Health Policy Toolkit

Conclusion

Advocacy and health policy are integral parts of the ONS mission and have an important impact on what oncology nurses do every day. Unless oncology nurses communicate with policymakers about key issues of concern, legislative and regulatory proposals will be crafted and enacted without the benefit of oncology nurses' expertise and perspective. Oncology nurses are a powerful and well-respected constituency, and their active involvement in health policy advocacy helps policymakers take action on key issues, including the nursing shortage, funding for cancer research and application, and Medicare reimbursement for expenses such as chemotherapy administration. Policymakers and their staff expect, welcome, and appreciate input from constituents, especially those with understanding and experience.

"There are times when I feel like nothing will ever change. Nurses will never get the recognition they deserve and cancer patients will not have access to quality care. Then I remember that every vote counts and why shouldn't I be the one to help bring about change. Over the past year, I joined fellow nursing colleagues in articulating the importance of expert oncology nursing care to our government officials. I told patient stories, where care was not available or less than ideal. I advocated for genetic nondiscrimination legislation, for increased funding for the Nurse Reinvestment Act, and for appropriate reimbursement for care nurses provide to patients receiving chemotherapy. I made realistic suggestions on how to improve care for our cancer patients. I represented nursing as a knowledgeable caring profession that makes a difference in the lives of patients. Things probably won't change quickly, but I believe that they can change. Oncology nurses are great at providing realistic hope for our patients. Being a health policy advocate is another way to make our hopes for our patients a reality. My hopes are that the funding will be available for the best possible cancer treatments and that legislation and funding will support the important role of nurses in assessment of patient needs, administration of complex medication regimens, expert patient teaching, and care that enhances quality of life. I am doing my part and I hope other ONS members will join this important effort."
Susan M. Schneider, PhD, RN, AOCN

ONS recognizes that engaging oncology nurses in health policy advocacy is essential to ensuring that our views and priorities are received and addressed by policymakers. Oncology nurses can and should become involved in health policy advocacy. Using ONS's resources, such as this Health Policy Tool Kit, oncology nurses have the tools necessary to be effective health policy advocates at the national, state, and local level. We thank you for taking the time to review and use this tool kit and encourage you to involve your colleagues and others in the nursing and cancer care communities in your efforts. To support your efforts, please use all the resources on the ONS Legislative Action Center (www.onslac.org) and consult “Top Ten Tips For Working Successfully With Other Organizations," a guide to building partnerships and coalitions.

We wish you the best of luck in your advocacy endeavors, and most of all, we encourage you to have fun!