Sherri Lorette, Registered Nurse (RN)
In her three years with BAYADA, RN Sherri Lorette has cared for more than 200 clients. Her effectiveness as a hospice caregiver comes from practicing detached involvement and balancing sensitivity and nurturance with assertiveness and strength. Director Jessica DeGrechie believes, “Sherri’s work is truly selfless and life altering.”
Sherri touches the lives of all of her clients, bringing peace, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to families at a time in their lives when they need it the most. A former client’s wife explains, “Sherri became the nurse so I could step back and be the spouse. She made my family the priority.”
Sherri’s concern for this client extended beyond her normal duties as a nurse. Her client was in desperate need of a hospital bed, but delivery was delayed because the bridge to his home was washed out in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. Sherri jumped into action and called the company that was supplying the bed, convincing them to bring it through the woods and set it up for her client.
“Sherri was the beacon of light that came in the door, the one who knew how to fix things and who to call,” remembers her client’s wife. “Sherri lit up the room—actually, our whole house. She came in with a smile and convinced me that whatever the concern or question, there was someone there to sooth my spirits and concerns.”
Sherri’s “light” shines brightly in all that she does. The many physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, and volunteers who have been fortunate enough to work with her have all felt its warm glow. Dr. Jonna Goulding, director of palliative and spiritual care at Central Vermont Medical Center says, “Sherri can work with all types of people from farmers to tradesmen, artists, and intellectuals. Sherri’s calming presence, sense of humor, playfulness, and comforting nature puts her clients and their families at ease. Her clients consider her a hero, and so do I.”