Her unwavering belief that no goal is too ambitious continues to drive her efforts to bring about positive change in both her professional and personal life.
CENTRAL CITY, IA, September 26, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Andrea J. Watkinson, BSN, RN, OCN, has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mrs. Watkinson is a distinguished health care professional with over 15 years of experience in oncology nursing. She currently serves as the director of the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center at UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, Mrs. Watkinson oversees several critical divisions and departments, including the community cancer center, breast and bone health, radiation oncology, palliative care and spiritual care. Her leadership extends to managing a team of approximately 50 individuals who provide comprehensive support services to cancer patients undergoing treatment.
For Mrs. Watkinson, purpose, passion and intention are crucial factors—and she instills this belief in her team. Along with being passionate about her job and field, she is dedicated to supporting those she works with. She values spending time with her colleagues and emphasizes the importance of ensuring her team maintains a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration and feels a sense of purpose and passion in their work.
Prior to stepping into her current role at the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center, Mrs. Watkinson served as a care coordinator from 2012 to 2021. While working as a registered nurse in that position, she honed her expertise in outpatient care coordination and developed a deep understanding of patient needs and the complexities of cancer treatment. Previously, Mrs. Watkinson began her career at Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids, where she worked as a staff registered nurse in the oncology department from 2008 to 2012.
Mrs. Watkinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Mercy University, where she graduated in 2008. Currently, she is pursuing a master's degree in nursing administration at her alma mater. Coupled with her degree, she pursued professional certifications which earned her the title of registered nurse and oncology certified nurse. Such academic achievements and certifications have been instrumental in her career success, providing her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her field.
To stay abreast of industry trends, Mrs. Watkinson is actively involved with her local chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society and the Association of Cancer Care Centers. As a result of her dedication to her profession and community, she was recognized with the Top 40 Under 40 Award by Corridor Business Journal in 2023 and received the Leadership for Five Seasons Award in 2022. Other notable honors include the Guardian Angel Award for outstanding patient care from UnityPoint Health in 2020 and being named one of the Top 100 Great Iowa Nurses in 2019.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Watkinson contributes to her community through various volunteer roles, including serving on the Board of Education for Central City and as chairman of the Central City Youth Football Foundation. She is also a member of the Central City Summer Youth Board. Overall, Mrs. Watkinson's journey is marked by resilience and dedication, exemplified by her collaboration with a local donor to create a five-foot metal cancer ribbon at their facility. This ribbon serves as a powerful symbol of hope and community support for cancer survivors and their families. Through this initiative and many others, Mrs. Watkinson has made significant strides in building a supportive community and promoting cancer awareness.
Moreover, Mrs. Watkinson is deeply committed to her personal life and enjoys attending sporting events with her family, particularly Iowa Hawkeyes games, watching her children compete in extracurricular sports, and spending time at the lake. In all she has pursued and hopes to achieve moving forward, she attributes her success to her clear vision, determination and unwavering support from her friends and family, specifically her husband, Chad, and their three children who are a constant source of support and inspiration for her.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Watkinson is eager to contribute to the development and expansion of cancer services within her health system. She remains open to new opportunities that may arise, whether they involve changes in her role or shifts in her contributions. Her unwavering belief that no goal is too ambitious continues to drive her efforts to bring about positive change in both her professional and personal life.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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