EDUCATION:

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, PhD, 2010; University of Maryland at Baltimore, MS, 1996; Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, MSN &  BSN, 1995 & 1991; Community College of Baltimore, AA, 1980

ONS PARTICIPATION (national and local):

2010-2012: SIG Council Chairperson, Leads the SIG Council

2007-2010: Nurse Practitioner SIG Coordinator, Co-coordinator of APN Conference, Led the > 1600 ONS member Nurse Practitioner SIG. SIG Coordinator role provided the opportunity to co-coordiante the 2007 PN Conference in Chicago

2009: Member, ONS Research Agenda Planning Team, Worked with nursing research colleagues to work on the ONS Research Agenda

2003-2008: Reviewer for Foundation Grant, Reviewed applicants 2003-2008, and chaired the review team in 2006-2008 in order to provide  recommendations to the Foundation Board for the Mulidisciplinary Achievemnt Career Development Award

2003-2008: Contributing Editor for ONS News (now ONS Connect), Participated in team planning for issue themes. Interviewed nursing colleagues and wrote news articles.

2000: Chapter President, Led the Greater Baltimore Chapter during a successful year

WORK RELATED SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP:

> 2001- present: Clinical Research Associate and Nurse Pracititioner, Was the first nurse practtioner at Johns Hopkins to join the School of Medicine faculty. Co-investigator and regulatory coordinators for multiple clinical research studies. Provides clinical care to participants of Hopkins' Pancreas Cancer Mulitdisplinary Clinic, initial and folllow-up care to patients with gastrointestinal cancers, and in-patient consultations to patients with pancreas, duodenal, and ampulary cancers, and cholangiocarcinomas.

2010-2011: Clinical Instructor at Hopkins' School of Nursing, Taught undergraduate nursing students on clinical oncology unit. Taught primary care nurse practitioner students. Lectured to large and small classes. Provided clinical lab instruction on basic nursing skills and procedures.

2007-2010: Doctoral Candidate at Hopkins School of Nursing, Succesfully conducted independent mailed survey reseach, analyzed data, defended dissertation, and published three articles in the Oncology Nursing Forum (two were data based).

2001-present: Member of Johns Hopkins' Instituitional Biosafety Committee, Initially I was the only person on the Instutional Biosafety Committee without a doctoral degress, and remain the only nurse member ever. Provide guidance on biosafety issues involving clinical care, basic and clinical research, and occupational hazards.

HEALTH CARE/ CANCER ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE, OTHER PROFESSIONAL  NURSING ORGANIZATIONS /Additional experience (community, political etc.):

2011: Nurse Planner/ Pancreas Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), Provides volunteer services planning PanCAN's regional low cost continuing education program for nurses. Three symposiums were held in 2011 with increasing numbers of oncology nurses in attendance.

2011: Chair, Practice and Education Committee/ Maryland Nurses Association, Leads groups exploring state and national nursing practice and education issues. Currently working on project designed to make a state wide impact on increasing the number of RNs in Maryland with a BSN.

2006-2011: Chair, Steering Committee District 7 of the Maryland Nurses Association, Led regional nurses of Harford and Cecil County i Maryland. Was successful in revising by-laws that were passed by membership establishing a Board of Directors.

2004-2009: Elected Delegate to the American Nurses Association House of Delegates; Alternate 2009-present, Participated in national activities and voted on important issues related to the nursing and health care. Represented Maryland at the House of Delegates, and disseminated information to colleagues after the conventions.

ONS member: 21 years; Special Interest Group member:  15 years; Chapter member: 21 years

Position Statement:

After attending my first ONS Congress, still mesmerized by seeing thousands of oncology nurses who, like me, strived to provide quality oncology nursing care, I dreamed of being an ONS leader.  The message at Congress was clear: there is a leader in each of us.  I took this to heart and applied for an ONS Board position.  A nurturing ONS Nominating Committee member called to tell me that I would not be on the ballot.  I was advised that volunteering for leadership opportunities within my chapter, and then nationally, would help to make me a future candidate. 

That year, I volunteered for my first ONS position, as my chapter’s newsletter editor.  Soon after, I was the chair of the ONCC News editorial team, and then, a Contributing Editor for the ONS News.  My first ONS volunteer leadership position was that of Chapter President.  I later became the NP SIG Coordinator.  Currently, I am the Chair of the SIG Council.

I’ve met many inspiring leaders within ONS who have guided me to where I am today.  Your vote will give me the privilege to take the final steps towards accomplishing my goal from that first Congress: being an ONS leader.

Chose two of the ONS Core Values and discuss how you have actualized them in your professional career.

Sometimes the obvious isn’t always so.

The regulatory tenet that potential research participants must make an independent decision as to whether or not they want to participate in a cancer clinical trial just doesn’t seem right.  While I understand and support our regulatory and ethical guidelines, I do not believe that the intent was to exclude the input of family, friends and clinicians from the decision making process.  We have excluded ourselves, and others, from being involved when patients are in need of assistance.  Some family members, and even clinicians, withdraw from discussing clinical trials in fear of influencing the decision.

This challenged me to find an innovative strategy to reduce the stress that some experienced when making independent decisions for cancer clinical trial participation.  The process of decision making seemed to be a silent factor in the literature on research participation. Through my research, I’ve found that most patients actually prefer shared decision making for cancer clinical trial participation.

My research study on shared decision making for cancer clinical trial participation exemplifies the ONS core values of innovation and advocacy, bringing shared decision making out of the shadows and into the realm of modern oncology nursing.

Discuss how the ONS core values provide the foundation for addressing an issue relevant to oncology nursing.

By promoting excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care, ONS continues to maintain our professional presence in the future of health care.

