University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Assistant Professor Rebecca Lynn Edwards, DNP, CRNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP, ACHPN, has been named the 2017 Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner of the Year by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC).
Marybeth Singer, the immediate past president of the ONCC Board of Director, presents Assistant Professor Rebecca Lynn Edwards with the organization's 2017 Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner of the Year award.The award is presented annually by the national non-profit organization, which develops, administers and evaluates programs for certification in oncology nursing, to an outstanding Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN), Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP), or Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS). Nominees must have recommendations from two colleagues in the nursing profession; prepare an essay describing how certification has been promoted; summarize services offered that enhance oncology care and oncology nursing; and demonstrate accomplishments in at least two areas of oncology nursing practice – clinical practice, education, research, administration or consultation. “It is very humbling to receive this award because I know there are so many other oncology nurse practitioners out there doing amazing work for patients and families,” Edwards said. “It was my great honor to represent the UAB School of Nursing in accepting this prestigious honor.”
Edwards, who teaches in the School’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, was presented with the award during a recognition breakfast at the Oncology Nursing Society Annual Congress in Denver, Colorado, on May 5.
“We are proud to recognize Rebecca as the recipient of the 2017 Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award,” said Marybeth Singer, MS, ANP-BC, AOCN, president of the ONCC Board of Directors. “She was chosen from among the best in the country as a shining example of oncology nursing at its finest.”
Edwards will enter the School’s Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) program in August and focus her research on improving global access to palliative care. Edwards feels it is important to expand her DNP degree in global health, and teaching and learning concentrations, by pursuing her PhD.
“As I have gained momentum in my professional roles, I have recognized that to reach my goal of more deeply participating in palliative care research, I needed to enroll in the PhD program to advance my knowledge base in nursing research,” Edwards said. “Earning my PhD will broaden my understanding of the research process and the skills necessary for me to more fully impact the advancement of palliative care locally and globally.”
ONCC offers eight credentialing programs and currently certifies more than 36,000 nurses.
