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

Purpose
Shirley Gullo was the first president of the Cleveland Chapter of ONS and one of the first nurses in Oncology at Cleveland Clinic. She is a true visionary for Oncology Nurses.

The purpose of this award is to honor a current ONS member who has made a significant impact on the psychosocial care of patients and their families, and who integrates the creative art of nursing into clinical practice. Potential examples of this could be (but is not limited to):
  • Demonstrates advanced skill in assessing and addressing emotional, psychological, and social needs of patients and families.
  • Provides compassionate, patient-centered care that eases anxiety, fear, or distress.
  • Builds trusting, therapeutic relationships that positively influence patient outcomes.
  • Uses innovative, creative, or expressive approaches—such as storytelling, art, music, guided imagery, or other holistic techniques—to enhance patient care.
  • Brings warmth, humanity, and creativity into clinical interactions, making care more personal and meaningful.
  • Develops or applies unique interventions to improve patient and family experiences.

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
  • 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
    • Evidence of contributions to the psychosocial care of patients and families.
    • Utilization of creative art and innovative methods of nursing practice.
    • Demonstration of commitment to the psychosocial care of patients and families.
    • Volunteer or professional contributions.
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 not won this award in the past three (3) years. (Required.)

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