As we further intertwine the art and skill of oncology nursing to a profession that meets the needs of the people we care for, we are constantly tested with many questions needing innovative solutions and advocacy challenges needing our support.

ONS has a reputation of integrity and excellence among other health care organizations, ensuring a voice during those discussions that directly impact oncology nursing’s future.  Being in the forefront gives us a unique perspective, allowing us to be pro-active as we explore future of health care.

Honoring ONS’ stewardship core value, membership dues are judiciously used to provide valuable services and products, helping us to prepare for the future and create a strong infrastructure.

Finally, the core value of inclusiveness ensures that no oncology nurse will be left behind in the health care revolution.  ONS strives to meet the needs of its members by transforming oncology nursing knowledge, skills and nurturing into quality cancer care.

With your vote, I pledge to embody the ONS core values and mission, consistently moving oncology nursing forward.

EDUCATION:

University of Michigan, PHD, 1994; University of Michigan, MS, 1987; University of Michigan, BSN, 1974

ONS PARTICIPATION (national and local):

1984-1986: Member, Finance Committee (nat'l ONS)

1980-1982: Treasurer, Metro Detroit Chapter

2011-present: Treasurer, Metro Detroit Chapter

1994,1995, 1996: President-elect, President, immediate past-President, Ann Arbor Chapter

1991-1994: Member, Archives Committee (nat'l ONS)

1986-1990: Member, Bylaws Committee ( nat'l ONS)

WORK RELATED SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP:

2010-present: Oncology Clinical Care Director at Oncology HomeCare, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Developing a specialty oncology home care agency.

2009-2010: Consultant at Meda Pharmaceuticals, Consultant about oncology pain management

1998-2008: Sr. Clinical Consultant at Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals, Providing education and side effect management consultation for a 4 state territory. Managed territory budget.  Helped develop cost savings plan for the Clinical Consultant team.  Frequent speaker about brain tumors, melanoma, breast cancer, and interferon.

1987-1998: Clinical Nurse Specialist at The Breast Care Center at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helped develop one of the first multidisciplinary clinics which was a model for multidisciplinary clinics across the US and internationally.  Responsibilities included administratve and budgetary responsibility for the clinic, a clinical case load,  staff and community education, outcomes research, and multidisciplinary research facilitation.

HEALTH CARE/ CANCER ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE, OTHER PROFESSIONAL  NURSING ORGANIZATIONS /Additional experience (community, political etc.):

1976-present: Great Lakes Division of the American Cancer Society, Various leadership and volunteer activities including I Can Cope, service committee, professional education committee, past planning committee and past Chair of the Great Lakes Cancer Nursing Conference

2011-2013: Elder, Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church Bloomfield Hills, MI, Responsibilities include financial oversight and approval of  budgetary expenses of this active 2200 member church.

2011-2013: Board of Directors of the  Cranbrook Kingswood Alumni Association Bloomfield Hills MI

ONS member:  34 years; Special Interest Group member:  20 years; Chapter member: 30 years

Position Statement:

I have 34 years of active membership in ONS at the local and national level.   My background includes having been on the ONS (national) Finance Committee, chapter treasurer in the 1980s, chapter president, membership chair, program committee and I am current chapter treasurer.  I have administrative experience in budget development, cost containment, strategic planning, hiring, and annual performance appraisals.  I am analytical, creative and able to look at a situation from different perspectives.  The current economic recession and volatility is similar to the one experienced in the 1980s while I was on the ONS Finance Committee.   Now, as then, ONS needs creative leadership capable of cost containment while still meeting the needs of the membership.  Replacing the Institutes of Learning with several smaller, less expensive regional conferences is a result of such creative leadership.  More online or computer based courses can help meet the educational needs of the membership at a reasonable cost to both the organization and the members.  If elected I will use my creativity along with my analytical and fiscal knowledge to help ONS to contain costs while it grows in meeting ONS’s vision to promote excellence in oncology nursing.

Chose two of the ONS Core Values and discuss how you have actualized them in your professional career.

Stewardship and Innovation are two core values that play a major role in my career.  As the first cancer nurse in Pontiac in 1976; in helping to develop one of the first multidisciplinary breast cancer clinics in the 198o’s; and now in building the first oncology specialty homecare agency in Michigan,  I have had a lot of experience in using innovation.  Always the goal is to provide the best possible care to patients using the knowledge and skill currently available and then create new knowledge and skills to improve outcomes.  We all have stewardship responsibility to future oncology nurses who will need ONS to build their knowledge and skills.  During an impossible time in my life I was asked to run for chapter president, otherwise we would lose our chapter.  Because of my belief in ONS I knew it as my stewardship responsibility to accept. Currently, I am trying to simplify the role of our chapter treasurer.  After 30 years and 15 treasurers with different organizational skills our chapter treasurer’s responsibilities are cumbersome.  My goal is to simplify some of the processes so that future members will seek out, enjoy and succeed in the role of chapter treasurer.

Discuss how the ONS core values provide the foundation for addressing an issue relevant to oncology nursing.

All of ONS’s Core Values have been important and will continue to play a role in preparing oncology nurses for the future.  The immediate challenges for oncology nurses include adapting to electronic medical records, adjusting to health care reform changes, staying on top of the volume of new targeted therapies and the explosion of knowledge about cancer genetics and the impact on patient care.  ONS leadership needs to prepare our present and future membership for these and other challenges impacting quality oncology care.  The core value, Inclusiveness, helps ONS use the unique contribution of its diverse membership to meet each challenge.   Core values of Excellence and Advocacy help ONS to keep optimal patient care outcomes as the focus and ultimate goal of all activities.  Integrity or doing what is right is a necessity.  ONS and the membership need to live its core values and to model them for our current and future oncology nurses.  One aspect of Stewardship is to be forward looking, to plan for the potential problems of the future by identifying and creating the resources to deal with them.    Innovation and creativity are our greatest tools for preparing for the challenges of the future.

