Associate Professor Eileen Furlong was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 40th Anniversary Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology Conference on 8th October 2022.Eileen's contribution to cancer nursing education and development was recognised at the Gala Dinner of the IANO 40th Anniversary conference. IANO President Catriona Duggan presented Eileen with the award expressing that she was "a consummate lady and unmitigated professional...a trailblazer for Oncology Nursing in Ireland... an inspiration to us all".
In response, Eileen said "I am honoured to receive this award from a personal and professional perspective. I have had the pleasure of working in cancer care for three decades and during that time I have worked with the most wonderful people from all disciplines. Nurses who work in cancer care are competent, kind, humoursome and loyal colleagues and friends. In particular, I acknowledge the patients and their families and their contribution to my career and how privileged I have been to care for them.
I am truly grateful for the honour and recognition bestowed on me by the Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology and graciously accept this Lifetime Achievement Award with pride and joy. This is a memorable and beautiful occasion for me in my career and one that will stay with me forever, especially because it was presented to me by my colleagues in cancer nursing.".
Associate Professor Eileen Furlong is a dual qualified RCN/RGN having undertaken the integrated Children's and General programme at CHI Crumlin and St James's Hospital.
Eileen's career in Cancer Nursing began 30 years ago and she has held many positions in cancer nursing, such as, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Educator, Researcher and now she is an Associate Professor in Nursing at the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, UCD.
During her time in UCD Eileen has been the Programme Director for the Post Graduate Diploma in Cancer Nursing, Masters in Advanced Practice and Masters in Clinical Nursing.
She is passionate about nursing and educating nurses and is generous with sharing her knowledge and expertise and collaborating with clinical nurses and researchers nationally and internationally. She is a Past President of the Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology.
Eileen has been the recipient of many awards:
- Sigma Theta Tau International – Community leader award (2003)
- Irish cancer Society PhD Scholarship (2007)
- Marie Keating Foundation Scholarship in Breast Cancer Nursing Research (2009)
- European Oncology Nursing Society – Distinguished Merit Award (2011)
- Fellow Ad Eundem of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, RSCI (2021)
The UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems are delighted to add our own congratulations to Dr. Furlong and wish her well in her continued passion to advance cancer research and education.