Dana-Farber Cancer Institute recognizes Oncology Nursing Month

Nurses recognized for outstanding service and care by peers and patients

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s dedicated, expert nursing professionals are there when patients and families need them most — during their cancer journey.

Oncology nurses serve many functions along the continuum of care, from direct caregivers, educators, and administrators to vital roles in research that range from principal investigator to managing patients on clinical trials. They provide treatment and education support, and counsel patients and their family members.

This May, during Oncology Nursing Month, Dana-Farber proudly recognizes these special caregivers and the important role they play. Several Dana-Farber nurses were also honored for their outstanding service and care.

"The commitment of all of our oncology nurses has made an enormous difference to countless patients and fellow staff members," says Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, president of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse Patricia Reid Ponte, RN, DNSc, will recognize the nominees and all members of the Dana-Farber nursing staff at several celebration events throughout May. "I am privileged to work with the most dedicated, expert, and caring nurses. It is important to take a moment and honor them for their outstanding service and care."

Kathleen Houlahan, MHA, MSN, RN, and Anne Gross, PhD, RN, were among 30 regional finalists recognized at this year's Nurse.com/Nursing Spectrum Excellence Awards. The awards honor superior nurses across the country, leading to the selection of national nurses of the year.

Houlahan was one of five finalists in the volunteerism and service category. She is the director of nursing and clinical services for Pediatric Oncology at Dana-Farber and director of Nursing/Patient Services for Pediatric Oncology/Hematology/Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Boston Children's Hospital.

Gross was honored for her work in advancing and leading the profession, which has spanned many fronts in her 10 years as vice president of Adult Nursing and Clinical Services at Dana-Farber.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute nurses were also honored in the Boston Globe's annual Salute to Nurses. Each year, the Globe asks its readers to reflect on their interactions with the nurses on the frontline of their care, and to recognize those who have meaningfully affected their lives. Dana-Farber was among health care institutions with the most nurses recognized.

Dana-Farber congratulates the Salute to Nurses honorees below, and thanks all of the oncology nurses for their contributions and dedication to providing excellence in care.

Kecia Boyd, RN, BSN, OCN
Kerry Beliveau, RN, BSN
Carolyn Charron, RN, BSN, OCN
Christine Coakley, RN, BSN, OCN
Melissa Cochran, MS, NP
Maureen Collins, RN
Kaitlin Connolly, RN, BSN
Marie Cunningham, RN, BSN
Michele Daly, RN, BSN, OCN
Mary Delaney, RN, BSN
Lisa Doherty, APRN-BC, OCN
Judy Dynan, RN, MSN, OCN, CNL
Rachel Enos, RN, BSN, OCN
Margot Ganzenmuller, RN, BSN, OCN
Melissa Houston, RN, BSN
Debra Conrad LaFrankie, RN, OCN
Robin MacNeil, RN, BSN
Karen Murphy, RN
Christin O'Brien, RN, BSN, OCN
Diane Ransom, RN, BSN, OCN
Sandra Ruland, RN, OCN
Marnie Salkovitz, RN, BSN
Jeannine Sudol, RN, BSN
Tiffany Thibault, RN, BSN, OCN
Andrea Tomasetti, RN, BSN
Annette Werger, MSN, PNP