Kelly Smith, MSN, RN, NP, AOCN, Named 2012 Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse of the Year
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) has selected Kelly Smith, MSN, RN, NP, AOCN® as the 2012 Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse of the Year. Smith 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 a nurse practitioner and genetic educator at the West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo, MI.
Smith was one of the first nurses in her community to attain OCN® and later AOCN® certification. As an avid supporter of certification in oncology nursing, she promotes the benefits of certification to nurses in her institution, chapter, and community.
Smith helped to developed multidisciplinary breast cancer, neuro-oncology, and cancer risk assessment programs at her facility to better navigate the care of patients with cancer. She provides educational programs at her institution and to area hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing students, schools, and community groups. Smith has published in national nursing journals, participated in clinical trials, and has served on many oncology-related boards and committees.
She is an active member of the Greater Kalamazoo Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society where she has served in nearly every leadership position. She is also a frequent volunteer at community health fairs and awareness events, and participates in the Michigan Cancer Alliance.
Smith was presented with the award at the ONCC Recognition Breakfast for Oncology Certified Nurses on May 4, 2012 in New Orleans, LA.
Smith 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 Advanced 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 two areas 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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