ONS Excellence Awards

All awards, grants, and scholarships are tentative and subject to change based on funding availability.

Excellence in Radiation Therapy Nursing Award (EC06)


Award: Monetary award of $250, a plaque, plus up to $1,000 travel and one day per diem to attend the Opening Ceremony at Congress.

Purpose: To recognize and support excellence in radiation therapy nursing.

Nominee's Eligibility Criteria:
The candidate must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a registered professional nurse and an active ONS member
  • Have at least two years of oncology nursing experience
  • Be a recognized expert in the field of radiation oncology (e.g., through publications, presentations, research, peer review)
  • Have made a significant contribution to one or more of the following related to radiation oncology: professional/patient education, clinical practice, and /or nursing research
  • Serve as a role model for other radiation oncology nurses.

Criteria: The scoring criteria for judging this nomination packet is as follows:

  • Clinical Practice. Consistently demonstrates exemplary understanding and execution of the care of patients receiving radiation therapy.
  • Education. Shares knowledge of practice with students, peers, patients, and the community. (Examples include, but are not limited to, joint appointment(s), precepting students, staff development, program planning, patient teaching, outreach programs, and CNE programs).
  • Research. Demonstrates commitment to the advancement of practice through evidence of participation in research and research activities (possible activities include participation as data collector, site coordinator, study monitor, member of research team, co-investigator, principal investigator in a clinical research study related to radiation therapy. In addition, participation in research utilization activities, which promote research-based radiation oncology nursing practice).
  • Speaking. Regularly demonstrates expertise in field through public speaking and is recognized as an effective oral communicator.
  • Publication. Regularly contributes to the literature on issues regarding radiation therapy (includes articles in newsletters, journals, reports, video, multimedia, computer assisted instruction, or chapters in books).
  • ONS Leadership. Participates in ONS activities at the local or national level. (Participation should include involvement at the local or national level, and includes membership on committees, holding office, or task force participation).
  • Professional Practice. Provides leadership in activities, which advance the practice of radiation nursing (activities may include staff development, program development, patient teaching, or support groups. It might also include community outreach such as work with the ACS, Leukemia Society, or camps for cancer patients, or "survivors' day" activities. 

Application Process
The October 31st awards submission deadline has now passed. Please note that selected award recipients will be notified in early 2012. The next awards cycle will commence after ONS Congress (May, 2012) and individual award applications will be posted at that time.