In her role as a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Dorothy Lippman Salovesh, RN, NP,is often called upon to begin difficult conversations with patients and families about death and dying, working in collaboration with clinicians to discuss diagnosis, prognosis and care options.

"I have witnessed Dorothy's clinical expertise and deep compassion for patients and family members, who are often faced with agonizing decisions," writes Bill Boylan, MA, Chaplain, Spiritual Care, who nominated Dorothy. "In a direct but gentle manner, Dorothy helps patients express their wishes regarding palliative and/or end-of-life care. In each instance, it is obvious that she values and respects the dignity of each patient and family member - providing care for the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Without a doubt, her interactions are indeed sacred encounters.'"

"Dorothy inspires many nurses, clinicians, and physicians to advocate for our patients, specifically at the end of life, to alleviate suffering and achieve an optimal quality of life, or death, with comfort, dignity, and peace," said Tracey Larsen, RN, MSN, NE-BC, Director, Medical Surgical Service Line, at Dorothy's award ceremony. "Like an artist with a paintbrush, she practices this difficult task with spectacular skill and empathetic excellence, like no other."