EDUCATION:

University of South Alabama, DNP, 2007; Troy University, MSN, 1999; Troy University, BSN, 1995

ONS PARTICIPATION (national and local):

2012: Congress Planning Team Chair, Chair of Congress Planning for 2012; lead and facilitate discussion regarding educational platform; mentored team members in the process; worked with coordinators on development of sessions

2010-2013: President -local chapter, Moved into position early; have lead group in multiple activities in the past year including providing all day CE events for ONS members at low cost twice a year; we have grown our membership by nearly 30 members in one year

2009: Steering council member, Appointed to steering council 2009 (committee retired July 2009); appointed member to patient navigation committee

2007/2008: Congress Planning Team, served 2 years on the congress planning team- responsibilities included coodinating instructional and discussion sessions; reviewing abstracts for poster and podium sessions

1999-2009: President/secretary/  program chair/ committees, Local chapter president (2001-03;2010-13); Secretary (2003-05); Program chair (2009-10); President elect (2010)

2001/2002/2005/2009/2011: participant, ONS mentorship workshop (2001; 11) Presented to SIG leadership during mentroship weekend; Advanced Practice Nurse Retreat (2002); Leadership development institute (2005); Selected for CJON mentee (2009), published Dec 2010

WORK RELATED SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP:

2009-present: Assistant Professor/Nurse Practitioner, teach undergraduate oncology elective and graduate core courses and FNP courses; I have a faculty practice in Hem/Onc clinic; involved with leadership activities on several committees within the school 

2006-2008: Clinical Nurse Practitioner, Managed rural clinic when MD not present

2005-2006: Manager of Clinical Operations, Managed day to day activites in office; EMR task force; developed Policy and Procedure Manual; Preceptor for NP students; various committees

1999-2005: Director Nurse Practitioner Services, Managed day to day activities of NP and related depts; preceptor for NP students; leadership task force.

HEALTH CARE/ CANCER ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE, OTHER PROFESSIONAL  NURSING ORGANIZATIONS /Additional experience (community, political etc.):

2010-2012: Executive Board; secretary/Alabama Cancer Congress, helped reestablish and design the state organization; record meeting minutes; plan and execute CE meetings for nurses twice a year

2009: Palliative Care Fundraiser -committee member, committee member for a fundraiser for UAB Palliative care services, plan, raise awareness and funds

2007-2008; 2010: committee member American cancer society, volunteer and committee member for fund raising activities for ACS

1999-2011: American Academy of NP (AANP)- member, 2009 scholar in the AANP invitational health policy fellowship; member

ONS member:  12 years; Special Interest Group member:  12 years; Chapter member: 12 years

Position Statement:

I believe that my professional experiences have prepared me to serve ONS as Director at Large for 2012. As a nurse practitioner in medical oncology for the past twelve years my clinical experience has taught me the importance of building collaborative relationships in order to provide the best patient care. I have also had the opportunity to develop and implement policies and procedures for a new university based oncology practice.  Time spent listening to the issues important to the various levels of the organization and documenting these as policies, provided unique and invaluable exposure that I believe helped prepare me for the role of Director at Large by strengthening my facilitation and decision-making skills.

Being an active member of ONS for twelve years, I have served nationally on several committees for ONS including Steering Council and Congress Planning Team with varied responsibilities with each role.  I believe that these experiences have prepared me to serve as Director at Large giving me knowledge of strategic planning, the importance of collaboration, and strong organizational skills.  I have gained much from my membership in ONS and would value the opportunity to serve this organization and its members. 

Chose two of the ONS Core Values and discuss how you have actualized them in your professional career.

I believe that several recent examples offer insight into my leadership and how these and other experiences have prepared me to be Director at Large of ONS.

In 2005 I attended the ONS Leadership Development Institute. One exercise was self-evaluation including the vision for one’s future and preparation of a personal mission statement.  This revealed the importance of self-honesty regarding who I am, what my goals are, and what tools I have at my disposal and that this integrity must carry over into my personal and professional relationships.

Over the past several years I have had the privilege to advocate for the oncology profession, nurses and nurse practitioners at a local level and within the state. I have served on a board as the oncology nurse representative for a state oncology organization.  It has been a privilege to represent nurses and to emphasize the importance of our continued presence in the ever changing healthcare environment.

The past two years I have been given the opportunity to develop an oncology course for nursing students. In this course I strive to promote excellence in oncology clinical practice starting at the undergraduate level.

Discuss how the ONS core values provide the foundation for addressing an issue relevant to oncology nursing.

The core values of ONS are guiding principles for the organization and its members. When considering how ONS prepares oncology nurses for the future, three of these core values stand out:  excellence, inclusiveness, and stewardship.

For the oncology nurse, excellence should be foremost in our minds and be applied to all areas of the care we provide.  Excellence begins with the individual but prospers with ongoing education.  ONS emphasizes the importance of excellence by developing cutting edge educational information, developing standards for oncology nurses, publishing peer reviewed journals, and many other activities.

ONS demonstrates inclusiveness through their diverse membership both nationally and internationally.  They have launched programs such as LDI which provide leadership opportunities and education to a diverse selection of nurses.  ONS is also open to ideas offered from membership to strengthen diversity and help under-represented groups feel more welcome and included.

Stewardship is always important but more so during today’s difficult economic circumstances.  As an example of this, ONS regularly taps into the experiences and talents of volunteers to provide high quality work with minimal financial expense.  This is fiscally responsible of ONS but also allows members to use their unique talents to serve their supporting organization.

