Celebrating Moffitt’s 2026 Nurse Excellence Award Recipients

At Moffitt Cancer Center, nurses are at the heart of every patient journey. They provide expert care, steady reassurance and compassionate presence during life’s most difficult moments. Their impact is reflected not only in clinical excellence, but in the meaningful connections they build with patients, families and colleagues every day.

During this year’s Nurses Week celebration, Moffitt proudly recognized these extraordinary contributions through the Nursing Excellence Awards, which honor nurses who go above and beyond in advancing care across the organization. With a record-breaking 654 nominations submitted this year, the extraordinary impact of Moffitt nurses was evident across every corner of the cancer center.

Meet the 2026 Nursing Excellence Award recipients!

Excellence in Magnetism — Moffitt’s 4 North Unit 

Through the 4 North unit’s shared leadership, impactful research and evidence-based practice projects, the team continuously works to improve both patient and staff well-being. The unit’s strong culture of engagement shines through creative team-building activities, including a recent nurse competency day that featured a live Zumba session where patients and staff joined in cheering them on. With exceptional patient satisfaction scores and numerous DAISY nominations, 4 North continues to exemplify the spirit of Magnet nursing at Moffitt.

Excellence in Nursing Education — Kaitlin Valeri, MSN, RN, TCTCN

Kaitlin Valeri creates an environment where team members feel supported and empowered to grow.

Valeri is known for tailoring education to individual learning styles and creating resources that make complex topics easier to understand. One example is her work simplifying guidance for immunotherapy treatment plans, which helps nurses confidently navigate neurotoxicity and assessments. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to supporting team members have made her a trusted educator and valued resource for the nursing team.

Excellence in Nursing Management — Pam Wayne, MSN, RN-BC, CNML

What sets Pam Wayne apart is her hands-on leadership.

Wayne fosters a culture of trust, growth and collaboration by championing professional development opportunities, supporting hospital-wide nursing initiatives and leading by example. Whether volunteering during Skills Day, participating in nurse residency simulations or advocating for her team’s success, Wayne’s genuine care and commitment to nursing excellence continue to make a lasting impact on both her team and the organization.

Excellence in Patient-Centered Care – Amy Insua, BSN, RN, OCN

Amy Insua is recognized for the compassion and human connection she brings to every patient interaction.

Insua was recognized with the Patient-Centered Care Award for the compassion, dignity and human connection she brings to every patient interaction. Known for spending meaningful time at the bedside, she goes beyond clinical care to ensure patients and families feel supported, heard and cared for during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Outstanding Preceptor — Samantha Seitzler, BSN, RN

Samantha Seitzler is known for exceptional ability to guide, support and inspire new nurses. 

Seitzler is a true expert in her field. She has extensive knowledge of clinic operations, IT systems, disease management and the nursing process, making her a trusted resource for team members across the department. Through her collaborative teaching style and welcoming judgment-free environment, Seitzler helps nurses build confidence, grow their skills and feel supported every step of the way.

Excellence in a Unique Nursing Role – Carsen Schmid, BSN, RN, BMTCN

Carsen Schmid educates patients with unique languages and coordinates translation services.

Schmid has made a powerful impact on patient-centered care by transforming how education and support are delivered to patients and families. By coordinating personalized education, translation services and individualized support before, during and after treatment, she helps patients and caregivers feel informed, prepared and reassured throughout their journey.

Compassion in Action – Shannon Damon, BSN, RN

One of the most noticeable qualities about Shannon Damon is her ability to connect with patients in a personal and authentic way

Damon consistently brings humanity and joy into patient care. When a 19-year-old chemotherapy patient became withdrawn after losing his ability to dance, she connected with him by singing and dancing during her visits, helping lift his spirits. Over time, he began smiling, laughing and re-engaging with life.

Caring Story – Natalie Acio, BSN, RN, OCN

Natalie Acio's personal journey reshaped her perspective as both a nurse and a mother.

When Acio’s son was diagnosed with cancer, she experienced firsthand the fear, vulnerability and uncertainty she had long supported patients and families through at Moffitt. In that dual role of nurse and mother, she found strength in the same compassionate care she had always helped deliver, while also receiving it in return.

Friend of Nursing – Scott Collett, Food Services

Scott Collett was recognized for his outstanding partnership and unwavering support of frontline clinical teams.

Collett consistently anticipates unit needs, responds quickly to last-minute requests and collaborates seamlessly on nursing-led events and recognition activities. Through his work, he helps strengthen community and appreciation among staff while recognizing food as a source of comfort, connection and care in the healing environment.

Congratulations to all the winners! Your impact is immeasurable, and your work is at the heart of everything we do at Moffitt.