Society has offered numerous quotes about knowledge. Here are a few of my favorites.
“The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability.” —Henry Ford
“Without knowledge action is useless and knowledge without action is futile.” —Abu Bakr
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” —Benjamin Franklin
“Knowledge is love and light and vision.” —Helen Keller
On May 1 during the 2016 Congress, I introduced my ONS presidential platform, “Specialized Knowledge: Quality Care.”
Cancer nursing requires dedication, skill, and KNOWLEDGE. Oncology nursing, as we all know, is constantly changing. New treatments. New standards. New regulations. New processes. The list goes on. Staying informed and prepared for the future of oncology is daunting for any oncology nurse.
As a professional society, ONS strives to prepare our members for this future: not just nurses new to ONS or new to oncology, but all oncology nurses, as well as anyone who cares for patients with cancer.
ONS offers us a variety of ways to increase our knowledge. Continuing nursing education (CNE) is provided in person at chapter meetings and yearly at Congress. Online courses are available on a variety of topics for new nurses to advanced practice nurses. As part of your membership, our journals provide more than 28 credits of CNE yearly through article activities. At leadership weekend each year, our chapter and community leaders learn governance skills. The ONS Foundation offers scholarships for many of these educational activities and more, if you are in need of funding.
Take the time to consider what you need to know to provide the best possible care. Whether it is the latest details about a new agent, guiding a patient through a care transition, or implementing a change of practice in your setting, ONS provides the information that you need.
Consider certification as a way to validate your specialized knowledge. An Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation credential demonstrates to patients and employers that you possess the knowledge and skills to provide expert care.
As oncology care continues to change, so must educational and professional development opportunities continue to expand. During my presidency, I will focus on learning, leadership development, mentorship, and clinical resources. Oncology nurses need specialized knowledge to continue to provide the highest level of quality of care for our patients.