EDUCATION:

UTHSC – Houston, MSN, 1997; Central Philippine University, BSN, 1980

ONS PARTICIPATION (national and local):

2011: Member (volunteer), APN conference planning team

2011: Administrator, CNS SIG website

2010: Team Leader (volunteer), APN conference planning team

2009: Member (volunteer), APN conference planning team

2007: Co-chair, HCONS research committee

2006: Fellow graduate, LDI

WORK RELATED SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP:

2011: Manager, Mid-level Provider's (THNMO)

2007 – 2011: Supervisor, Mid-level provider's (THNMO)

2002 – 2005: Member/Chair, Nursing Research council (UTMDACC)

2004: Led a research study

HEALTH CARE/ CANCER ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE, OTHER PROFESSIONAL  NURSING ORGANIZATIONS /Additional experience (community, political etc.):

2009 – present: ACS, Volunteer

2003 – 2005: Run for the Rose, Volunteer - Fundraising for brain tumor research

2002 – 2004: Society of Neuro-Oncology, Scientific Program Committee

ONS member:  13 years; Special Interest Group member:  .5 years; Chapter member: 10 years

Position Statement:

I have worked as an Oncology Nurse for 15 years in a major comprehensive cancer center in the south. I am an advanced practice nurse in an outpatient clinic and manager for our department mid-level provider’s (physician assistants and APN's).

I have been an active member with ONS and a 2006 LDI graduate. I have chaired and served on the planning team for the ONS Advance Practice Nurse Conference. Recently, I volunteered as the administrator for the CNS SIG website. I have given numerous presentations locally and nationally. In addition, I have authored and co-authored abstracts and written articles. I have served on the research committee of my local ONS Chapter. I have served on committees within my institution and other oncology associations.

I am a hardworking, dedicated, persistent, organized, and an enthusiastic facilitator that loves new challenges. I truly believe in the mission statement of ONS as an organization and the values that it brings to its members. I advocate for nurses and patients. It would give me great honor to serve on the nominating committee to assess potential leaders and establish candidates who will continue to lead ONS to promote excellence in cancer care and nurture oncology nurses.

Chose two of the ONS Core Values and discuss how you have actualized them in your professional career.

Advocacy: As an advanced practice nurse, I assess and educate patients, as well as coordinate and facilitate their care. The caregiver plays a vital role and should be encouraged to be a part of patient care. When evaluating patient's in clinic, I make every effort to speak to the patient and the caregiver. While I assess the patient, I am also inquiring about the caregiver. A patient said to me once, "you did not make us feel like just another #, you listened to our concerns".

Innovation: Cancer care is constantly changing, we have to be innovative to promote excellence in oncology nursing and provide quality cancer care. Facilitating and coordinating care for our patients is a challenge due to the economic crises and financial constraints. As nurses, we are resourceful to provide patients and family members suggestions to minimize side effects and be cost effective. We are all busy managing our patients, but a simple telephone call to patients can enhance trust and care for the patient. Communicating with the patient will minimize patient expenses with unwanted clinic or emergency room visits.

Discuss how the ONS core values provide the foundation for addressing an issue relevant to oncology nursing.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) identified nurses as the frontline of patient care. Nurses play a fundamental role in the transformation with health care. IOM endorsed a committee to assess and transform the nursing profession. The recommendation is at the forefront of ONS with it’s vision, mission, core values and strategic plan.

ONS advocates and empowers oncology nurses to promote excellence in oncology nursing and provide quality cancer care. ONS published guidelines and standard of care to promote excellent and quality cancer care. ONS provides scholarships to enhance educational opportunities and to address the nursing shortage. ONS foundation has numerous grants to develop innovative research projects. The countless educational programs, online, PEP, ONSTAT and conferences constantly update and educate oncology nurses. Leadership and mentorship programs provide an immense opportunity for future oncology nurse leaders.

ONS provides oncology nurses every opportunity to develop innovative projects to promote excellence in cancer care, increase our knowlegde in oncology nursing, advocate for our patient’s and peers, as well as adhere to the guidelines and standards to provide quality cancer care.

EDUCATION:

University of South Florida, BSN, 1993; Roanoke Memorial School of Professional Nursing, Diploma in Nursing, 1985

ONS PARTICIPATION (national and local):

2010-2012: President, ONCC Board of Directors

2010,2011: Fundraising Committee Chairman, Local Central Florida ONS Chapter

2007-2010: Vice-president and treasurer, ONCC Board of Directors

2006-2009: Board Member, Liason from ONCC to ONS:Edge Board

2006-2007: Board Member, ONCC Board of Directors

1999: Item writer, OCN item writing committee

WORK RELATED SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP:

2009-present: Oncology Clinical Nurse Educator:  Quintiles Transnational/ Novartis Oncology, Educate and provide presentations on specific tumor types and treatment regimens in a geographical territory to Oncology nurses.  Mentor and assist in training new Oncology Educators in role.  Assist with special projects to enhance nurse education with pharmaceutical company.

2006-2009: Oncology sales professional: Sanofi-Aventis, Responsible for education, promotion and sales growth of specific chemotherapy product in designated territory. Responsible for managing territory budget and work with a team of resources to solve challenges oncology offices may face such as reimbursement, side effect management and patient support services.

2005-2006: Oncology Nurse Education Specialist:  H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Update and present Chemotherapy courses. Organized Oncology nursing education classes. Presented lectures on variety of Oncology topics.

1991-2005: Clinical Nurse IV: Infusion Center :  H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Provide infusion treatment and Oncology care to all outpatient Oncology patients.  Mentor Oncology Nurses at clinical level. Submit abstracts and present posters at National ONS Congress. Oncology Certification Advocate. Present educational lectures at work, local ONS and internationally. Advocate for professional practice model in outpatient setting.  Member of nursing research committee and coordinated a nursing research project in Infusion Center.

