Pittsburgh, PA—Oncology nurses, employers, and researchers are transforming cancer care every day. During the 49th Annual ONS Congress® in Washington, DC, ONS recognized 14 of those individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to oncology nursing with its 2024 ONS awards.  

“It's through collective effort that we secure quality care for patients with cancer and their families. Oncology nurses, dedicated to evidence-based practice, education, leadership, and research, drive ONS’s mission forward. We honor those who exceed expectations, embodying excellence in our field,” Danya Garner, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, OCN®, CCRN, who was ONS president through April 2024, said. “Congratulations to all recipients! Your unwavering commitment to oncology nursing is truly commendable. Thank you for your tireless dedication.”  

The 2024 ONS awards recipients are:  

ONS Distinguished Awards honor career achievements and outstanding contributions to oncology care. 

  • Lifetime Achievement: Margaret Barton-Burke, PhD, RN, FAAN 
  • Distinguished Researcher: Verna L. Hendricks-Ferguson, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN 
  • Award for Consistent Contribution to Nursing Literature: Rebecca Lehto, PhD, RN, FAAN 
  • President’s Award: Robin Roberts 

ONS Excellence Awards recognize oncology nursing achievements in five core specialties. 

  • Clinical Practice: Patricia Shannon, BS, RN, OCN® 
  • Advanced Clinical Practice: Susan Bohnenkamp, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, CCM 
  • Cancer Nursing Management: Amy Plemons, MSN, RN, CENP, OCN® , EBP-CH 
  • Cancer Nursing Education: Emmika Elkin, MSN-Ed, RN, OCN® , NPDA-BC 
  • Oncology Nursing Health Policy and Advocacy: Toby Bressler, PhD, RN, OCN®, FAAN 

Pearl Moore “Making a Difference” Awards, named after ONS’s first chief executive officer, acknowledge oncology nurses who go above and beyond to engage with patients and their families. 

  • Frontline Care: Victoria Murphy, BSN, RN, OCN®  
  • Emerging Leader: Emily Rush, MHA, BA, BSN, RN, OCN®  
  • Team Achievement: Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center Outpatient Infusion 
  • Outstanding Employer: John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center 

ONS Research Lectureships (supported by the Oncology Nursing Foundation Distinguished Nurse Researchers Fund) recognize new investigators who received their doctoral degrees within a year of nomination.  

  • Victoria Mock New Investigator: Lindsay Jibb, PhD, RN, CPHON® 

ONS is a professional association that represents 100,000 nurses and is the professional home to more than 35,000 members. ONS is committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Learn more at www.ons.org.