Saint Louis University Nursing Professor Honored by National Society for Work in Palliative Care for Children
ST. LOUIS — Verna Hendricks-Ferguson, Ph.D., the Irene Riddle Endowed Chair and professor at the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University, was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Researcher Award by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).
The award was presented at the 49th Annual ONS Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The Distinguished Researcher Award recognizes the contributions of a senior nurse scientist who conducts or promotes research that enhances the science and practice of oncology nursing.
Verna Hendricks-Ferguson, Ph.D. SLU file photo.
"We are very proud of Dr. Hendricks-Ferguson and her work's impact on families," said Kristine L'Ecuyer, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Nursing. "It is wonderful to see her contributions recognized with this award."
Hendricks-Ferguson was invited to deliver a keynote lecture, “My Journey in Developing a Program of Funded Research,” and is only the fourth pediatric oncologist to receive the award.
Hendricks-Ferguson’s research career includes serving as principal investigator on multiple funded research studies, including pioneering work in early palliative-care communication practices by pediatric oncologists and nurses to the parents of children diagnosed with a poor prognosis type of cancer.
She has received funding from the National Institute of Health, nursing organizations and foundations, and university and hospital-sponsored grants. Over the course of her career, Hendricks-Ferguson published numerous data-based articles focused on pediatric oncology patients, which have frequently been cited by other investigators.
She was also lauded for her committed effort to mentor nurses in cancer-focused research and advance quality cancer care by pediatric oncology nurses. She has served as an oncology expert on dissertation committees for Ph.D. nursing students in the U.S. and internationally who are studying adult or pediatric oncology topics.
Hendricks-Ferguson’s commitment to generating and disseminating palliative and end-of-life-focused research findings has contributed to being honored with several nursing honors, including the 2022 Distinguished Researcher Award by the National Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses.
She participates in many professional organizations where she demonstrates her continued passion and commitment to pediatric palliative care/end-of-life care for children with cancer and their parents.
ONS is a professional association representing 100,000 nurses and is the professional home to over 35,000 members. ONS is committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all to improve the quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families.
Latest Newslink
- A Camp Friendship that Stirred Up Lifelong BondsIn the summer of 2005, Mary Kate Keenoy (Chaifetz Grad '22) and Genevieve Willman met at SLU's Gardens to Tables culinary camp. What started as a shared interest in cooking grew into a lasting friendship that has endured for two decades.
- Bruce Bacon, M.D.: 1949-2025Bruce Bacon, M.D., professor emeritus of internal medicine, died Sunday, July 6, 2025. He was 75. Bacon was known globally for his expertise in all aspects of clinical hepatology, specifically hemochromatosis, viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease / general hepatology, and liver transplant. Bacon was also a member of the research team that discovered the gene for hemochromatosis, HFE, in 1996.
- SLU Launches William L. Clay, Sr. Institute of Civic Engagement and Economic JusticeThe Clay Institute will provide immersive learning experiences and hands-on training that address the social and economic challenges facing the St. Louis region and the nation. Institute programming will be available to all students with an interest in civic engagement and democratic participation.
- SLU Research Explores Depression's Ripple Effect on DiabetesA study conducted by researchers at Saint Louis University found that patients with depression were more likely to have uncontrolled diabetes over time and that depression contributes to a heightened economic burden to diabetes management.
- SLU/YouGov Poll: Statewide Cell Phone Ban for Missouri Schools Popular with VotersGovernor Mike Kehoe has signed Senate Bill 68 into law, enacting a statewide ban on the use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches, throughout the school day in Missouri public and public charter schools.
- SLU Vaccine Center Will Enroll Healthy Volunteers in Yellow Fever Vaccine Clinical TrialSaint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development will enroll up to 70 adult volunteers in a clinical trial to study the safety elicited by a new investigational vaccine for yellow fever, a potentially deadly disease that is spread by mosquitoes. The research is funded by Sanofi Pasteur.
