Karmanos Nurse Pamela Laszewski to receive prestigious 2017 Oncology Nursing Society Excellence in Radiation Therapy Nursing Award

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Dec 12, 2016, 03:05 ET

DETROIT, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pamela Laszewski, RN, OCN, clinical leader of Radiation at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, will receive the notable 2017 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Excellence in Radiation Therapy Nursing Award during the Annual ONS Congress May 4-7, 2017, in Denver. She will also receive a $500 monetary prize, a plaque, and travel support to the Congress.

The award was created to recognize and support excellence in radiation therapy nursing and is granted to ONS members who have been nominated by another member.

Pamela Laszewski, RN, OCN, clinical leader of Radiation at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Mich., will receive the prestigious 2017 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Excellence in Radiation Therapy Nursing Award during the Annual ONS Congress May 4-7, 2017, in Denver. Laszewski is being recognized for her excellence in radiation therapy nursing. She has been an oncology nurse for 28 years and a radiation oncology nurse at Karmanos Cancer Institute for the past 19 years. Photo by Timothy Haunert

"I am very pleased to receive this distinguished award and for what it represents – excellence in nursing," Laszewski said. "I've dedicated many years to caring for patients and it's my privilege to care for Karmanos' patients. I am truly humbled to be selected for this award."

Award criteria requires the potential recipient be a registered professional nurse; have at least two years of oncology nursing experience; be a recognized expert in the field of radiation oncology (i.e., through publications, presentations, research, peer review); have made a significant contribution to one or more of the following related to radiation oncology: professional/patient education, clinical practice, and /or nursing research; and serve as a role model for other radiation oncology nurses.

Laszewski was nominated by Clara Beaver, MSN, RN, AOCNS, ACNS-BC, manager of Patient Care Services in the ambulatory clinics at Karmanos.

"Pamela is respected as a leader and expert in radiation oncology across our very vast health system," Beaver said. "She is often called upon to assist with education of staff, policy writing as well as setting nursing and documentation standards. Her input is valued not only by nursing staff, but also physicians and other professionals in radiation oncology."

Laszewski has been an oncology nurse for 28 years and a radiation oncology nurse at Karmanos for the past 19 years. She currently serves as the president of the metro Detroit Oncology Nursing Society. She also has worked as leader on a research project funded by the Oncology Nursing Foundation. The project studies head and neck patients, as well as breast cancer patients, and their adherence to prescribed skin care while receiving radiation therapy. The project has changed the way skin care adherence is viewed by radiation oncology nurses across the country.

She also has served as mentor for many of the Radiation Oncology Department nurses at Karmanos, encouraging them to receive their certifications and to take part in the research projects and to publish their research.

"Her ability to mentor, lead and promote the highest quality of patient care has been consistent and dependable over the years," Beaver said. "I cannot think of a more qualified individual deserving of the 'Excellence in Radiation Therapy Nursing Award.'"

Laszewski resides in Belle River, Ontario, Canada.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, is one of 47 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute