Please note: This application must be completed in one sitting as you are not able to go back and edit the application.

Purpose
The Cleveland Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society presents the Excellence in Oncology Nursing Award annually to registered and advanced practice nurses who consistently deliver exemplary patient care and demonstrate a unwavering commitment to ongoing professional development. Through clinical expertise, compassionate advocacy, and dedication to continual learning, this individual elevates the quality of care provided to patients and families facing cancer. Their leadership, pursuit of evidence-based practice, and engagement within the oncology community embody the values and spirit of this award. A qualified nominee may show excellence in one or more of the following categories:
  • Clinical excellence and patient advocacy
  • Commitment to professional development
  • Leadership and unit / department impacts
  • Excellence in psychosocial and supportive care
  • Innovation and quality improvement
  • Community and professional engagement

The recipient would be encouraged to speak about their practice at an upcoming CleONS program.

The award recipient will be announced at the CleONS Fall Conference held on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Both nominations of others and self-nominations are encouraged.

Award
$1500 award and a Crystal Sculpture

Qualifications
To be eligible for this award, the nominee must be:

  • A Registered Nurse currently employed in the field of oncology nursing
  • A member of ONS National and CleONS for a minimum of two (2) years
  • Current oncology certification(s)
  • Attended a CleONS event within the past year
  • Has not won this award within the past three (3) years

Selection and Scoring
Please note: Applications will receive a reduced score if there is evidence that AI tools were used to generate any portion of this application. Scoring and selection will be based on the following criteria:
  • Essay responses are expected to reflect high-quality writing, including proper grammar, punctuation, syntax, and clarity. Applicants should provide a thorough, well-considered answer and make full use of the allotted word count.
  • Clarity and quality of the following items will be taken into consideration when scoring:
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Letters of support and personal narrative (if applicable) demonstrate clear evidence of:
      • An exemplary oncology nursing practice(s)
      • A commitment to ongoing professional development.
      • Meaningful contributions to patient care, the oncology team, and the broader nursing community.
All uploaded documents must be typed.

Deadline
Completed applications must be submitted by midnight, October 6, 2026.

Questions
Email the Education & Scholarship Committee Chair at CleONSEdu@gmail.com or ask any CleONS board member.
Eligibility:

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1. The nominee currently holds an Ohio Registered Nurse license. (Required.)

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2. The nominee is employed in the field of oncology. (Required.)

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3. The nominee is a member of both ONS National & CleONS for at least two (2) years. (Required.)

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4. The nominee has a current oncology certification. (Required.)

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5. The nominee has not won this award in the past three (3) years. (Required.)

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