Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, recently recognized Jeffrey Mitchell, RN, Hospice Care Team Manager, with the 2023 Nightingale Award. Cornerstone VNA created this award for their nurses in 2015, which is presented to a person who exemplifies Florence Nightingale’s work through best practice, mentorship, education, and change. Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) is known for her work in fundamentally changing the role of nursing and introducing the concept of nursing standards.

According to Christine Dumont MSN, APRN, CPNP, AGNP-C, Hospice and Palliative Care Director, “Jeff is a gem of a person, a colleague, and a nurse all blended together.  He approaches each day with compassion, humor, and integrity.   As a manager, he has an incredible gift for ensuring that patients’ needs are fulfilled while also ensuring his staff have everything they need and more.  Jeff is a shining example of excellence, and we are so fortunate to have him on our team.”

Jeff’s expertise is noted and sought out by leading hospital centers and local physicians in the communities served by Cornerstone VNA. In addition, Jeff is a strong advocate for quality patient care and is a mentor and resource to the hospice team. Jennifer Ufkin, RN MSN, Vice President of Operations shares, “Jeff is a phenomenal nurse. He goes above and beyond for his patients and team. He is committed to patient care, is well respected by his peers, and is an amazing leader. Jeff is knowledgeable and goes the extra mile whenever needed.”

Jeff’s compassion for others knows no bounds. He brings a presence and authenticity to end-of-life care that people respond to and appreciate as they navigate tremendous loss. In Jeff’s own words, “Once we acknowledge that the end-of-life will come to each of us and recognize that each journey is unique, we empower the person at end-of-life to steer their own journey to a meaningful conclusion.  This is one of the greatest gifts a person can receive.”

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For over 110 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.