Sylvia Danko, RN, BSN, OCN, CBCN, Named 2012 Oncology Certified Nurse of the Year
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) has selected Sylvia Danko, RN, BSN, OCN®, CBCN® as the 2012 Oncology Certified Nurse of the Year. Danko was selected for the award for her contributions to oncology nursing and oncology nursing service, and for supporting and promoting certification in oncology nursing. She is the network oncology nurse educator at Seton Healthcare Family in Austin, TX.
Danko is recognized as an oncology nursing leader in the Seton Healthcare Family and throughout the Central Texas community. She ensures that every nurse in the 11-hospital Seton system is aware of the benefits of certification to the individual nurse, to the institution, and most importantly, to patients.
Danko has been instrumental in standardizing chemotherapy administration policies and practices within the Seton Healthcare Family, and implementing a number of evidence-based quality initiatives. She volunteers at many public education events, has developed oncology resource tools for non-oncology nurses, and collaborates with the Texas Nurse Oncology Education Program to develop regional certification review courses. In addition to her role as the network oncology nurse educator, she also practices as a front line nurse on a medical oncology unit.
Danko is a frequent participant in public screening events, and is a regular volunteer at a community clinic where she connects uninsured patients with free mammography services. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Central Texas Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society.
Danko was presented with the award during the ONCC Recognition Breakfast for Oncology Certified Nurses on May 4, 2012 in New Orleans, LA.
Danko is one of more than 32,000 nurses certified either as an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®), Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON®), Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN®), Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AONCP®), Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS®), Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN®), or Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON®).
The Oncology Certified Nurse of the Year Award is presented annually to an oncology certified nurse. To win the award, nominees must obtain recommendations from two colleagues in the nursing profession; prepare an essay describing how (s)he has promoted certification; summarize services offered that enhance oncology care and oncology nursing; and demonstrate accomplishments in at least one area of oncology nursing practice – clinical practice, education, or research.
ONCC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote excellence in patient care and professional practice by validating specialized knowledge in oncology nursing and related specialties. ONCC administered the first Oncology Certified Nurse examination in 1986. Today, ONCC offers basic and advanced certification in adult oncology nursing, basic certification in pediatric oncology/hematology nursing, and specialty certification in breast care nursing. Learn more about ONCC at www.oncc.org.
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