The Department of Nursing recognizes nurses’ achievements and contributions to MSK’s mission. As part of the shared governance structure, Nursing’s Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition Council facilitates awards and recognition opportunities for nursing staff both internally and externally.
MSK nurses play an indispensable role in ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care. Each year during National Nurses Week, we honor and celebrate our distinguished nurses and patient care support staff with the Robbins Family Awards for outstanding service in nursing and patient care support.
The award winners are nominated by fellow nurses, administrators, doctors, and patients. Supported by the Robbins Family since 2020, the awards honor excellence in advance practice nursing, nursing practice, leadership, education, research, clinical trials nursing, and patient care. Prior to 2020, these were the Samuel and May Rudin Awards for Nursing Excellence and were supported by the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation.
2024
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Excellence In Patient Experience
Maryanne Canavan, MSN, RN, ANP-BC -
Excellence in Advancing the Nursing Profession
Jaclyn Andronico, MSN, RN, OCN, AOCNS -
Excellence in Innovation
Eleni Kalandranis, MSN, RN, NE-BC, OCN, CMSRN -
Excellence in Nursing Support
Margarette Goold, Patient Care Technician -
Excellence in Collaboration
Lilly Reilly, DNP, RN, OCN, Nurse Leader, Memorial 8
Kerry King, MSN, RN, OCN, Nurse Leader, Koch 5
Koko Komo, MSN, RN, AOCNS, AOCNP, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Kristie Murphy, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CCNS, CCRN, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Emoke Karonis, MSN, RN, CRNI, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Katherine Vicinanza-Rickard, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Coordinator, Pharmacy
Amelia Chan, PharmD, MBA, MS, BCOP, Assistant Director, Pharmacy -
Excellence in Nursing Partnership
Luke Paolantonio, MPH -
Excellence in Mentorship
Jaime Granieri, DNP, RN, CCRN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Anne Longfritz, BSN, RN, PCCN, OCN -
Excellence in Humanitarian Efforts
Bayley Sharma, MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, PCCN
2023
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Excellence In Patient Experience
Dona “Lyndhia” Isaac, MSN/ED, RN, CWON -
Excellence in Advancing the Nursing Profession
Mary Elizabeth Davis, DNP, RN, CHPN, AOCNS
Excellence in Innovation
Eric Zawacki, BSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Support
Norman Glenn Guemo, PCT -
Excellence in Collaboration
Wayne Quashie, MSN, MPH, CNS, ACNS-BC, AOCNS
Melissa Cutrera, RN,
Kristy Deyeso, DNP, RN, CCRN, CHSE, CPAN
Kelly O’Sullivan, RN
Adela Radoncic, RN
Kristie Murphy, DNP-CNS
Lisa Simonelli, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Gigi Markrose, RN -
Excellence in Nursing Partnership
Barbara Pfeiffer Mitchell, LSCW
Miriam Siddiq, Patient Representative -
Excellence in Mentorship
Natasha Ramrup, DNP, RN, CNS, AOCNS, OCN -
Excellence in Clinical Leadership
Kerry King, MSN, RN, OCN
2022
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Excellence in Patient Experience
Megan Graham, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, RN -
Excellence in Advancing the Nursing Profession
Caroline Clark, MSN, APRN, OCN, AG-CNS -
Excellence in Innovation
Melissa Zimmerman, MS, BSN, RN-BC -
Excellence in Nursing Support
Dashawn Gadsden -
Excellence in Collaboration
Nora Love, MS, RN, CNS, CURN, OCN
Amy Caramore, BSN, RN, CEN
Kathleen McAllan, BSN, RN, PCCN
Likhita Kanneganti, MS, BS
Jessica Leone, MSN, RN, PCCN -
Excellence in Nursing Partnership
Brian Kelly, BA, JD, MDiv -
Excellence in Mentorship
Kameelah Brown, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Clinical Nursing Leadership
Thomas Bracken, MA, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Humanitarian Efforts
Jennifer Ogilvie, MSN, RN, NE-BC
2021
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Excellence in Patient Experience
Tamara Strah, DNP, RN, CNOR -
Excellence in Advancing the Nursing Profession
Debra O’Shea, MSN, RN, AOCNS, EBP-C -
Excellence in Innovation
Jericho Garcia, MSN, RN-BC -
Excellence in Nursing Support
Venessa Rubano -
Excellence in Collaboration
Rapid Technology Innovation in Response to COVID-19- You Chung, MSN, RN-BC, CCRN-K
- Hector DeJesus
- Melissa Zimmermann, MS, BSN, RN-BC
- Tham Nguyen, MSN, RN-BC
- Dave Vang, MSN, RN
- Eric Froehlich, MS, BSN, RN-BC
- Tania Bubb, PhD, RN
- Ashley Jackson
- Jennifer Larbi
- Vyacheslav Belovsky
- Sergey Kovalev
- Jeff Francisquini
- Joyce Burkett
- Thomas Cheng
- Michelle Rausen
- Michelle Cavuoto, MA, RN, OCN, CNIV
- Andrew Graham, DNP, RN, PCCN-K
- Yekaterina Tayban, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, GNP-BC
- Jay Isbell, MD
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Excellence in Nursing Partnership
Julio Eugenio, Environmental Services Aide -
Excellence in Mentorship
