AOCN®/AOCNP®/AOCNS® of the Year
This award recognizes an AOCN®/AOCNP®/AOCNS® who has made significant contributions to oncology nursing and oncology nursing service; and who has supported and promoted oncology nursing certification. The Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse 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.
Application Deadline: November 15
Award Criteria
Nominees must demonstrate accomplishments in the promotion of oncology nursing certification; and oncology nursing service; as well as in two of the following areas of oncology nursing; clinical practice, education, research, or consultation.
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 TWO of the following areas (nominee, nominator, and recommendations must all address the same areas):
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
Consultation
Serves as an internal (staff) and external (community) oncology consultant.
Articulates the role of the advanced practice oncology nurse across healthcare settings.
Demonstrates oncology nursing expertise in the consultative role by serving as a model/mentor.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominees must be AOCN®/AOCNP®/AOCNS®-certified at the time of nomination and award presentation.
- Nominees must have current, active, unencumbered RN licensure (or equivalent foreign credentials).
- Members of the ONCC Recognition Subcommittee and the ONCC Board of Directors are not eligible to be nominees, to nominate others, or to provide recommendations for nominees.
In addition:
- Each nomination must include completed Nomination Information, Biographical information, and two Recommendations/Letters of Reference.
- The two Recommendations/Letters of Reference must be from individuals other than the nominator or nominee. Only two Recommendations may be submitted; additional recommendations will not be considered.
- All materials must be submitted to ONCCNominations@oncc.org. It will be the responsibility of the Nominator or Nominee (if a self-nomination) to provide the requested information, and to submit the supporting References/Letters of Recommendation with the online application.
- Completed nominations must be submitted by the deadline.
- 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.
- Award recipients must agree to be recognized on ONCC social media channels and/or other publications approved by ONCC.
Past Recipients
2025 - Lorinda Coombs, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, AOCNP®
2024 – Anne Kolenic, DNP, APRN, AOCNS®
2023 - Danielle Fournier, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP®, CORLN
2022 - Alyssa Grissom, MSN, APN, AGCNS, AOCNS®
2021 - Theresa Yeo, PhD, MPH, ACNP-BC, AOCNP®
2020 - Pamela Paplham, DNP, AOCNP®, FNP-BC, FAANP
2019 - Patricia Geddie, PhD, APRN-CNS, AOCNS®, FCNS
2018 - Mary L. Allen, MSN, RN-BC, AOCNS®, ACNS-BC
2017 - Rebecca Edwards, DNP, AOCNP®
2016 - Clara Beaver, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, AOCNS®
2015 - F. Diane Barber, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, AOCNP®
2014 - Debi Boyle, RN, MN, AOCNS® , FAAN
2013 - Georgia Cusack, MS, RN, AOCNS®
2012 - Kelly Jean Smith, RN, MSN, NP, AOCN®
2011 - Marcelle Kaplan, RN, MSN, AOCN®, CBCN®
2010 - Karen Roesser, RN, MSN, AOCN®
2009 - Heather T. Mackey, RN, MSN, AOCN®
2008 - Susan Yackzan, MSN, RN, AOCN®
2007 - Michele Gaguski, MSN, RN, AOCN®
2006 - Carol Brueggen, RN, MS, AOCNS®
2005 - Carol White, RN, MSN, AOCN®
2004 - Carlton G. Brown, RN, MSN, AOCN®
2003 - Lisa Hansen, RN, MS, CNS, AOCN®
2002 - Nancy Jo Bush, RN, MN, AOCN®
2001 - Julie Ponto, RN, MS, AOCN®
2000 - Paula Timmerman, RN, MSN, AOCN®
1999 - Laura M. Benson, RN, MSN, AOCN®
1998 - Barbara Poniatowski, RN, MS, AOCN®