Howard Meyers of Dallas, Texas, a member of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV), has committed $25 million to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to establish the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing. The first of its kind, the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing will support and develop nurses throughout their careers by providing educational, professional and wellness-based resources for cancer care nurses and nurse scientists. This generous commitment will be matched by institutional philanthropic efforts, bringing the program’s funding to a goal of $50 million.
Meyers dedicated the gift in honor of his late wife, Rose-Marie “Rory” Meyers, a nurse whose career and legacy inspired his philanthropic commitment. As a member of BOV since 2012, Meyers was inspired by the organization’s dedication to solving a critically worthy problem: the growing nurse shortage in cancer care.
“On behalf of the Meyers Foundation, my sons, Craig and Kevin, and I are proud to support MD Anderson by establishing the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing in Rory Meyers’ honor,” said Meyers. “On behalf of the Meyers Foundation, my sons, Craig and Kevin, and I are proud to support MD Anderson by establishing the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing in Rory Meyers’ honor,” said Meyers. “Rory graduated from nursing school in 1962 and was a dedicated nurse who devoted much of her life to providing education for the nursing field.”
In addition to addressing the current nursing shortage, the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing aims to reduce nurse turnover and establish a model for other institutions to follow -; Ultimately helping MD Anderson reach more patients and increase access to its world-leading prevention, diagnostic and treatment services is a key objective of the organization’s strategy, which launches in 2021.
“It is important to us to recruit, retain and develop nurses who can meet the multifaceted needs of cancer care,” said Peter WT Pisters, president of MD Anderson. “Howard’s generous gift plays a key role in helping us attract, nurture, and retain the best and brightest nurses in healthcare. The Meyers Institute for Oncology has named Anderson, MD, a game-changer in the landscape of nursing with a focus on nursing professionalism. Emphasis on training and work environment and individual career paths for nurses.
The future of nursing is changing
The Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing builds on the existing foundation of MD Anderson’s reputation as a premier institution for nursing. Since 2001, MD Anderson has earned five consecutive Magnet Recognition programs® Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which recognizes healthcare organizations for superior patient outcomes, teamwork and innovation in professional nursing practice. This design contributes to MD Anderson’s consistent ranking among the nation’s top hospitals for cancer care in US News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey.
With more than 4,500 registered nurses and the world’s largest clinical trials program, MD Anderson provides a unique, collaborative environment for nurses to lead the research and management of cancer care. The Meyers Institute for Oncology will provide new educational and professional opportunities for nursing nurses and nurse scientists to further their careers, including APRN and RN cancer specialty fellowships and residencies.
Cancer specialty fellowships and residencies enable nurses to learn and refine trailblazing methods of cancer care that maximize safety and positive outcomes for our patients. This advanced level of training enhances our practice and allows MD Anderson to set the nursing gold standard for cancer centers around the world.”
Rosanna Morris, MD Anderson’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
In addition, the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing plans to launch the Nurse Leadership Academy, which will focus on the unique leadership skills needed to successfully lead within nursing and the support, coaching and mentoring infrastructure necessary for success.
The Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing will also feature growth and wellness tracks that offer alternative professional opportunities with a focus on developing skills or spending time at home. By devoting time to professional and personal growth and well-being, the Institute will create a pipeline of nursing leaders who are better equipped and positioned to share their vision with institutional leadership teams.
“We hope to inspire the next generation of top talent to join cancer care nursing careers,” said MD Anderson Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Carol Porter, DNP. “We want our nurses to be the best at what they do and realize their personal and professional aspirations. Simply put, we want nurses who start their careers at MD Anderson to retire from MD Anderson.”