Nancy M. Borzain, MA, RN, OCN, NE-BC -
Excellence in Clinical Nursing Leadership
Melody Rosamilia, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Humanitarian Efforts
Tracey O’Keeffe, BSN, RN, CCRN
2020
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Leon Chen, DNP, RN, AGACNP-BC, FCCP, FAANP -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Jessica Agostini, BSN, RN, CCRN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Andrea Smith, BSN, RN, CBCN -
Excellence in Nursing Education
Jennifer Fox, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Clinical Trials Nursing
Meghan Salcedo, MSN, RN-BC, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Research
Kristen Fessele, Phd, RN, ANP-BC, AOCN -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
Joseph Kesselbrenner, MBA, CPHQ
2019
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Kate Tayban, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, GNP-BC -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Meagan Harrington McQuade, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Blanca Vasquez-Clarfield, MA, RN, CNML, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Education
Liz McNulty, MA, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Clinical Trials Nursing
Claudia Diamonte, BSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Research
Jennifer Ross, MSN, RN, CRNA -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
Ronald Whitlock, BS
2018
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Hilda Quintanilla, ANP-C, AOCNP -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Joy Jarrett, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Amy Paolino, RN, CPAN -
Excellence in Nursing Education
Jibran Majeed, MSN, ACNP-BC, CCRN -
Excellence in Clinical Trials Nursing
Elizabeth Halton, ANP-C, AOCNP -
Excellence in Nursing Research
Jessica Goldberg, AGPC-NP, ACHP -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
David Brobbey, Patient Care Technician
2017
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Elisabeth Wall, PhD, CNS, AOCNS -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Caroline Clark, BSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Mary Eagan, MSN, RN, ONC, NE-BC -
Excellence in Nursing Education
May Saulan, MSN, MPA, RN, CNOR -
Excellence in Clinical Trials Nursing
Yelena Shames, MS, ACNP-BC, CNRN -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
Betty Phelps
2016
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Anthony Delacruz, RN, ANP-BC, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Erica Bland, BSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Ashley Hole, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, OCN, CPON -
Excellence in Nursing Education
Annette Roman, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Research
Catherine Finlayson, MS, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
Kenneth Belt, Unit Assistant, Urgent Care Center
2015
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Kimberly Chow, MS, ANP-BC, ACHPN -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Natalie Bell, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Rhonda D’Agostino, ACNP-BC, CEN, CCRN, FCCM -
Excellence in Nursing Education
Jamie McNally, MSN, MA, RN, CCRN, CPHON -
Excellence in Nursing Research
Erica Fischer-Cartlidge, MSN, CNS, CBCN, AOCNS -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
Ethel Oliphant, CNA
2014
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Vashti Livingston, MSN, RN, CWOCN -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Mary Yanolatos, BSN, RN, CPAN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Jeanine Gordon, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Education
Debra Rodrigue, MSN, RN -
Excellence in Nursing Research
Theresa Brunner, BSN, RN, CPAN -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
Kaman Gilbert, Patient Care Technician
2013
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Joseph Narus, DNP, APRN, NP-BC -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Fred Haro-Zuniga, RN -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Virginia Morales, MSN, RN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Karen Collum, MSN, RN -
Excellence in Nursing Education
Janine Kennedy, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
Katherine Gamble
2012
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice
Wayne Quashie, MSN, RN, OCN -
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Christy Shea, BSN, RN, CPAN -
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Lystra Swift, MA, RN, CNOR -
Excellence in Nursing Education
Elizabeth Grahn, MSN, NP-C, CWOCN -
Excellence in Nursing Research
Ethel Law, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, OCN -
Excellence in Patient Care Support
Christina Grant, Patient Care Technician
An acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, the DAISY Foundation was formed in November 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The nursing care that Patrick received when hospitalized profoundly touched his family.
