The Outpatient Oncology team at Temple University Hospital — Northeastern Campus has been named a 2025 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey. The award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, based on performance in measures such as “Likelihood of Recommending,” “Overall Rating of Care,” and “Staff Working Together to Care for You.”
As a winner of the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award, the Northeastern Campus is among the top 5 percent of health care providers in delivering outpatient oncology care in the past year. Additionally, the team is among only three outpatient oncology units in the U.S. that have received this prestigious national recognition.
“Our nurses provide compassionate care by treating each patient as an individual,” said Noreen Fazekas, BSN, RN, Manager, Oncology/Endoscopy at the Northeastern Campus. “We get to know our patients, celebrate their birthdays and milestones, ask about their families, and give them the encouragement they need to get through their treatment — and that is very special.”
According to Dawn Papeika, BSN, RN, OCN, the outpatient oncology nurses at the Northeastern Campus wear many hats. “We care for our patients mentally, physically, and spiritually,” said Papeika. “From the moment they walk in, we greet our patients by name, with a smile, and provide comforting care that decreases their anxiety.”
Collaborative, compassionate care
Outpatient oncology care is an interprofessional group effort that requires a high level of collaboration among the care delivery team. Although nurses are often the front-line caregivers in the outpatient oncology unit, they work collaboratively with physicians, front office staff, and other departments to ensure patients receive seamless care. The collegial relationships among physicians, nurses, and team members throughout the hospital — including the lab, front office, scheduling, imaging, and more all contributed to this achievement.
Nancy Abraham, BSN, RN, CPXP, Director of Patient Experience at Temple University Hospital, said patient satisfaction surveys are crucial to understanding the patient experience and how care is received.
“This award is a testament to the outstanding care provided by our team of nurses, physicians, and support staff each day,” said Abraham. “Patient experience surveys allow us to understand what we do well and how we can improve, so we can continue to deliver compassionate care for patients in our community.”
What Northeastern Campus Outpatient Oncology Patients Are Saying
"My nurse and doctor have been with me for five years and I honestly feel at home."
"Excellent. I recommend them to all my family, friends, acquaintances and not acquaintances. I love how everyone works, secretary, nurses, doctor, interpreters.”
"Amazing caregivers. They made me feel very comfortable."
"The whole staff is working like a very cohesive team. They consult and assist/help one another!
"The entire department are great, compassionate and are the perfect healthcare team."