Samuel Demers
39 | Registered Nurse – Emergency Department, University of Vermont Medical Center
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight: The career accomplishment I am most proud of is leading the creation and implementation of a violence risk assessment program across seven emergency departments in Northern Vermont and New York. This project challenged me to move an idea from concept to reality by building consensus, fostering collaboration, and bringing together clinicians and leaders around a shared goal of improving safety. Healthcare violence is a growing challenge, and I am proud to have contributed to a program that helps create a safer environment for patients, families, and healthcare workers. Seeing the initiative adopted across multiple hospitals has been incredibly rewarding. Equally meaningful is the opportunity to share our experience through presentations and future publications, with the goal of advancing healthcare safety on a broader scale.
Community involvement: My community involvement centers on building partnerships that improve the safety and well-being of those we serve. I facilitate regular meetings that bring together community stakeholders, including the State’s Attorney, law enforcement, the Department of Mental Health, victim advocates, and hospital leadership, to address violence in the hospital and strengthen support for our community. I have also advocated at the Vermont State House for legislation that supports nurses and advances community health.
My commitment to service was profoundly shaped by my experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica from 2015 to 2017. Working on youth development initiatives in a small rural community taught me the value of collaboration, cultural humility, and sustainable community-driven solutions. The experience was transformative both personally and professionally, and it continues to influence my approach to leadership, service, and healthcare today.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont: I was motivated to live and work in Vermont by the natural beauty of the region and opportunity to spend meaningful time outdoors. I was also drawn to the community-oriented mentality.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is getting to interact with patients and their families in some of their most challenging moments. It is a privilege to be able to not only help stabilize dangerous medical or psychiatric conditions, but also to guide patients and their families through the emotional experience of being in the emergency department.
Most inspiring mentor: My most inspiring mentor is Betsy Hassan. She has been a great coach, mentor, and champion for me and my work.
Best career advice: The best career advice I’ve received is, “Don’t sacrifice progress for perfection.” I’ve learned that waiting for the perfect solution can become a barrier to action. I strive for excellence, but I believe the most meaningful accomplishments happen when we take the next step, learn from the results, and continuously improve along the way.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape would be the endless dirt roads and trails out there. I love to discover new trials, roads, paths, and vistas by bike, on foot, or in a car.