HEALTH CARE/ CANCER ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE, OTHER PROFESSIONAL  NURSING ORGANIZATIONS /Additional experience (community, political etc.):

2008-2010: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Member of the Man/Woman of the Year fundraising committee

2007-2009: Central Florida Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Team, Nurse/ Health Care participant

2000-2001: Chairman, ACS Relay for Life Team

2009-present: Adult Literacy League, Volunteer one on one literacy teaching

ONS member:  23 years; Special Interest Group member:  0 years; Chapter member: 20 years

Position Statement:

Early in my nursing career, I focused on the clinical care of the oncology patient by perfecting skills and furthering my nursing education.  As I advanced professionally, I became more involved in Oncology nursing by assisting with the development of guidelines to enhance both patient safety and nursing autonomy. I have been an OCN since 1988 and served as an advocate for certification at my institution by educating nurses about the benefits of certification.  It is this passion for certification that has led to my most recent leadership role:  President of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

It is this role as ONCC president, which uniquely qualifies me for the Nominating Committee position on the ONS board.  I am directly involved with strategic planning, financial management and group meeting processes.  Because ONCC is an affiliate of ONS, I have a strong working knowledge of the core values, mission and vision of ONS.  The vision and mission of ONS is the backbone of our Society and must be considered when making vital decisions to move us forward in the years to come.  As a member of the Nominating Committee on the ONS board, I will continue to serve as a role model and leader for Oncology Nurses.

Chose two of the ONS Core Values and discuss how you have actualized them in your professional career.

Excellence

Excellence is exemplified by striving to become the best Oncology nurse one can be through education and professional practices.  The Oncology Certification exam is one way to show this commitment to excellence to patients, peers and Oncologists.  In 1988 I took the OCN exam and remain oncology certified to this day.  
Excellence can also be measured by volunteerism, and I extended myself as a volunteer within ONS through its affiliate ONCC.  Initially, I volunteered as an item writer and then to the ONCC Board of Directors.  As a member of the ONCC Board of Directors, I have been able to encourage other Oncology nurses to strive for excellence in nursing through certification.

Advocacy

It is the nurse that many times may be the only voice for the patient.  I represented this value many times over the years as an advocate for my patients and their family members.  Advocacy is represented by working with patients through reimbursement or insurance issues, educating them about their disease and treatment, and through health care access or support issues. Patients require an advocate, someone to speak for them, support them, and cheer them on while receiving Oncology care.

Discuss how the ONS core values provide the foundation for addressing an issue relevant to oncology nursing.

Oncology nursing is changing along with all aspects of our healthcare and healthcare systems.  The core values of the Oncology Nursing Society were developed to provide the guidance as we maneuver through these changes and challenges.  The core values do not change, but instead are meant to assist us in making decisions that impact the future of  Oncology nursing and Oncology patient care. They provide objectivity to difficult situations.  As we look at rising cost of healthcare, changes in oncology nursing education, diversity issues, and the impact of technology on nursing care, we can challenge these concerns against our core values and know we are making choices that are focused on integrity, innovation, stewardship, advocacy, excellence and inclusiveness.  These changes are not easy and the answers are not easy either, but having these core values provides guidance to us during these challenging times and assures us that we are moving in the right direction to support our patients through their cancer care and beyond.

Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas (4.0 GPA), M. H. S., 1988; Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas (Magna Cum Laude), B. S. N., 1985, St. Francis School of Nursing, Wichita, Kansas, Diploma, 1976
 
ONS PARTICIPATION (national and local):

2000-2003: ONS Director-at-Large, Contributed to the development of the strategic planning, monitoring, and priority setting for ONS

2004-2007: ONS Nominating Committee member, Chair-elect 2005-2006; Chair 2006-2007 

1997-2000: ONCC Board of Directors, Secretary-Treasurer,1998--2000; OCN Item Writer 2003-2007; OCN Test Development Committee 1991-1997; Chair 1993-1997

2006, 2010: Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON), Mentoring award, 2 publications in CJON

1980-present: ONS  Chapter Member, Kansas City Chapter 2007-present; North Carolina Triangle Chapter 1998-2008; Washington D.C. Chapter 1994-1998; Wichita Area Chapter 1980-1994;President 1993; Board Member 1992-1993; President 1991-1992; President-Elect 1990-1991

1985-1987;1998; 2000-2004; 2009-2011: Treasurer of ONS Chapters, Greater Kansas City 2009-present; North Carolina 2000-2004; Washington D.C 1998; Wichita 1985-1987.

WORK RELATED SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP:

2007-Present: THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HOSPITAL, Kansas City, Kansas Director of Nursing, Cancer Center, Responsible for fiscal planning, budgeting and related financial activities within the Cancer Center.  Ensures the provision of excellent, cost efficient patient care that meets the customer service goals. Accountable for 12 community practices acquired 6/2011; located in Kansas and Missiouri.  Accountable for nursing practice, over 200 FTE's.

1998-2005: PRIVATE DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC (PDC) PLLC; DUKE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, Durham, North Carolina Oncology Services Health Center Administrator, Managed operational, personnel, and financial activities of two units: Oncology/Hematology and Neurology.  Planned, directed, implemented, monitored and evaluated a 24-hour nursing care delivery system that ensured nursing care was performed to standards.

1993-1998: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, Washington, D. C. Nursing Coordinator, Managed operational, personnel, and financial activities of two units: Oncology/Hematology and Neurology.  Planned, directed, implemented, monitored and evaluated a 24-hour nursing care delivery system that ensured nursing care was performed to standards.

