Deborah Kirk: Why I Created a Legacy for Oncology Nursing

Deborah Kirk, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, AOCN®, FAANP, is associate dean postgraduate and associate professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Edith Cowan University in Australia.

She is a past president of the Oncology Nursing Foundation (2016–2017) and a past ONS director-at-large, and has served in numerous volunteer roles throughout the ONS enterprise. Debbie joined the Foundation’s Legacy of Care Society in 2021. She shares her legacy story here with our readers.

What led you to the field of oncology nursing?
I started my career as a nurse practitioner in oncology. It was not something that I initially considered, but I had an excellent opportunity to work with an amazing team. What I realized early on was oncology nursing found me. It inspired me, it changed me, and gave me endless opportunities to make a difference for people. It made me a better nurse practitioner and person.

When did you first come to be involved in ONS?
Locally, I became involved the minute I started in the field in 1999. On a national level, I believe it started in 2006 when I was involved with ONS Congress® Planning Team. From there, I continued to involve myself in some capacity every year, including on the Steering Council, review teams, ONS Congress team again, Board of Directors, and Oncology Nursing Foundation.

What is a favorite memory as an ONS member?
My favorite memory is the time I spent on the Board of Directors. Although it was hard work, I felt like I was contributing in a meaningful way to an organization that had given me so many opportunities. During that time, I developed a more in-depth understanding of the Foundation and its important contributions to oncology nursing. It was also during this time that I made some of the best friends a person could ask for.

What is a favorite memory from your time on the Foundation Board?
My favorite memory on the Oncology Nursing Foundation board was when I had the opportunity to speak to the members of ONS at ONS Congress about how their contributions could make a difference to the organization and to oncology nurses. That year, we set a lofty goal, and our members didn’t disappoint in exceeding that goal.

Why have you chosen to support future oncology nurses in your legacy plan?
I have chosen to support future oncology nurses because I feel like we are the ones that are going to make the difference.

What inspired your legacy gift to the Oncology Nursing Foundation?
I had a lot of time to reflect this past year on all aspects of my life. One area that stood out were the opportunities that I received through ONS and the Foundation. Not only have I been a recipient of scholarships to attend ONS Congress, but the organizations have helped to develop my leadership capabilities, project management, and writing skills, to name a few. I want to ensure that others have similar opportunities.