Extraordinary Oncology Nurse, Extraordinary Person

From left: DONNA MACDONALD, B.S.N., RN, OCN, CCM, and LINDA DZIOBEK, B.A., RN

PHOTOS BY CARE NEW ENGLAND

Donna MacDonald, B.S.N., RN, OCN, CCM, is not only an extraordinary oncology nurse, but she is also an extraordinary human being. Donna has practiced nursing for more than 40 years and has cared for patients with cancer and their families for most of her career.

As case manager for the Program in Women’s Oncology at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Donna cares for women of all ages with breast, colorectal and gynecologic cancers.

Donna is a well-known face at Women & Infants, radiating warmth and compassion wherever she goes. She has been involved in all aspects of oncology nursing, including prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship and palliative care. She has a wealth of knowledge and is a respected role model by her peers and a beloved nurse by her patients.

What makes Donna so extraordinary is that she goes beyond her duties and responsibilities as case manager by advocating for and supporting her patients during their cancer journeys. She serves as chair of the Women & Infants Patient and Family Advisory Committee, which improves quality and patient care experiences within the hospital. In this role, she works tirelessly to provide resources and support to her patients to ensure that they are receiving the best care.

She also volunteers her time with the Rhode Island & Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society and the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island. Donna is a very active volunteer, contributing her ideas and expertise whenever possible. She is deeply involved with the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island’s Ovarian Cancer Task Force, which has produced patient and provider education webinars, a roundtable and a provider toolkit.

Donna is a leading supporter of advocating for survivors of ovarian cancer, encouraging the task force to light the Rhode Island State House teal for ovarian cancer awareness in 2021 and rallying support for the independent licensure of genetic counselors in Rhode Island.

Donna is a selfless and dedicated oncology nurse who puts her patients and community first. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter what she has on her plate. It is an incredible honor to nominate Donna MacDonald for the 2022 Extraordinary Healer® Award. There is no one more deserving of this recognition.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.