CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Do you have a nurse mentor that has positively influenced your development as an oncology nurse? We invite you to nominate them for the 2026 McCorkle Award!

The McCorkle Award was developed in recognition of, and in gratitude to, Dr. Ruth McCorkle, who played a key role in developing the Puget Sound Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society.

The award recipient will present the McCorkle lecture at the PSONS Symposium on Saturday, October 10, 2026, and receive an honorarium in appreciation. If needed, they will also have a former McCorkle awardee available as a mentor to guide them through the process.

Dr. Ruth McCorkle was an oncology nurse, educator, and researcher. While working at the University of Washington she developed the Symptom Distress Scale with Kathy Young Graham. A tool still used today to evaluate the symptoms of cancer patients. Her research also focused on relieving distress of caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients and developing a training program for advanced practice nurses delivering nursing interventions for patients and their families across the cancer trajectory.

Nominees for the McCorkle Award must be a current member of the Oncology Nursing Society Puget Sound Chapter who has had an active role in the field of oncology nursing. This role may be in clinical practice, advanced practice, education, leadership, or research.

Selection will be based on their demonstration of ONS core values (inclusivity, excellence, advocacy, and innovation) as well as examples of their contributions to oncology nursing (such as presentations, in-services, and publications).

To nominate a colleague for the McCorkle Aware, please submit:

1. Your letter of nomination
2. A copy of their current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

Email submissions to psonssymposium@gmail.com by Monday, February 2, 2026.

The award recipient will be notified March 2026.