Recognizing Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ Nurses during COVID-19

New Brunswick, N.J., May 6, 2020 – From playing a vital role in the care of cancer patients, to engaging in research and serving as an education resource for their peers, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey nurses continue to shape oncology nursing practice across our state and nation. Already facing the many complexities known to their profession, Rutgers Cancer Institute nurses are also faced with challenges associated with the impact of COVID-19.

During Nurses Week each year, two nurses are named recipients of the Institute’s ‘Oncology Nursing Excellence Awards’ as a way to recognize the value and scope of their work. But this year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, Rutgers Cancer Institute is honoring all of its nurses and recognizing the nominees with this award during this Nurses Week.

“Professionalism and leadership, along with excellence in clinical practice, research, mentoring and education are exhibited by our nurses daily. It’s an unwavering commitment that shines through even more now as they care for patients and guide other oncology nursing colleagues across the state during the coronavirus pandemic. This year, we recognize our award nominees, entire nursing team and all health care professionals who deserve to be celebrated during this unprecedented time,” notes Carla Schaefer, MSN, RN, OCN, associate chief nursing officer at Rutgers Cancer Institute.

The ‘Oncology Nursing Excellence Awards’ are typically given during the annual Elizabeth Gibby Osborne Lecture, an event that is not taking place this year due to COVID-related restrictions. Award nominees (listed below) and the entire nursing team will be celebrated at a later date.

Nominated for the category of Advanced Practice Nurse:

• Millie Cappa, APN, AOCNP
• Carmela Hoefling, RN, MSN, AP-C, AOCNP
• Andrew Kass, RN, MSN, AGNP-C, AOCNP
• Khooshbu Patel, FNP-C, BA, MSN

Nominated for the category of Generalist Nurse:

• Victoria Aquino, RN
• Khaleedah Campbell, RN
• Shayna Cornelius, RN, BSN, CPHON
• Trish Dennigan, RN, BSN
• Andrea Gonzalez, RN, MSN
• Srigowri Kota, RN
• Stephanie Matlin, RN, BSN
• John Rodriguez, RN, OCN

The lectureship and Nursing Excellence Awards are underwritten in part by the Elizabeth Gibby Osborne Endowment Fund for Nurses Education. Mrs. Osborne, affectionately known as ‘Liz’ by the nurses, held a strong belief in education. That belief led her husband Bill to establish the fund after her death from cancer in 2004 to support peer-learning opportunities for oncology nurses at Rutgers Cancer Institute.

“Being able to meet the ever-changing demands of the oncology nursing field requires specialized educational and professional development. As evidenced by the tests we now face on the front lines of coronavirus, oncology nurses need to be prepared. I know Liz would be proud of our team, knowing that past lectureships supported by the endowment fund established in her name have enhanced critical learning that our nurses are employing today during this challenging time,” adds Schaefer.

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