Granite VNA hospice nurse Ellie Atherton, RN, has been honored with New Hampshire Magazine’s and New Hampshire Nurses Association’s annual Excellence in Nursing award in the hospice and palliative care category. Established in 2017, the Excellence in Nursing awards honor the unsung heroes of New Hampshire’s healthcare community who go above and beyond to comfort, heal and educate.

With more than 20 years in nursing, Atherton is known as a compassionate and dedicated nurse who has dedicated much of her career to caring for people who are nearing the end of their lives. Atherton’s nominators noted her positive attitude and her dedication to supporting and encouraging her colleagues as they provide skilled and compassionate care to patients and their families. They said her professionalism and gentle approach give patients and their loved ones confidence in her and the Granite VNA hospice team from the time they are admitted for care

“Receiving this recognition is truly an honor, especially as I near the end of my hospice nursing career,” said Atherton. “It’s a privilege to be allowed into such private times in the lives of our hospice patients and their loved ones. I always hope to help them find meaningful end-of-life experiences and physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort to support a peaceful passing. I am grateful to be part of a team that shares in this commitment.”

In addition to her work as a hospice nurse, Atherton has authored four books on end-of life, including, “Stepping Stones – Following a Pathway to the End of Life.” She is an educator and sought-after speaker on the topic of caring for those who are dying; her 2023 TEDx talk, “Lessons from the Dying,” has more than 10,000 views on YouTube.

Atherton holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Manchester Community College, and is a Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) trainer. Her past credentials include Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN), Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Educator (CHPNE) and Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) certified hospice consultant.