Oncology nurses play a large part in a mesothelioma patient's care. In fact, when undergoing chemotherapy treatments, a mesothelioma patient may see his or her oncology nurse several times a week, for many months. During that time, patients and nurses often form a strong bond. Now, mesothelioma patients and their families have an opportunity to honor their oncology nurses through CURE magazine's seventh annual Extraordinary Healer Award essay contest.
CURE has announced it is accepting nominations from patients, survivors, caregivers and peers "detailing the extraordinary skills that a special oncology nurse has exhibited." Interested parties are invited to submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay detailing how their extraordinary nurse has helped them as they battled mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy is one of the primary modes of treatment for mesothelioma, an uncommon cancer caused by past exposure to asbestos, and the support of an extraordinary oncology nurse can make the experience more tolerable. Trust in the knowledge and the skill of the nurse, and comfort in their presence, can ease stress for the patient and their family.
Cure will honor three nurse finalists, as well as the individuals who nominated them, with round-trip airfare and two-night accommodations in Washington, D.C., for recognition at the Oncology Nursing Society's 38th Annual Congress, on April 15, 2013. One nurse will be presented with the 2013 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing, and will also receive a special gift in recognition of his or her service to cancer patients and survivors.
Over 140 nurses were nominated in 2012. The winner was Sheila Dropcho, RN, BSN, CCRP of Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center. The two finalists were Mary Heery, APRN, AOCNS of The Smilow Family Breast Health Center at Norwalk Hospital, and Andrea Solano, RN, BSN of University of New Mexico Children's Hospital.
See contest rules for more information and to nominate your favorite oncology nurse.