1976-1993: ST. FRANCIS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Wichita, Kansas Assistant Director, Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, Accountable for the operation of a 27-bed oncology/bone marrow transplant unit. Management of this unit was a dynamic process that ensured staff preparedness for demands such as new and investigational drugs, treatments, protocols, therapies for patient needs. 

HEALTH CARE/ CANCER ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE, OTHER PROFESSIONAL  NURSING ORGANIZATIONS /Additional experience (community, political etc.):

2001-present: American Nurses Credentialing Center, Commission on Certification 2002-2004, 2005-2007;  Executive Committee 2002-2004, 2005-2007; Vice Chairman 2008-present; Appeals Committee 2001-2007 Chairman 2008-present;Boards on Certification co-chair, 2001-2007,Nursing Administration Content Expert Panel Chairman, 2001-2004, 2005-2009.

2010-Present: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Mid-America Chapter, Board Member 2010-present; Vice President, Patient Services, 2010-present; Conference primary nurse planner “Current Trends in Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma”, Kansas City, MO. 2010, 2011

1986-1994: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Kansas Chapter, Wichita Professional Education Committee 1986-1994; Board of Trustees 1989-1993

1988-Present: American Organization of Nurse Executives, Bylaws Committee 2005-2009; Center for Nursing Leadership 1996-present; Educational Scholarship Review Committee 1995-1998; Committee on Nominations 1995--1997; Consumer Summit Task Force, Washington, D. C., 1994; Board of Directors, Region 6, 1992--1994; Council of Nurse Managers, 1988—1994

2002-2010: International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), Board of Directors, Conference Management Committee 2009-present; Scientific Program Committee 2005-present; Abstract Reviewer 2006, 2008, 2010;  North America representative for Newsletter/journal Editorial Board 2006-2010; Board of Director 2002-2010; Finance and Business Development Committee 2006-2010; Policy and Procedure Committee Chair 2004-2010; Membership Committee Chair 2003-2007.

ONS member:  35 years; Special Interest Group member:  22 years; Chapter member: 31 years

Position Statement:

In my current position as the Cancer Center Director of Nursing, I am accountable for strategic planning, development and adherence to capital and operational budgets, leadership development, implementation of Human Resource principles and guidelines and continuous collaboration for desired outcomes for all areas supervised.  To be in this administrative role, I have demonstrated effective communication, professional behavior and the ability to carry out duties in an ethical and responsible manner. I am a team player who appreciates diversity and inclusiveness. Reviewing the job description of Treasurer, I possess the knowledge and skills required in financial management, strategic planning and leadership.  This role requires one to exercise fiduciary activities which I have performed for over 25 years in management and administrative roles with budget development, review and evaluation of operational and capital expenditures, revenue, endowments and investments. I have also served as Treasurer for all four ONS chapters I have been a member of, in addition to Secretary Treasurer for ONCC.  I am well versed in visionary thinking, trend analysis and identification of strategic issues, systematic planning, prioritization and evaluation that would be applied to the ONS mission and strategic plan at the local, national and international level. 

Chose two of the ONS Core Values and discuss how you have actualized them in your professional career.

Advocacy:  For patients this is demonstrated by beginning the Patient and Family Advisory Board. This group advises leadership on needs from their unique perspective to enhance cancer care.  I serve as Vice President for Patient Services for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Chapter, overseeing patient services and patient and professional educational events.  For staff, I advocate daily in my role as director, which is evidenced by consistent high staff satisfaction scores in all patient care areas under my supervision, using a national database for comparison. Nationally, I advocate for nurses and certification.  Internationally, I advocate for educational needs of nurses globally, especially in low resource areas of the world. 

Stewardship:  I have responsibility for a multi million dollar budget and hundreds of  Full Time Equivalents (FTE’s).  A recent acquisition of 12 community practices, have increased the budget and management of resources proportionally.  Stewardship lies not only in fiduciary responsibility, but also in appropriate and respectful utilization of staff, both licensed and unlicensed.  Total turnover, and especially turnover in less than one year , in Cancer Center nursing has been below the Department of Nursing goal consistently.  Enhancing the patient experience without adding significant cost is consistently reviewed.

Discuss how the ONS core values provide the foundation for addressing an issue relevant to oncology nursing.

The ONS core values are integral in addressing issues that nurses encounter, such as this example focused on the nursing workforce.

Integrity:  In meeting the workforce needs, this value must be role modeled to recruit the top caliber of staff required.  Also, integrity of data is imperative to honestly reflect nursing statistics such as number of employed and student nurses, so forecasting can be accurately completed.

Innovation: Creatively meeting patient, family, staff and organizational needs by devising unique strategies to address the challenges must be completed by novel approaches and ingenious thinking.

Stewardship:  Millions of dollars are spent for recruitment, retention and employment of nursing staff; therefore, providing the right resources to ensure excellent patient outcomes and a healthy work environment is required.

Advocacy:  Nurses must be clear in our message of what is needed for patient care and advocate at the individual, organizational and local level and beyond.

Excellence:  Even in light of the shortage of nurses and workforce challenges, we consistently strive for the best in all endeavors and role model this aspiration to others.

Inclusiveness:  Diversity within staff is ensured by respecting cultural competency, which in turn, strengthens our relationship with patients, staff and community.

EDUCATION:

University of Utah, PhD, Pending editorial changes; successfully defended 5/2/11; Duke University, MSN, 1997; Northeastern University, BSN, 1993
 
ONS PARTICIPATION (national and local):

2010-Present: Project Team Leader for Psychosocial Educational Working Group, Worked with ONS staff and created a team of members to develop educational programmming based upon the survey noted below. This includes articles for ONS Connect, monthly emails to chapter Presidents, and the development of a webcourse.

