Forty Years of Care: Esther Dussault’s Legacy in Oncology Nursing

When Esther Dussault graduated with a degree in social work, she never imagined she’d one day become a nurse. But after working as a certified nursing assistant, she discovered a calling she couldn’t ignore — caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Finding Her Path in Nursing

More than 40 years ago, Esther began her nursing career as a float LNA on medical-surgical units at a local hospital. Esther worked there while she attended NHTI in Concord, NH to become a registered nurse. Once a registered nurse, Esther came to Southern New Hampshire Health (Memorial Hospital at the time) and worked on a medical surgical then cardiac/telemetry unit. After about 25 years she took a second job working at NH Oncology/Hematology one day a week.

When the oncology unit at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, 3 West, opened, Esther saw an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. “Here’s my chance,” she remembers thinking.

More Than Medicine: Building Human Connections

While working on 3 West, Esther had many firsts as an oncology nurse, including treating patients going through chemotherapy and developing meaningful relationships with her patients. In a hospital setting, it’s uncommon to follow a patient throughout their journey, but Esther found a way to build those bonds.

One patient especially stands out in her memory: someone she cared for from the day of their diagnosis until their passing. While forming close relationships with patients can be emotionally demanding, Esther says it’s also incredibly fulfilling. “Being able to connect with patients validates why I became a nurse.”

With her passion for building relationships with her patients, Esther moved from 3 West and began working at Foundation Hematology/Oncology in 2012 now known as SNH Oncology Infusion. At SNH Oncology Infusion, she often sees patients through their entire cancer journey — from diagnosis to treatment and, sometimes, to remission/cure or end-of-life care. “I love being able to see and treat the whole patient,” says Esther, “I get to know them, their families and lives, and I am so grateful for it.”

The Challenges of Oncology Nursing

It’s not hard to imagine that oncology nursing has its ups and downs. Patients, from diagnosis through the end of their cancer journey, are often nervous and scared.

Esther says the hardest days often involve young patients whose conditions are worsening. “You have to hold onto hope for them, even when things look bleak,” she shares.

While there are hard days, Esther says, “It’s not all sad, there is a lot of joy too.” She shares that it’s amazing when patients who are in remission or cured come in for follow-up appointments and take the time to visit staff in the infusion area. “We are so happy when they are doing well.”

On the hard days, Esther’s motivation to keep going is to remember that her patients have an incredibly difficult job, and if she can do just one thing to make their day better or make them laugh, then it’s a good day for her. What keeps her going on busy days? Lindt Balls!

Words of Wisdom for Future Nurses

Esther says one of the most important qualities to have as a nurse is to be an advocate for your patient. Since becoming a nurse, Esther says the healthcare field has changed a lot. Providers and physicians are much more approachable, nurses have more independence, and everyone works as a team, especially at Southern New Hampshire Health.

She also shares that it’s important for nurses to have critical thinking skills, common sense, and be able to explain to patients what’s going on in a clear fashion.

The biggest tip Esther tells those thinking of entering the nursing field is to become a licensed nursing assistant (LNA) first, “It gives you a glimpse of what’s to come.”

Esther says one of the most important qualities to have as a nurse is to be an advocate for your patient. Since becoming a nurse, Esther says the healthcare field has changed a lot. Providers and physicians are much more approachable, nurses have more independence, and everyone works as a team, especially at Southern New Hampshire Health.

She also shares that it’s important for nurses to have critical thinking skills, common sense, and be able to explain to patients what’s going on in a clear fashion.

The biggest tip Esther tells those thinking of entering the nursing field is to become a licensed nursing assistant (LNA) first, “It gives you a glimpse of what’s to come.”

A Legacy of Care

When Esther looks back at her career spanning four decades, she hopes that her patients, colleagues, and friends think of her as a nurse who was loyal and caring. She hopes more than anything that she was able to make her patients’ comfortable, whether it was bringing them a drink or medications, or just offering them a listening ear.

Her legacy is one of empathy, dedication, and the quiet strength that defines what it means to truly care.

Learn more about nursing opportunities at Southern NH Health here.