Friends, family members and colleagues recently gathered at the North Carolina Cancer Hospital to honor Paula Landman, RN, MSN, CPON, Tammy Triglianos, ANP, ANCOP, Glenda Blackwood and Craig Rifkin, RT, the 2017 Oncology Excellence Awards recipients.
The North Carolina Cancer Hospital’s Tony Williams Lobby was abuzz as friends, family members, and colleagues gathered together on Oct. 5 to celebrate four staff members who were honored at the 2017 UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Oncology Excellence Awards.
Each year since 2002, faculty and staff of the UNC Oncology Service Line nominate and select oncology nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff to be recognized for their excellence in the care of cancer patients and their caregivers.
The Oncology Excellence Awards are given annually in memory of Charmayne S. Gray, an oncology nurse practitioner who tragically died in an auto accident in 2002. “Charmayne truly exemplified patient-focused care,” said UNC Lineberger member David Ollila, MD.
Recognition was given in two categories:
Nursing Excellence
Paula Landman, RN, MSN, CPON – Landman works as a nurse navigator with the Melanoma Program and has served in Oncology Services for 16 years at UNC. Her nominators shared that she is beloved by patients, physicians and support staff for her meticulous attention to detail and outstanding communication skills.
Tammy Triglianos, ANP, ANCOP – Triglianos is a nurse practitioner within the GI Oncology Program and is a 10-year veteran of Oncology Services at UNC. Her admirable level of compassion, as well as her willingness to take on new projects, was highlighted by those who nominated her.
Service Excellence
Glenda Blackwood – Blackwood is an administrative specialist with the UNC Head and Neck Oncology Program and has 10 years of experience in Oncology Services at UNC. According to those who nominated her, Blackwood is known for her rapid scheduling abilities as well as her ability to reassure and comfort patients who have been newly diagnosed with cancer.
Craig Rifkin, RT – Rifkin is a radiation therapist with 10 years of Oncology Services experience at UNC. His colleagues who nominated him say he has the uncanny ability to calm even the most distressed patient and help them become more relaxed while going through radiation treatments.
“These award-winning nurses and staff members are truly special, having won the highest praise from their colleagues and physician partners,” said UNC Lineberger Interim Director Shelton “Shelley” Earp, MD.
There were 22 other staff members who were nominated for the 2017 Oncology Excellence Awards:
Nathan Barnes, PharmD
Kelly Coen, RN, OCN
Kelly Colvin, RN, BSN, OCN, BMTCN
Amy DePue, RN, BSN, OCN
Kelly Donoghue, RN, BSN
Dana Elliot, Oncology Patient Coordinator
Cassidy Faircloth, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, CPP
Meredith Keisler, PharmD, BCOP, CPP
Amy Mellow, CST II
Katrina Moore, Administrative Specialist
Patricia Morfeld, RN, BSN, OCN
Benyam Muluneh, PharmD, BCOP, CPP
Jennie Petruney, MSN, ANP
Bridgette Pineiro, Administrative Specialist
Sherri Singleton, Administrative Specialist
Robyn Tolley, AND, RN, CMSRN
Martha Tye, RN, BSN
Megan Ubik, RN, OCN
Kimberly Wehner, DNP, FNP-BC
LaTonya Williams, Office Manager
Shamekia Wilson, RN, BSN
Courtney Wolff, RN, BSN