2009: Project Team Leader for Psychosocial Research Working Group, Worked with ONS staff to put together a diverse team of ONS members to develop and disseminate a survey on members knowledge of psychosocial care. Submitted report to the ONS Board with recommendations. First manuscript from this to be published in ONF 11/11 and the second manuscript is under development.

2008 & 2009: Program Chair and Faculty for Speaker Training Workshop, Worked with ONS staff and members. Created a one day workshop for ONS members that wanted to increase their skills related to their presentation skills.  This included small group work, slide development, and presentation skills.  This workshop is now available online.

2006: Honorarium Task Force Chair, Worked with ONS staff and ONS members to outline current honarium practices within ONS and its affiliated organizations. Benchmarking with other professional societies and organziations completed. Submitted report to the ONS Board with recommendations.

2002-2005: Congress Team Leader and Member, Served as Congress Team leader for the 2005 ONS Congress held in Orlando, FL.  Oversaw the planning and coordination of all sessions with team members. Served as a team member from 2002 to 2004 for the 2003 and 2004 ONS Congress's.  Participated in the development of the educational content and the coordination of sessions.

1998-2002: Contributing Editor for the ONS News, Worked with the editorial board and submitted 2 feature articles a year and 2-4 complementary pieces.

WORK RELATED SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP:

2010-Present: Assistant Vice President & Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Oncology Services - Duke University Health System, Serve as primary operations executive with DUHS, the School of Medicine, and the Private Diagnostic Clinic. Lead, direct, and manage clinical operations of the oncology service line for DUHS. Monitor all patient care programs and activities to ensure high quality care and patient-centered safety programs. Oversee and provide significant input and direction in regards to building and/or renovating clinical facilities’.

2005-2010: Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Oncology Services - Duke University Health System, Oversaw the development and implementation of programs, plans and operations within oncology clinical service areas and the Duke Center for Cancer Survivorship across the health system. Provided oversight regarding oncology clinical practice development including infrastructure development and implementing effectiveness measures. Monitored program’s budgetary and resource needs. Served as interim administrator for oncology clinical trials.

2001-2005: Clinical Operations Director – Radiation Oncology - Duke University Health System, Provided leadership for 66 FTE’s and 7 million dollar budget. Ensured program compliance with accreditation and regulatory organizations. Implemented electronic medical record system  (IMPAC). Coordinated $25m construction/renovation project. Improved patient satisfaction score by 5%.

1998-2001: Nursing Program Manager – Radiation Oncology - Duke University Hospital, Managed nursing and ancillary staff. Designed and implemented patient care delivery model. Developed staff education and research program. Provided direct patient care to radiation oncology patients.

HEALTH CARE/ CANCER ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE, OTHER PROFESSIONAL  NURSING ORGANIZATIONS /Additional experience (community, political etc.):

2010 to present: Ambassador Constituent Team Lead - American Cancer Society - Cancer Advocacy Network (ACS-CAN), Serve as ambassador on cancer related issues for ACS CAN in my congressional district,  Lobby in Washington DC and locally on pertinent ACS health and policy issues.

2005 to present: Volunteer - membership committee and grant review committee -  Susan G Komen for the Cure (local affiliate), Assisted in developing training materials for new volunteers, trained new volunteers and assisted in developing a yearly volunteer recognition event.  Review, score, and present community based grants for local funding.

1993 to present: Secretary, President-elect, President, Past-President, chapter member - Triangle Oncology Nursing Society, Served local chapter in many roles that varied from goal setting to communication and recruitment of members.

2001-2006: Member Board of Directors - Caring House, Served as a member of the board that guided the operations of Caring House.  Caring House is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.  It serves as a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. The house has 18 private rooms as well as fully equipped kitchens, and many other common areas.  The home is located in Durham, NC.

ONS member:  18 years; Special Interest Group member:  8 years; Chapter member: 18 years

Position Statement:

I believe my leadership qualities and life experiences (personally and professionally) will help me serve the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and its members successfully.  In my work I am responsible for aspects of our organizations fiscal performance that includes budgeting, charge capture, revenue management, and productivity.  I bring passion, excitement and commitment to the work I do and have learned that if you are going to do something well, you need courage to ask the tough questions, give the tough answers, and make the tough decisions.  In the treasurer position I bring my fiscal knowledge to the ONS Board and the many activities related to the fiscal health of the organization. I would need to listen to diverse viewpoints as we move the organization forward and consider decisions that impact the organizations fiscal health now and in the future. With the current financial challenges and rapid changes in health care facing individuals and organizations, it essential that ONS remain financially solvent. By ensuring our solvency, ONS can continue to promote excellence in the areas of practice, education, research and administration as well as support the development of new knowledge that is needed to transform cancer care.

Chose two of the ONS Core Values and discuss how you have actualized them in your professional career.

The Oncology Nursing Society core values of advocacy and excellence are essential to me in my career.  In my role I advocate for patients, nurses, and other providers. This may be for additional resources, new programs, and issues surrounding nursing practice and education.  I have conducted research on nursing advocacy, have served as the Nurse of the Day for our North Carolina General Assembly, and have attended the Nurse in Washington Internship. I serve as the local congressional district lead for the American Cancer Society.  These opportunities have allowed me to meet with my elected officials locally and in Washington, DC to advocate for health, nursing, and cancer related issues.  Excellence is something I believe each of us pursues.  For me this has been the pursuit of a PhD, development of new programs, and sharing of the knowledge I have gained. I support and lead teams who strive to improve cancer care by continuously evaluating trends and outcomes so we can enhance the patient and nurse experience.  I believe that advocacy and excellence go hand in hand, in that for us to be excellent we need to advocate for quality cancer care for our patients, our society, and our profession.

Discuss how the ONS core values provide the foundation for addressing an issue relevant to oncology nursing.

