ONS Releases Position on Lifelong Learning

Friday, March 09, 2012

Cancer care is rapidly changing, and nurses who care for patients with cancer must commit to lifelong learning to have the expert skills and knowledge they need to provide quality cancer care to their patients. The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) has released a new position statement on this topic.

“Lifelong Learning for Professional Oncology Nurses” encourages oncology nurses to engage in continuous professional development, obtain and maintain specialty certification in oncology nursing, and serve as mentors to nurses. The position also encourages collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers to lead change, foster critical thinking, develop innovative care models, and contribute to the delivery of quality cancer care. The full position is published in the March 2012 issue of the Oncology Nursing Forum.

“ONS supports the position statement through the development of products and programs that support continued professional development and lifelong learning, addressing gaps identified by the professional oncology nurse,” said ONS director-at-large Michele Gaguski, RN, MSN, AOCN®, CHPN, APN-C.

ONS is a professional association of more than 35,000 members committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Learn more at www.ons.org.

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