Michelle Payne, DNP, RN, OCN®, BMTCN®

Winston-Salem, NC

I have been an oncology nurse for over 27 years, beginning in an acute care leukemia and bone marrow transplant unit. Today, I serve as a program director for nursing excellence initiatives while continuing to provide direct patient care on a transplant and cellular therapy unit—roles that allow me to lead system-level change while staying grounded in the patient experience.

In 2007, my mother’s cancer diagnosis led to a 3.5-year journey that gave me a deeply personal understanding of the challenges faced by patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams. That experience continues to shape my approach to care and advocacy.  To me, certification is a reflection of my commitment to excellence in oncology nursing. My career has spanned rural oncology clinics and academic medical centers, each reinforcing my belief in certification’s power to validate expertise, elevate care, and empower nurses to lead with confidence.

Beyond my professional roles and ONCC Board service, I’m deeply committed to local advocacy efforts that promote health equity and access. Outside of work, I enjoy family time, hiking, running, and recently picked up golfing—a fun way to challenge myself and connect with others.