ONS Celebrates Milestone

Friday, July 02, 2010

PITTSBURGH, PA – July 2, 2010 – The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is celebrating its 35th anniversary as a professional association providing membership benefits to more than 36,000 registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with cancer.

Incorporated in July 1975, ONS was the brainchild of a small group of nurses who attended the First National Cancer Nursing Conference held in Chicago, IL, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The early goals of ONS were to identify other oncology nurses across the country and encourage the development of educational programs and meetings appropriate to nurses who specialize in treating patients with cancer.

"When we planned it—dreamed it would be more accurate—not one of us dared imagine it would become the professional home for so many of our colleagues for so many years," said Connie Henke Yarbro, MS, RN, FAAN, who is a charter member of ONS and served as the society’s first treasurer and second president. "We have moved from a few isolated oncology nurses scattered across the country to over 36,000 well-organized, interacting professionals with formal educational and research programs linked by journals, regional and national meetings, and a unity of purpose to improve the quality and quantity of life of those afflicted with cancer."

"We are very proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past 35 years," said Carlton G. Brown, RN, PhD, AOCN®, president of ONS. "We look forward to the challenges of preparing oncology nurses for the rapid advancements in cancer treatment and care."

Today, ONS provides nurses and healthcare professionals with access to the highest quality educational programs, cancer care resources, and research opportunities. More than 220 local chapters and 27 special interest groups provide a network for education and peer support. ONS has been honored with many publishing awards and has won local awards for its progressive family-friendly work environment.

ONS is committed to excellence in oncology nursing and to leading the transformation of cancer care by initiating and actively supporting educational, legislative, and public awareness efforts to improve the care of patients with cancer. Learn more at www.ons.org.