Extraordinary Healer Vol. 18

Gina Young, B.S.N., RN, has extraordinary diversity in her knowledge and has a comprehensive understanding of the care required for patients with complex cases.

Compassionate, caring and courageous are the words I would use to describe Marianne Smith, RN, ONC.

Luca Biagiotti, RN, did everything he could to build a relationship with this patient and make him feel less lonely at the hospital.

Under her exceptional leadership in oncology navigation, the impact on patient outcomes has been nothing short of transformative.

As someone who watched her father battle cancer, I can tell you firsthand how much of a difference a great oncology nurse can make in a patient’s journey.

Jessica MacIntyre, M.B.A., DNP, APRN, AOCNP, was a huge help to me and my family during my three bouts with cancer as well as my stem cell transplant in 2016.

For 41 years, Fiona Wilkie, RN, has been making oncology patients (and her co- workers) smile.

Elzbieta Kowalski, M.S.N., RN, CCRN, places service to patients, co-workers and others at the forefront of all her actions and embraces our organization’s service excellence standards.

One morning after interdisciplinary team rounding, Mr. R asked Ashley to stay in his room. He had multiple questions about treatment options, and Ashley answered his questions in detail.

Kelly believes she was called to oncology nursing — and as a physician who works closely with her, I can tell you that’s true.

Dayna Hardee, RN, encourages patients, letting them know that someone has their back, someone is praying for them and someone is responding when they have a need.

Caitlin Fanning, M.S.N., RN, OCN, is an oncology nurse who "focuses on empowerment."

Marie Riehl's willingness to step outside of her professional comfort zone has allowed her to be an extraordinary patient advocate.

Ludmila brings warmth and compassion to the patient, treating each individual as important.

Kelly Bailey, M.S.N., RN, OCN, is an extraordinary oncology nurse.

“I was a senior in high school when my father was diagnosed, so I became his caregiver while my mother worked. All of that is what drove me to where I am today," an oncology nurse explained.

Lauren orchestrated a heartwarming Christmas reunion for an admitted mother undergoing a stem cell transplant, ensuring she could share the holiday with her children.

An interview with Jessica McDade, B.S.N., RN, OCN, an Extraordinary Healer award finalist.

Jessica, a master of the art of nursing, bonds with patients who it can be hard to make connections with.

Oncology nurse, Meaghan Mooney, B.S.N., RN, OCN, winner of the 2024 Extraordinary Healer® award, celebrates the “small wins” with her patients.

It is Meaghan’s unwavering dedication to supporting children and families during a parent’s illness, along with her willingness to take her direct patient care to practices within her professional position and her community service, that allow me to say Meaghan is truly an extraordinary healer deserving of this honor.

This year marks the 18th year that CURE and Oncology Nursing News have hosted the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing, which gives people the opportunity to recognize and honor the oncology nurses who have made a significant impact on their life.