2009 OCN^® of the Year Award
Nominations are sought for OCN^®s who have made significant contributions to oncology nursing and oncology nursing service; and who have supported and promoted oncology nursing certification.

The OCN^® of the Year will receive $1,000 and be presented with a crystal award at the Recognition Breakfast for Oncology Certified Nurses at the ONS Annual Congress. Completed nomination packets must be received by ONCC no later than December 1, 2008.

Self-nominations and third party nominations are encouraged.

Award Criteria
Nominees must demonstrate accomplishments in the promotion of oncology nursing certification; and oncology nursing service; as well as in one of the following areas of oncology nursing; clinical practice, education, or research.

Promotion of Oncology Nursing Certification

• Actively promotes oncology nursing certification among nursing colleagues, other healthcare professionals, and healthcare consumers

Service

• Enhances the image of oncology nursing among the general public
• Participates in community affairs, legislative activities, or in organizations that affect nursing
• Enhances the image of oncology nursing among healthcare professionals
• Participates in community education

Oncology Nursing Practice
Candidates must demonstrate accomplishments in ONE of the following areas (nominee, nominator, and recommendations must all address the same area):

Clinical Practice

• Develops or uses creative approaches to oncology nursing which enhance quality patient care
• Serves as an example to inspire oncology nurse peers
• Demonstrates a commitment to the care of persons with cancer and their families

Education

• Participates in the education and development of nurses
• Participates in patient/family teaching
• Participates in educating other disciplines about oncology nursing

Research

• Participates in the research process
• Applies research findings to nursing practice
• Conducts research which positively affects oncology patient care

Eligibility Criteria

• All award nominees must be currently OCN^®-certified.
• All award nominees must be currently licensed as RNs (or possess equivalent foreign credentials).
• Members of the ONCC Recognition Subcommittee and the ONCC Board of Directors are not eligible to be nominees, to nominate individuals, or to provide recommendations for nominees.

Nomination Instructions – Use the Quick Links at right to download the nomination forms

• Each nominee must submit the following materials:
• A completed Nomination Form;
• Two Recommendation Forms (must use forms provided);
• A Biographical Sketch Form (must use form provided);
• A signed Release Form.
• All materials must be submitted together.
• All materials must be typed. Dwnload the application forms in Windows Microsoft^® Word format (see below). Complete each form in Microsoft^® Word return by mail or fax, or e-mail the document to oncc@ons.org.
• All forms must include a signature
• Completed nomination packets must be received no later than December 1, 2008.
• Use only the official ONCC application forms for nominee submission.
• Only two recommendations will be accepted. Additional recommendations will not be considered.
• The nominator may not submit a Recommendation Form. Recommendations made by the nominator will not be considered.
• Incomplete or late nominations will not be considered.
• Additional materials or supporting documentation will not be considered.
• All decisions of the ONCC Recognition Subcommittee and ONCC Board of Directors are final.