ONCC Recognizes Kelsey Niketopoulos as 2026 Certified Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse of the Year
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC®) has named Kelsey Niketopoulos, MSN, RN, CPHON®, CPN, NPD-BC, as the 2026 Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse of the Year. Niketopoulos currently works at Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI, and was formerly employed at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, IL.
Kelsey actively promotes pediatric oncology nursing certification through mentorship, resource development, and role modeling. She provides study guides, practice questions, and exam preparation strategies, creating a culture of certification and supporting an 88% CPHON certification rate in her practice setting.
She develops and delivers interdisciplinary oncology education, provides foundational pediatric oncology and chemotherapy/biotherapy training, and leads initiatives supporting the safe adoption of new therapies. For example, she developed blinatumomab education that quickly became the standard of care. In addition to disseminating instruction on emerging treatments, she provides hands-on support in delivering new and complex care regimens to patients.
By focusing on developing and refining patient and family education tools, she empowers nurses to provide consistency and safety across the continuum of care. Kelsy served as Vice President of the APHON Chicago Chapter and is actively involved in the Children’s Oncology Group, where she helps integrate patient- and family-centered perspectives into research and practice. She also participates in national advocacy efforts, educating federal lawmakers on the needs of pediatric oncology patients and the nursing workforce.
Niketopoulos was presented with her award during the ONCC Recognition Breakfast for Oncology Certified Nurses on September 18, 2026, at the APHON Annual Conference in Memphis, TN.
ONCC provides the premier, nationally accredited certifications for registered nurses in oncology and related specialties. Certification promotes health and safety by validating competence and ensuring lifelong learning in these fields. More than 43,000 nurses are certified by ONCC in adult oncology, pediatric hematology oncology, breast care, radiation, or transplantation and cellular therapy nursing. Learn more at www.oncc.org.