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Core Values provide a framework for addressing many of the issues facing us in health care today.  One of the most pressing issues I believe is related to the development of oncology quality outcome measures.  The outcomes development process needs to be inclusive of all parties who shape and participate in oncology care and integrity of all parties will be critical to ensure a fair process that is free of bias or conflict.  With these outcomes eventually being linked to payment for services, advocacy is critical to our profession as well as to the patients we serve.  We need to promote innovation in our practice settings and with our partners so that excellence in care delivery can be achieved and fragmentation and waste can be reduced. By being good stewards of our resources ONS will be able to significantly shape the future of cancer care by continuing to have a voice.  The society will be able to educate nurses on these measures and the impact of their role as well as be able to provide research dollars to support quality outcomes research.

EDUCATION:

University of Toronto, MScN, 1990; University of New Brunswick, BSN, 1984

ONS PARTICIPATION (national and local):

2011-2012: IEBPC Project Team Member, Serving as project team member and mentor to several teams accepted into the program

2005-2008: Steering Council Member, Provided recommendations on projects/initiatives to the ONS Board

1999-2004: LDI Project, Attended as a Fellow in 1999; Joined as Faculty in 2003; Team leader in 2004

2002: Amb. Office Nursing Survey Project Team, Project Team leader

1998-1999; 2001-03; 2010-2011: President, NVONS Chapter, Founding President in 1999. Second term as President in 2001.  Assumed Presidency Fall of 2010 as President-elect unable to assume Presidency role.

WORK RELATED SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP:

2011: Director of Clinical Practice & Innovation, Assist the nursing department in the implementation of its strategy map, supporting the growth and development of all nurses at Fletcher Allen and driving toward innovation in clinical practice

2007-2011: Clinical Architect, Clinical leader of a $57 million system-wide EHR implementation which finished on time and under-budget

2003-2007: Director, Med/Surg Nursing, Clinical and Operational oversight of 5 med/surg units (250 FTEs and $35 million budget) in an academic medical center.

1998-2003: Nurse Manager, Hem/Onc Clinic, Administrative, operational and clinical oversight of NCI-designated comprehensive cancer clinic in academic medical center (40 FTEs  and $25 million budget)

HEALTH CARE/ CANCER ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE, OTHER PROFESSIONAL NURSING ORGANIZATIONS /Additional experience (community, political etc.):

1990-1992: Secretary, Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO), Held elected position as Secretary in the newly formed CANO.

1999-ongoing: Vermont State Nurses Association (VSNA), Active member of the VSNA which serves Vermont nurses as the constituent association of the American Nurses' Association (ANA); Elected Secretary 2001-2003

2011: Member, Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders, Active member of this relatively new organization that aims to bring all nurse leaders from across the state to the same table to coordinate efforts to advance the role of nurses within the Vermont health care system

2011: Member, AONE, New membership to support my new role and networking with other nurse executives

ONS member:  22 years; Special Interest Group member:  9 years; Chapter member: 22 years

Position Statement:

My career has provided numerous nursing leadership opportunities, yet I remain an "oncology nurse" with an unwavering focus on meeting our patients' needs. This focus is supported by the core work of the Oncology Nursing Society. ONS has played an important role in my professional growth with opportunities to serve my chapter, Special Interest Groups, Project Teams and Steering Council. Without exception, the colleagues with whom I have worked have been equally commited to our patients. It is now time that I "give back".

Implementation of an electronic health record across my organization of 6000 employees convinced me that technology will positively impact our ability to improve patient care. My new role builds on this prior experience with a strong focus on fostering innovation through clinical inquiry, implementing evidence-based practice and leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes.

My contributions to moving the Society forward to ensure we honor our commitment to our patients' will include a strong patient-focus, passion for our profession, proven ability to manage people, processes and projects, and the ability to leverage technology to improve patient outcomes.

I would be privileged to serve as ONS' Treasurer. Thank you for your support.

Chose two of the ONS Core Values and discuss how you have actualized them in your professional career.

INNOVATION: My recent experience implementing an electronic health record implementation affirmed the power of technology to improve health care. The opportunities to hardwire evidence-based practice into the clinical care of our patients is at our fingertips. The ability to track our successes and plan improvements is supported by database reports from integrated systems retrievable by handheld devices whether at the patient's bedside or in another country. Patients now have the ability to play an interactive role via patient portals providing access to their health information and secure communication with their health care team. I am commited to ensuring oncology nurses are involved in future development, implementation and evaluation of technologies designed to support patient care.

EXCELLENCE: I aspire for excellence everyday - in my personal practice, local chapter, and through involvement at the national level. I have been an oncology certified nurse since 1994, was the Charter President of the Northern Vermont Chapter in 1999, project leader of the Ambulatory/Office Nursing Survey, a Fellow and Project Team Leader of the Leadership Development Institute and a member of the Steering Council. These opportunities have all been instrumental in my ongoing pursuit of excellence in my own practice and as a leader.

Discuss how the ONS core values provide the foundation for addressing an issue relevant to oncology nursing.

The Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” is a “call to action” for nurses. ONS followed with a document highlighting programs and initiatives that address several of the key messages within the report. We have been pioneers in our commitment to specialty certification and continue to further understand role delineation within our diverse membership. Our dedication to the professional growth of our members manifests itself in our numerous publications, CNE programs, EBP efforts and research agenda. The ONS Leadership Development Institute has graduated hundreds of nurses many of whom serve in leadership roles within ONS, their organizations and their communities. The work ahead of us challenges us to use our leadership skills as we are faced with implementing and leveraging new technology, expanding our workforce and faculty, and being "at the table" as we address health care reform. As an organization, ONS gives us numerous opportunities to play a role. Together we will work to advance the practice of oncology nursing to improve the care of our patients and their families. In my assessment, this is our true "calling".