August 2026 Honoree
Vera Dery, RN
I am writing not only on behalf of myself, but on behalf of the patient’s entire family to express our heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary care he received at Salem Hospital.
The patient was my father-in-law. He was admitted to D9 last Thursday and passed away peacefully early Saturday morning. When the ambulance brought him to the Emergency Department, I reached out to the CNO, who graciously connected with the ED to ensure that the patient’s evaluation and transition from the Emergency Department to D9 proceeded as smoothly as possible. During such an emotional time for our family, their support and assistance were deeply appreciated.
My father-in-law was 90 years old, alert and oriented, and living with multiple chronic illnesses. He was very clear that he did not want heroic measures or any further invasive treatments. When I arrived on Friday, he asked me to make sure the team understood and honored his wishes.
From the moment I met his nurse, Vera, I knew my father-in-law was in exceptional hands. She was kind, compassionate, and an extraordinary advocate for both the patient and our family. More importantly, she truly listened. When he shared that he wanted no further invasive treatments and simply wanted to pass peacefully, Vera immediately took action. She gathered the appropriate members of the care team so everyone clearly understood his goals of care and ensured his wishes guided every decision that followed.
Recognizing how important it was for our family to be together, Vera also found a private room where we could quietly spend precious time with him. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant everything to us. As her shift came to an end, she gave a thoughtful and comprehensive handoff to the night nurse, ensuring there was complete understanding of the patient’s wishes and the family's goals for a peaceful, dignified end-of-life experience. As a nurse leader myself, I know how critical these transitions are, and Vera's communication, advocacy, clinical judgment, and genuine compassion exemplified nursing at its very best.
Throughout his hospitalization, every member of the D9 team demonstrated compassion, professionalism, and respect. They not only cared for my father-in-law, but they cared deeply for our entire family. It was evident that they saw him as a person with values, wishes, and a lifetime of experiences -- not simply as a patient.
During Shiva, one sentiment was repeatedly expressed by his children and grandchildren: how grateful they were that he did not suffer in his final days and that he was surrounded by a team that honored his wishes with such kindness and dignity. Knowing that he experienced a peaceful passing and received such extraordinary care brought an immeasurable sense of comfort and relief to our family. In the midst of our grief, we found peace in knowing that his final hours reflected exactly what he wanted. That is a gift your team gave to all of us, and one we will never forget.
The patient was my father-in-law. He was admitted to D9 last Thursday and passed away peacefully early Saturday morning. When the ambulance brought him to the Emergency Department, I reached out to the CNO, who graciously connected with the ED to ensure that the patient’s evaluation and transition from the Emergency Department to D9 proceeded as smoothly as possible. During such an emotional time for our family, their support and assistance were deeply appreciated.
My father-in-law was 90 years old, alert and oriented, and living with multiple chronic illnesses. He was very clear that he did not want heroic measures or any further invasive treatments. When I arrived on Friday, he asked me to make sure the team understood and honored his wishes.
From the moment I met his nurse, Vera, I knew my father-in-law was in exceptional hands. She was kind, compassionate, and an extraordinary advocate for both the patient and our family. More importantly, she truly listened. When he shared that he wanted no further invasive treatments and simply wanted to pass peacefully, Vera immediately took action. She gathered the appropriate members of the care team so everyone clearly understood his goals of care and ensured his wishes guided every decision that followed.
Recognizing how important it was for our family to be together, Vera also found a private room where we could quietly spend precious time with him. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant everything to us. As her shift came to an end, she gave a thoughtful and comprehensive handoff to the night nurse, ensuring there was complete understanding of the patient’s wishes and the family's goals for a peaceful, dignified end-of-life experience. As a nurse leader myself, I know how critical these transitions are, and Vera's communication, advocacy, clinical judgment, and genuine compassion exemplified nursing at its very best.
Throughout his hospitalization, every member of the D9 team demonstrated compassion, professionalism, and respect. They not only cared for my father-in-law, but they cared deeply for our entire family. It was evident that they saw him as a person with values, wishes, and a lifetime of experiences -- not simply as a patient.
During Shiva, one sentiment was repeatedly expressed by his children and grandchildren: how grateful they were that he did not suffer in his final days and that he was surrounded by a team that honored his wishes with such kindness and dignity. Knowing that he experienced a peaceful passing and received such extraordinary care brought an immeasurable sense of comfort and relief to our family. In the midst of our grief, we found peace in knowing that his final hours reflected exactly what he wanted. That is a gift your team gave to all of us, and one we will never forget.
Thank you, Vera, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees