Ascension Via Christi's Lisa Schmidt, RN, recently was recognized by the Wichita-area Oncology Nursing Society as its 2019 Impact award winner.
Schmidt, who was selected to receive the award by a vote by the chapter's more than 120 registered nurses, was presented with the award at the annual member banquet.
The award is given each year to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the development or improvement of the local chapter over the past year, says Cancer Center of Kansas' Casey VanWye, RN, the group's nomination chair and director at large.
"There are just not a lot of people like Lisa," says VanWye. "Her positive attitude and the way she inspires people is contagious. She's always smiling, always helping others and always reaching out. She is such a cheerleader."
Schmidt, an oncology nurse navigator with Ascension Via Christi's Cancer Outreach and Risk Assessment program, has been a member of Oncology Nursing Society for 21 of her 29-year career in nursing. During that time, she has served as the chapter's president, secretary and program chair.
Several of the members who nominated Schmidt noted the positive environment that she created during her recently ended term as board president and her willingness to go above and beyond as a board member and officer.
"I love ONS and am honored to have been chosen for this award," says Schmidt, who has been with Ascension Via Christi for 20 years. "It is a great organization that allows oncology nurses to learn, network and have fun with their fellow oncology nurses locally, regionally and even nationally."
"Lisa is an amazing nurse. Her efforts to leverage resources so that cancer patients statewide have access to the leading-edge care they need has saved so many lives," says Oncology Nursing Society member Keisha Humphries who leads Oncology Services at Ascension Via Christi.
As a pivotal member on the care team, Schmidt's recognition is a celebration.