When Janet Giroux learned she was to receive a national award for her contributions to gynecology-oncology nursing, she was “first and foremost honoured, but thrilled and humbled at the same time.”
“To receive an award for being an advocate, demonstrating nursing leadership and raising awareness about ovarian cancer – a disease that impacts women’s health and their families – only inspires me more,” says the advanced practice nurse in gynecologic oncology at the Kingston General Hospital and the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario. “It’s given me a boost of energy and has assisted me in making the decision to return to school to pursue my post-masters nurse practitioner certificate.”
Janet received the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO)/Ovarian Cancer Canada Award for Excellence in Gynecology-Oncology Nursing in 2009. The award acknowledges a CANO member who has made significant and outstanding nursing contributions in gynecology-oncology with a preferred focus on ovarian cancer. Now in its fifth year, nominations for the 2010 national award are open until June 1 (see sidebar for information and link to nomination form).
As a key member of the gynecologic oncology team in Kingston, Janet provides patient navigation, education, assessment, telephone triage, supportive care and symptom management. She was instrumental in the implementation of an outpatient intraperitoneal chemotherapy program and “strives to integrate evidence-based findings to advance patient care outcomes and patient safety,” according to a recent profile in the GOC News, a publication of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada.
Janet is also actively involved with Ovarian Cancer Canada – both in her professional role as a gynecology-oncology nurse, and as a volunteer. She has been a speaker in the organization’s Telephone Education Series and its 10th anniversary conference Voices of Hope, participates in the Listen to the Whispers awareness program and is co-chair of Winners Mini Walk of Hope in Kingston.
The CANO/Ovarian Cancer Canada award “acknowledges the huge role of gynecology-oncology nurses with our stakeholders,” says Fran Turner, National Program Director for Ovarian Cancer Canada. “It means a lot to know that women with ovarian cancer have these kinds of expert, compassionate and committed nurses caring for them.”
For Janet, the award has professional and personal meaning. “This award not only reflects the work that I have done but it also represents the many important people in my work and personal life.” She gives special credit to the Ovation Circle, a Kingston ovarian cancer survivor support group that has “provided me with greater insight and awareness of unique needs and gaps for women with this disease.” Janet also acknowledges the GOC Nursing Practice Council for its mentorship and support.
Previous recipients of the CANO/Ovarian Cancer Canada Award for Excellence in Gynecology-Oncology Nursing include:
• Joanne Brodeur was the 2006 inaugural winner from Notre-Dame Hospital at the Montreal University Hospital Centre. Joanne developed nursing care standards for patients receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy and teaching programs for preadmission of gynecology-oncology patients. She also conducted research regarding support of spouses of women with ovarian cancer.
• Lynne Jolicoeur, advanced practice nurse in gynecology-oncology at The Ottawa Hospital, was recognized in 2007 for her extensive clinical and research contributions. She is most proud of how gynecology-oncology nurses have embraced the Model of Nursing Clinical Practice and how they continuously improve cancer care for women with gynecological cancer throughout the continuum from diagnosis to palliation. Lynne’s research includes assessing the supportive care of women with ovarian cancer.
• Pamela West, nurse practitioner on the Rouge Valley Health System’s oncology team, was the 2008 award recipient. With 30 years experience in oncology, and supportive and palliative care, Pamela has published extensively and presented locally, nationally and internationally. She supports patients in self-advocacy and believes the patient is the expert in her illness. Pamela is cross-appointed at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and supports and mentors nurse practitioner students from Ryerson University and the University of Toronto.
Photos:
Janet Giroux of Kingston, Ontario: 2009 award recipient
Fran Turner, National Director of Programs for Ovarian Cancer Canada (left) presents inaugural award to Joanne Brodeur of Montreal, Quebec in 2006.