July 26, 2018
The NICTN team and other colleagues congratulated Karen Parsons on her success, reaching the final of the 2018 RCNi Nursing Awards. Karen was one of just five UK finalists in the Excellence in Cancer Research Award category, sponsored by Cancer Research UK. The ceremony was held in the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London 04 July 2018. The event was a celebration of excellence in nursing across a range of healthcare settings and gave recognition to the amazing work of individuals and teams.
The RCNi summarised Karen’s Prostate Cancer UK funded project achievement: ‘Karen conducted a pilot project integrating holistic needs assessments (HNAs) into the role of cancer research nurses when they become the key workers for prostate cancer patients participating in clinical trials. The HNA includes assessment of physical, practical, family/relationship, emotional, spiritual/religious concerns and lifestyle or information needs. The process includes continence and erectile dysfunction assessment, and development of appropriate care plans and referral. As well as ensuring seamless patient care, a care plan is devised with the patient agreeing the best way to manage concerns or appropriate referrals are made. Positive feedback indicates high levels of satisfaction with information, contact, treatment and support.’
Ruth Boyd, Cancer Research UK Senior Nurse in NI, also attended the awards, and was privileged to present the award to the winner of the Excellence in Cancer Research Award category.