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Chapel Hill – The Oncology Nursing Excellence and Clinical Services Excellence Awards recognize four employees who exemplify the very best in cancer care at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and UNC Cancer Care.

 

Anne Dunlap and Betty Hinshaw received the 2011 Oncology Nursing Excellence Award. Sandee Cane and Melanie McNeill received the 2011 Clinical Services Excellence Award.

Shelley Earp, MD, professor of medicine and pharmacology and director of UNC Lineberger, said, “ These honorees represent the best of the best at providing compassionate care and dedicated service. Selecting each year’s winners becomes increasingly challenging because of the large number of exemplary nominees. We are proud to honor the 2011 winners as superb examples of all those who serve UNC Cancer Care patients and families.”

Dunlap, RN, BSN, OCN, is a head nurse clinician who has worked in the division of gynecologic oncology for 34 years. One of her nominators said, “If I were a cancer patient, survivor, or family member, I would want someone like Anne working with me and my family. The comfort and strength that she imparts is unique.” Another stated, “Anne is a resource that the fellows, residents and faculty can access without limitations, and importantly, without hesitation.”

Betty Hinshaw, BSN, OCN, CHTC, is a coordinator with the UNC Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program. She has been with the program for 16 years. A colleague said, ”One trait that sums Betty up: she’s always taking care of others and has the absolute best community spirit.” Colleagues cited her participation in numerous community activities and fundraisers for worthy causes. Another described Hinshaw’s role in UNC’s recent designation as a National Marrow Donor Program-approved apheresis center. This designation allows UNC to help to facilitate the cell and marrow collection process for unrelated donors. A colleague noted Betty’s “persistence in getting the application completed and educating nurses and staff on new procedures, managing this feat in addition to her other contributions to the program.”

Sandee Smyla Cane is a return patient scheduler in the adult outpatient oncology clinics and has worked at UNC for eight years. She also serves on the internal Oncology Support Services Mentorship Committee, mentoring new employees. One colleague noted “Sandee’s willingness to champion innovative approaches as we try to improve our processes.” Another wrote, “Her warmth, humor, and patience while performing efficiently have won the gratitude of many internal and external customers.”

Melanie McNeill is a radiation oncology billing specialist and lead member of the financial team. She has been at UNC for 20 years. Her nominator stated that “Melanie has well-served the cancer center in a variety of roles for over 20 years. She is not shy in her pursuit of quality,” and that “letting a complicated issue go unresolved is not Melanie’s way. As she puts it, “I love being a detective.’”

Winners of the Excellence Awards receive a $1500.00 stipend for professional education activities. The Oncology Nursing Excellence Award is presented in memory of Charmayne S. Gray, an outstanding oncology nurse who died in an auto accident in 2002. The Clinical Services Excellence Awards have been awarded for the past seven years.