Nomination Information (excerpts)

How does the nurse you are nominating go above and beyond his or her normal duties for patients with HER2+ breast cancer?
Nancy has devoted herself tirelessly to breast cancer patient care and education over the last 50 years of her career including a weekly support groups for survivors of breast cancer and newly diagnosed patients. She was responsible for starting the Smilow breast center here at Norwalk hospital. She works closely with Dr. Richard Zelkowitz here at Whittingham Cancer center. After a long career in nursing Nancy is retiring this year and her position will certainly have very big shoes to fill. She will be missed by many patients as well as her co-workers. She plans on remaining actively involved in community support services and continuing education programs in the immediate and surrounding communities.

How does the nurse encourage his or her patients to stay on therapy?
Nancy always focuses on the fact that the ultimate treatment decisions are the patient's while providing the patient with the most current research data to support Herceptin treatment.

What are the nurse's greatest strengths in teaching, relating to, and caring for his or her patients?
Nancy's greatest strength in teaching patients is that she communicates with each patient as an individual and is able to anticipate and perceive their needs ahead of time.

Is there any additional information you'd like to share about the nurse you are nominating?
Nancy Sokolowski,RN,BS,ONC has been taking care of patients in the cancer setting for over 50 years. She has been actively involved with the American Cancer Society for many years and has held many positions with them which include President,Head of education and Chair of nursing. She is also involved and responsible for many other community awareness/ support projects such as a yearly fashion show at the Stamford Town Mall here in Ct.,multiple fund raising projects as well as with the Hartenbaun Grant Project, Genetic Counceling & Testing,Breast Cancer Tumor Board, Ct. Breast and early detection program,Breast cancer Partner support group which Nancy founded here at Norwalk Hospital,( a buddy system which Nancy oversees that links pt. to pt. for ongoing support and mentorship),Lymphedema Sleeve Program, Labed Exercise class which was also founded by Nancy as well as many other public speaking engagements which are too numerous to list.

If known, indicate the number of years your nurse has been in practice.
50+