In Patrick’s memory, to say thank you to nurses everywhere, his family established a recognition program, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Through this and other recognition programs, they honor the superhuman work that nurses do for patients and families every day.
DAISY Award Winners
2024
- Kathryn Richner, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC, CPHON
2023
- Natassia Singh, BSN, RN, CCRN
- Jennifer Petruno, BSN, RN
- Alison Rodriguez, BSN, RN, BMTCN
- Allison Nall, BSN, RN, OCN
2022
- Holly Wallace, MPH, BSN, RN, CNML, OCN
- Rashida Dorant, BSN, RN, OCN
- Matthew Kim, BSN, RN, PCCN
- Melissa Cutrera, BSN, RN, CCRN
2021
- Julie Kinoshita, BSN, RN, OCN
- Pauline Briody, BSN, RN
- Brigitte Fitzsimmons, BSN, RN, PCCN
2020
- Monique Hodge, RN
- Kristin McCormack, RN
- Jennifer Keller, RN
2019
- Nina Sohn Bachman, RN
- Ellen Mulkerrins Hernandez, RN
- Noelle Paul, RN
2018
- Patricia Walsh, RN
- Danielle Silletti, RN
- Eun Son, RN
2017
- Anne-Marie Hennessy, RN
- Bonita Lee Smith, RN
- Kara Freedman, RN
2016
- Brenda Ryan, RN
- Barbara Adamo, RN
- Kristine Cooper, RN
- Maureen Mullaly-Franca, RN
2015
- Celia Mills, RN
- Cheryl Co, RN
- Kara Stemplewicz, RN
- Christina Hogan, RN
2014
- Jaity Tobee, RN
- Mary Eliza McEachen, RN
- Thomas Springer, RN
- Tina Alano, RN
2013
- Gretchen Marino, RN
- Virginia Pfeifer, RN
- Tara Stampe, RN
- Kerri Carle, RN
2012
- Carina Marasigan- Stone, RN
- Lori Gofter, RN
- Diana Tam, RN
- Maureen Laffey, RN
2011
- Paul Honmyhr, RN
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, created by the family of Patrick Barnes in 1999, has grown into a recognition program embraced by healthcare organizations around the world.
As the foundation grew, it recognized that it often takes an entire team to achieve better patient and family outcomes. The DAISY Team Award was designed to honor collaboration by two or more people, led by a nurse, who identify and meet a patient’s or patient’s family’s needs by going above and beyond the traditional role of nursing.
Daisy Team Award Winners
2023
- Team Name: Memorial 18 Nursing Staff
2022
- Team Name: Dialysis Nursing Team
2021
- Team Name: Nassau Radiology Nursing Team
2020
- Team Name: Westchester Chemotherapy
2019
- Team Name: Memorial 18
2018
- Team Name: Urgent Care Center (UCC)
2017
- Team Name: 53rd Street Fertility Champions
The Shining Star Award is a recognition program in the Department of Nursing that was launched to allow nurses to recognize and honor exemplary direct care members of the nursing support team. Shining Star Award honorees personify the Department of Nursing’s core values of compassion, advocacy, relationships, and excellence. They consistently demonstrate these values through exemplary and compassionate care and are recognized as role models in our nursing community.
