brought comfort, dignity and peace during a loved one’s final hours.
That nurse, Josh Steinberg, has been named the MCRHC 2026 recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international program that recognizes nurses for exceptional compassion and clinical care.
Steinberg was nominated by a patient’s family for the care he provided during an end-of-life hospice journey. According to the nomination, his calm presence, clinical expertise and thoughtful communication created an environment that allowed the family to focus on being together.
“He gave our family the gift of being fully present in those final moments,” the family wrote. “His dedication, competence and compassion are extraordinary,” they added.
“Josh represents the very best of nursing,” said Beth Trees, chief nursing officer at Mitchell County Regional Health Center. “His ability to combine clinical skill with genuine compassion, especially during end-of-life care, makes a lasting difference for patients and families. We are incredibly proud to recognize him with this honor.”
Also nominated for the 2026 award were Angie Byrnes, Kelli Duren, Samantha Groh, Meghan Hutzel, Becca Linkenmeyer and Kelly Ross.
The DAISY Award is part of an international recognition program established by the DAISY Foundation to honor nurses who provide extraordinary compassionate care. The foundation was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, whose family was inspired by the compassion of nurses during his illness. Today, the program recognizes nurses worldwide who make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.
