Before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I wanted to thank you, our ONS members, for advancing the voice and contributions of oncology nurses to critical issues in cancer care.
Advocacy and Policy
As your professional home, ONS advocates for our patients and our profession. In 2018, your voice was heard in Washington, DC, at two successful Hill visits. You brought convincing stories to Senate and House offices that resulted in additional signatures on critical legislation. We also held two policy summits: one on the current and potential impact of advanced practice nurses in cancer care and one on patient and nurse conversation about access and affordability. You are represented on national groups: the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, National Quality Forum Cancer Committee, Biden Cancer Initiative, American Cancer Society’s Roundtable on Patient Navigation, and many more.
Direct Patient Care
Every day, you’re delivering the voice of oncology nurses in shaping the future of cancer care. Oncology nurse practitioners are using telehealth technology to reach patients in rural areas. Oncology nurse coordinators and navigators are speeding access to care. Oncology nurses are developing 24/7 availability as part of care redesign in Oncology Care Model practices. Whether in your hospital, infusion room, radiation center, or Washington, DC, oncology nurses are at the table ensuring quality cancer care.
For ONS and its members, 2018 has been a year of influence, collaboration, and action. This year’s 43rd Annual ONS Congress theme said: One Nurse, One Moment, One Action. Thank you for all you have done this year for your patients and our specialty.