Cheshire Medical Center, a member of Dartmouth Health, has created a new role to expand access to victim advocacy services for patients.
Elizabeth Nix, RN, has been selected for the position of compassionate care advocate. She has worked in Cheshire’s nursing float pool since 2021 and will assume the new role in April, aligned with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
In this role, Nix will be a full-time employee of the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP) in Keene, but based on Cheshire’s main campus.
By adding this position, Cheshire will be able to expand access to crisis intervention and advocacy services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, human trafficking and other forms of violence who are receiving care anywhere within the medical center.
The compassionate care advocate will help round out Cheshire’s Medical Forensic Care team, comprised of nurses and nurse practitioners who provide specialized, comprehensive, trauma-informed medical care to individuals that have experienced sexual assault, domestic abuse and other forms of violence. This team responds to acute cases of violence within the Emergency Department and also provides consultation for patients who disclose violence within other medical departments.
Nix will also be available as a resource for any Cheshire staff who may be experiencing violence.
“We are excited to offer on-site, real-time advocacy and direct support services to both the patients and employees of Cheshire Medical Center,” said Lindsey Cushing, MSN, APRN, director of Medical Forensic Care and OBGYN nurse practitioner. “This new role will help strengthen the current partnership between MCVP and Cheshire Medical Center, while also prioritizing the health and safety of some of our most vulnerable community members.”
In addition to expanding care, Nix will work within Cheshire and the Greater Monadnock Region to increase awareness. This will be done through various initiatives, including creating and facilitating a survivor support group at Cheshire and coordinating trainings for Cheshire staff and other community groups.
“I am passionate about helping people get what they need to survive and move toward thriving … ,” Nix said. “I am so excited to get started expanding the support we can provide this population and to this beautiful community.”
This position was made possible by a federal domestic violence grant awarded to Cheshire’s Medical Forensic Care team last fall.
About Cheshire Medical Center
Cheshire Medical Center (Cheshire) is a Dartmouth Health member providing the communities in the Greater Monadnock Region a continuum of care spanning primary care and specialty medicine, to surgical services and acute inpatient care. For more than 130 years, Cheshire has been a key contributor to the health and vitality of the Monadnock Region. As a not-for-profit community medical center, Cheshire is deeply committed to delivering excellent care in a safe and welcoming environment. Cheshire is dedicated to being a great neighbor and serves as an integral community resource. Cheshire is the area's largest healthcare provider and leading employer. Along with the services delivered on their Keene campus and satellite locations, the Medical Center partners with local organizations to provide vital services and programs throughout the region. To learn more, call 603-354-5400 or visit the Cheshire Medical Center website.