Shining Star Award Winners
2023
- Roberto Lopez, PCT – MSK Westchester SCC
- Agnes Klukowska, PCT – Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center
- Dolreen Burnett, UA – Memorial 16
- Francis Martinez, PCT – M2 SDH PACU
- Rachel Gobin, PCT – Memorial 15
2022
- Lhakpa Gurung, NA – Intensive Care Unit
- Yit (Wendy) Wong, PCT – MSK 53rd Street
- Colleen Germain, UA – Memorial 15
- Jazmin Brown, PCT – MSK Basking Ridge
- Evelin Saravia, PCT – JRSC PACU
2021
- Karen Hall, PCT – SDH PACU
- Degsmy Simon, UA – Pediatrics
- Veronica Yancy, PCT – M5
- Sean Kenny, PCT – MSK Monmouth
- Christine Morales, UA – Urgent Care Center
2020
- Juan Ramirez – Perioperative Division
- Philomena Toby, PCT – Critical Care Division
- Denyetta Heckstall, UA – Acute Care Division
- Sandra Cole, PCT – MSK Bergen Infusion
- Tamika Holmes, PCT – 53rd Street GI 5th Floor Chemotherapy
2019
- Bill Guzman, PCT – MSK Monmouth
- Barbara Pemberton, PCT – DTU
- Stella Vaccariello, PCT – PACC
- Idalmis St. Juste, UA – M10
2018
- Katy Sinclair, NA – Memorial 9, Inpatient Pediatrics
- Curtisann Gairy, PCT – Memorial 7 – Transplant, Acute Care Services
2017
- Jasmattie Persaud, PCT – M2 SDH PACU, Perioperative Services
- Chandrabose Matadin, PCT – ICU, Acute Care and Critical Care, and Pediatrics
- Gretchen Rivera, PCT – Basking Ridge, Outpatient Regional Care Network
- Jesus Segovia, PCT – M15, Acute Care Services
- Monica Adu, OT – Ophthalmology Outpatient Services
2016
- Nathalie Bonilla, PCT – Josie Robertson Surgery Center, Perioperative Services
- Christine Angeles, PCT – Basking Ridge, Outpatient Regional Services
- Miriam Knight, PCT – Gynecological Surgery, Outpatient Services
- Veronica Ginn, PCT – Acute Care Services
- Rimonds Blot, PCT – Treatment Room, Acute and Critical Care, and Pediatrics
2014
- Yvonne McPherson, PCT – Presurgical Center, M2, Perioperative Services
- Nancy Byer-Russell, PCT – 64th Street Lymphoma, Ambulatory Care Services
- Lucila Ang, PCT – Acute Care Services, M15, Ambulatory Care Services
- Sara Bowerbank, PCT – Basking Ridge, Outpatient Regional Services
- Rosita Cooks, NA – Pediatric Day Hospital, Acute and Critical Care, and Pediatrics
2013
- Pauline McCown, PCT – Head and Neck Service, Outpatient Care Services
- Margarette Goold, PCT – Memorial 7, Acute Care Services
- Suzanne Eaton, PCT – Hauppauge Dermatology, Outpatient Regional Care Services
- Yuliana Londono, NA – Presurgical Center, Perioperative Services
- Kawalwatie Singh, PCT – Memorial 17, Critical Care and Pediatric Services
The Department of Nursing’s External Awards Committee, which is made up of nurses, seeks recognition for MSK nurses outside of the organization by facilitating nominations for a variety of awards from professional and community organizations and healthcare publications. It is responsible for MSK nurses receiving more than 100 external awards since the committee’s inception in 2013.
External Nursing Award Winners
2024
- Margaret Barton-Burke, PhD, RN, FAAN, Director, Nursing Research – Lifetime Achievement Award, Oncology Nursing Society
- MaryAnn Connor, MSN, RN, NI-BC, CPHIMS, FAMIA, FHIMSS Senior Director, Nursing Informatics – HIMSS Most Influential Women in Health IT Award
- Asia McCoy, BSN, RN, OCN, CNIV – Staff Nurse of the Year Award, National Black Nurses Association
- Jennifer Kistama, ML, MSN, RN, CPHQ, Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs –40 Under 40 in Cancer Award, Rising Stars and Emerging Leaders
- Lo-Ruchama Hilaire, BSN, RN, CNI, Memorial 18 – Early Career Nursing Award, New York City Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society
- Mary Elizabeth Davis, DNP, RN, CHPN, AOCNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist – Radiation Oncology & Supportive Care, Advanced Practice Nursing Award, New York City Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society
- Lisa Sanchez, RN, BSN, OCN, CNIII, MSK Westchester – Top 20 for Excellence in Nursing Hudson Valley Magazine
- Victoria Murphy, BSN, RN, OCN, CNIV, Memorial 17 – Frontline Care Award, Oncology Nursing Society
- Jaclyn Andronico, MSN, CNS, OCN, AOCNS – Finalist: CNS Mentor of the Year, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, MSK Monmouth Certified Perioperative Nurses, CNOR Strong Designation
2023
- Kelly Haviland, PhD, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, TGNB-C, Advanced Practice Provider Manager, Professional Development Advanced Practice Providers, LGBTQI+ Clinical Consultant – Mary Pazdur Award for Excellence in Advanced Practice in Oncology
