Two of the nation’s most respected and influential research nurses — City of Hope’s Marcia Grant and Rose Virani, both in the Division of Nursing Research and Education — have been honored by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).
 Marcia Grant (Photo by Markie Ramirez) |
Grant, R.N., D.N.Sc, professor in the Department of Population Sciences, was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2009, and Virani, R.N., M.H.A., O.C.N, senior research specialist, won The Pearl Moore Making a Difference Award.
Grant and Virani will receive their awards at the 2009 ONS Congress in San Antonio in April.
The lifetime achievement award is given to individuals whose pioneering contributions continue to advance oncology nursing.
“Dr. Grant is most deserving of this highest recognition from the ONS,” said Betty Ferrell, Ph.D., professor in the Division of Nursing Research and Education. “She has demonstrated leadership in mentoring nurses, physicians and many others in their own careers while conducting her own nationally recognized program of research in quality-of-life issues in oncology.”
She noted that Grant is known for her pioneering work in quality of life among patients with hematologic cancers, as well as for her contributions to the field of cancer survivorship. “She has been a senior leader at City of Hope as well as nationally, contributing significantly to National Institutes of Health study sections, professional organizations and international efforts,” Ferrell said.
Ferrell also praised Virani, who won the Pearl Moore Making a Difference award. That honor recognizes an emerging oncology nurse leader who has made a difference in oncology nursing at the local or regional level.
“Rose Virani has been an excellent role model for oncology nurses in her diverse roles over the years as a clinician, educator and researcher,” Ferrell said.
During the past eight years, Virani has been project director for the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium, which has trained more than 5,300 nurses in 50 states and 55 countries.
“Rose leads by example,” added Ferrell. “She is always on the front lines, ensuring that each project she leads is a success.”
The ONS is a professional organization of more than 35,000 registered nurses and other health-care providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research and administration in oncology nursing. It is the largest professional oncology association in the world.
