Eleanor J. Martin Award

I am a nurse and Masters of Nursing Student. I have a passion for oncology care and research, and am also interested in examining technology in the context of nursing practice.

My nursing trajectory began after spending a few years contemplating who I was and how I would use my strengths to excel. I wasn’t sure if going into nursing school was the right choice for me at that point. Now I can – and do, often – say that I have never made a better decision in my life. Although I am not sure where my career will take me – and I plan on letting it take me far – I know that there is no life better for me than the one I am choosing to live through nursing.

My clinical experience started through various oncology placements. I began working on a Hematology-Oncology and Gynecology-Oncology floor, and became very interested in the profound biomedical and psychosocial complexities of cancer on patients and families. It was a very daunting place to start as a “fresh” nurse, but I am grateful that it was my jumping off point.

I was and still am involved in several nursing research projects: in oncology, in technology, and now, in how they interact – and from what I’ve learned thus far, they intersect quite a bit! With this CNF award I am able to deepen my knowledge through developing a research project that speaks to both of these areas. I am very excited to be embarking in this work and cannot wait for the days when I can translate my knowledge to the nursing and medical professions, and especially to cancer patients and the general public.

My sincerest thanks goes out to the CNF and the people that make awards like mine possible. I strive to become a leader and an advocate in research and in practice, and opportunities like this help me and other recipients achieve these goals.