- Grace Wallau, BSN, RN CNII, Memorial 9 – Ellie Ruby Foundation Nursing Excellence Award
- Grace Crockett, BSN, RN, CPHON, CNIII, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit – Molloy University 30 under 30 Young Alumni Award 2023
- Jennifer Olstrom, BSN, RN, OCN, CNIV, MSK Westchester – Top 20 for Excellence in Nursing Awards Hudson Valley Magazine
- Kerry King, MSN, RN, ONC, CNIV, Memorial 12 – Excellence in Clinical Practice Award, Oncology Nursing Society
- Bibi Mohammed, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, OCN CNIV, Koch-5 Infusion – Frontline Care Award 2023, Oncology Nursing Society
2022
- Brooke Torpey, BSN, RN-BC, OCN – CURE Magazine Extraordinary Healer Honoree
- Dede Gibson, BAN, RN, CPHON, CNIV – Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Instructor of the Year Award, Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
- Maria Cristina Pinero, BSN, RN, CPHON, CNIV, Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center – Jean Fergusson Excellence in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing Practice Award, Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
- Heidi Sadowsky, BSN, RN, OCN, CBCN – Certified Breast Cancer Nurse of the Year Oncology, Nursing Certification Corporation
- Cristin Kopher, BSN, RN, CMSRN, MA – Clinical Practice Award, Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
- Una Moore, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC – Change Agent Award, The Association for Nursing Professional Development
- Jessica Agostini, BSN, RN, CCRN – Pearl Moore Emerging Leader Award, Oncology Nursing Society
- Erica Fischer-Cartlidge, DNP, CNS, AOCNS, EBP-C – 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award, Rising Star and Emerging Leaders
2021
- Kathleen Ackerman, MSN, RN, PCNS-BC – APHON Counts Writing Award, Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
- Katherine Alessi, BSN, RN, CPHON – Excellence in Pediatric Hematology, Oncology Practice Award, Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
- Jennifer Fox, MSN, RN, OCN – Excellence in Clinical Practice Award, Oncology Nursing Society
- Eleni Kalandranis, MSN, RN, OCN, CMSRN – Emerging Leader Award, Oncology Nursing Society
- Janice Reid, MA, RN, NPD-BC, OCN – Excellence in Cancer Nursing Education Award, Oncology Nursing Society
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David H Koch Center for Cancer Care Swab Team, Team Achievement Award, Oncology Nursing Society
- Dioanne Adsuara, BSN, RN
- Danielle Coumou, BSN, RN
- Yohanna Gaim, BSN, RN
- Jeanine Gordon, MSN, RN, OCN, BC-NE
- Lisa Klempner, MSN, RN, OCN
- Kathryn Kozak, BSN, RN, OCN
- Kyla Lafond, BSN, RN
- Cara Norelli, BSN, RN-BC
- Messyna Roulette, BSN, RN
- Lillian Reilly, MSN, RN, OCN, Memorial 7 – Clinical Excellence Award, American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
- Natassia Singh, BSN, RN, CCRN, CNIV, Intensive Care Unit – Circle of Excellence Award, American Association of Critical Care Nurses AACCN
2020
- Lori Lang, BSN, RN, OCN, CNIV – Excellence in Nursing Award, Hudson Valley Magazine
- Janice Reid, MA, RN, NPD-BC, OCN, Nurse Professional Development Specialist – Community Service Award, Caribbean American Nurses Association
- Erica Fischer-Cartlidge, DNP, CNS, AOCNS, EBP-C – CNS Evidence-based Practice/Quality Improvement of the Year Award, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
2019
- Elizabeth McNulty, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Nurse Educator – ANPD Educator of the Year Award, Association of Nursing Professional Development
2018
- Kathleen Keenan, NP – Board-Certified Nurse Award in the Adult Nurse Practitioner, American Nurses Credentialing Center
2017
- Nancy Houlihan, MA, RN, AOCN®, Director of Evidence-Based Practice – ONS Lifetime Achievement Award, Oncology Nursing Society
2016
- Chasity Walters, PhD, RN, Director of Patient Education – Excellence in Patient/Public Education Award, Oncology Nursing Society
2015
- Jeanine Gordon, RN – Compassionate Care Award, National Pancreas Foundation
2014
- Virginia Morales, RN – Pearl Moore “Making a Difference” Frontline Care Award, Oncology Nursing Society
2013
- Hyun Joo Lee, BSN, RN, Nursing Clinical Analyst – Winner of the Technological Innovations category, New York Times
MSK Nurse Authors
MSK Library — Synapse
Your connection to MSK’s Department of Nursing authors.