Granite VNA recently honored Eric Vincello, RN, with the organization’s peer-nominated “Living Our Values” award. Each year, Granite VNA invites employees to nominate a colleague who best demonstrates the organization’s core values of respect, compassion, culture of excellence, leadership and stewardship in his or her actions among peers and with patients, families, community members, donors and volunteers.

“We are fortunate to have Eric on the Granite VNA team, and we are happy to recognize him with this year’s Living Our Values Award,” said Beth Slepian, MBA, PT, Granite VNA President and CEO. “Eric truly embodies our values each and every day for not only leading by example, but also for being a beacon of light to our patients and families during their end-of-life journeys.”

Vincello joined Granite VNA in 2008, starting as a personal care provider at Hospice House. He later pursued a nursing career, first becoming a licensed nursing assistant (LNA), before becoming a registered nurse (RN). Vincello is currently pursuing a master’s degree in nursing (MSN).

In nominating Vincello, one colleague noted that he shows up to work every weekend with a smile on his face, and consistently goes above and beyond for his patients and coworkers. Another coworker said Vincello is “always respectful of patient and family rights and choices and safeguards their autonomy, providing education to promote knowledgeable patient-driven care.”

Vincello’s Hospice House colleague Elizabeth Conners, LPN, wrote, “Eric never hesitates to lead by example. He continuously steps up to guide and direct our team through difficult situations that arise at the Hospice House, and his calm and understanding presence comfort patients and families.”

This year Granite VNA employees submitted 30 nominations, sharing heartfelt stories, positive interactions and observations about their peers. Slepian presented Vincello with the Living Our Values award during a recent pirate-themed agency event aboard the M/S Mount Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee.