A Barrie nurse has been named winner of the 2017 Boehringer Ingelheim Oncology Nurse of the Year Award.
Colleen Campbell received the honour Sunday at the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology Awards of Excellence Ceremony at the organization's annual conference in Gatinuea, Quebec.
Campbell, a 35-year nursing veteran, has dedicated her life to nursing and caring for others.
The award recognizes the unique contributions of an oncology nurse who consistently demonstrates the highest level of nursing excellence and leadership.
“We should always be innovating in oncology,” Campbell said. “Cancer therapy is so complex and implementing an urgent care center at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre allows cancer patients to access oncology experts who can help manage their symptoms and give them timely care. Going through treatment means they may be immunocompromised, and sometimes an Emergency Room isn’t the most appropriate place. I’m so thrilled about the work nurses are doing to make a difference in the care system.”
A Toronto native, Campbell obtained a nursing diploma from George Brown College and worked her way to receiving her BScN from Ryerson University and her Master of Nursing from University of Western Ontario.
Upon completing her education, she began her career at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, where she commuted two hours each way over the course of the year.
Six years later, Colleen calls Barrie her home.
Colleen is passionate about cancer care - in particular listening to the needs of patients and their families.
She recently implemented an urgent care clinic within the regional cancer program at RVH which saw a 50 percent reduction in visits to the Emergency Room.
“With this award, we recognize Colleen Campbell for her outstanding commitment to advancing excellence in oncology nursing through innovation, volunteerism, education, and inspiring leadership,” said Tracy Truant, President of the Board of Directors of CANO/ACIO. “Ms. Campbell’s success in implementing the urgent care clinic for those within the cancer program at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, exemplifies her commitment to the specialty and our profession. We are proud of all the nominees and their ongoing work in the area of oncology nursing.”
The criteria for this year’s award included an emphasis on contributions to advancing oncology nursing and/or health system transformation. Nominations were submitted by healthcare professionals, cancer patients, survivors and members of the community-at-large.
The submissions were assessed by a panel of Canadian oncology nursing professionals who watched for exemplary service in oncology nursing excellence, oncology leadership and advocacy.
Campbell's nomination was supported by her peers for her leadership in implementing an urgent care clinic within the regional cancer program at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
“We are pleased to recognize Ms. Campbell with the Boehringer Ingelheim Nurse of the Year Award, and we acknowledge all the hardworking and inspiring nurses across Canada who were nominated,” said Richard Mole, President & CEO, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. “Oncology nurses are at the forefront of patient care, and their direct impact on the lives of their patients is an integral part of their treatment. Ms. Campbell’s work in oncology nursing and contribution to her community demonstrates her dedication to the work she does and it’s nurses like her who help bring about improvements to the care of cancer patients.”
The winner of the Boehringer Ingelheim Nurse of the Year Award is given $5,000 towards further education and professional development.
