McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology Honors Five Exceptional Oncology Nurses for Outstanding Work

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Five exceptional oncology nurses out of nearly 2,400 nationwide were recognized by McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology for their dedication to their profession and their passion for their patients. The Excellence in Oncology Nursing Award honors those nurses in the United Network of US Oncology who exemplify competency, courage and determination in providing the highest quality oncology nursing care to patients and their families.

"All five honorees embody the principles of professional nursing and the high standards of the Oncology Nursing Society," said Sandy Smith, RN, MSN, AOCN®, director of Clinical Services, McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology. "The recipients of this award are exemplary nurses who serve as a source of strength and support for others, demonstrate leadership, and seek to improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer. We at McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology take pride in recognizing such phenomenal healthcare professionals."

McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology empowers the community patient care delivery system to advance the science, technology and quality of care. Quality nursing in the United Network of US Oncology is a key factor in the drive for providing quality care and improving the overall patient experience.

"I am impressed at the high-caliber nurses involved in the United Network of US Oncology," said Bruce Broussard, CEO, US Oncology, "Their passion for and commitment to their patients are obvious in their work and something to be extremely proud of. These nurses deserve this recognition, and I know they will keep up the good work."

The five 2011 Excellence in Oncology Nursing Award recipients are:

• Julia Carr Ober, RN, Texas Oncology-Arlington North, Arlington, Texas
• Allison Frendberg, RN, OCN, Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope, Brooksville, Fla.
• Robert Beach, RN, OCN, Northwest Cancer Specialists-St. Vincent Office, Portland, Ore.
• Carrie Czech, RN, OCN, Minnesota Oncology-St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn.
• Heidi Hoffmeister, RN, BSN, Maryland Oncology Hematology-Columbia, Columbia, Md.

"These extraordinary nurses play an integral part in so many patients' lives," said Smith.  "This award was created to recognize and honor nurses for putting their patients first."

All nurses had to be nominated for the award. Each person nominating a nurse filled out an in-depth application stating why his/her nominee stands out among the rest.

"Julia is exemplary in her sense of compassion and her ability to offer coping and emotional support to the patient and family," wrote Betty Correnti who nominated Julia Carr Ober. "On one occasion, she drove to a patient's church to meet him in order to deliver his medication to him."

"[Allison's] supportive manner and understanding way help to make the patient and family feel hopeful and in control of their disease at a time of uncertain outcome," wrote Stacy Alcuaz who nominated Allison Frendberg. "This is very reassuring to the patient and relieves some of the stress of a cancer diagnosis."

"Each task she performs epitomizes her call to nursing," wrote Frances Harris who nominated Heidi Hoffmeister. "Heidi's kindness and conversation makes it possible to bring hope into the lives of patients whose future might otherwise not be as bright."

"Rob invests all his energy and emotion into every patient he interacts with," wrote Justin Gress who nominated Robert Beach. "He does not give up on his patients and continues to care, love and support them throughout their entire treatment journey."

One award winner, Carrie Czech, treated her mother while her mother was being treated for breast cancer. Czech says treating someone so close to her made her realize even more just how crucial the oncology nurse's job truly is.

"It is truly an honor and privilege to walk the cancer journey with my patients," said Czech.  "They really become like family to me, and I love caring for them. I am also incredibly grateful that I was able to care for my mom. She is my inspiration."

The Excellence in Oncology Nursing Award also comes with an award of $1,000 to help further the five winners' oncology nursing education. For more information on a nursing career with McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology or one of its affiliated practices, visit the Career Center on the US Oncology website.

About McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology

McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology, a division of McKesson Corporation, empowers the community patient care delivery system to advance the science, technology and quality of care. Through innovative clinical, research, business and operational solutions, facilitated by integrated technology systems, we improve the financial health of our customers and help them provide quality care for patients. For more information, visit www.mckesson.com/specialty and www.usoncology.com.

About United Network of US Oncology

McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology unites one of the nation's largest networks of community-based oncology physicians through the United Network of US Oncology. These like-minded physicians are united around a common vision of expanding patient access to high-quality cancer care in communities throughout the nation. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, refined evidence-based medicine guidelines, and quality measurements, physician members of the United Network of US Oncology are committed to advancing the quality, safety, and science of cancer care to improve patient outcomes. Members may tailor their business relationship from a suite of solutions ranging from customized targeted physician services to a long-term strategic alliance of comprehensive management solutions.

SOURCE US Oncology