Download ONS Chap News 9-08r

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Sierra Nevada ONS Chapter Newsletter
Fall Edition
Edited by Carla Brutico – Secretary
ONS Website and E-News: How many times a week/month do you “surf” the ONS national
website (www.ons.org)? There is a wealth of information on national meetings, nursing
interventions, patient education resources, not to mention our own chapter news on our virtual
webpage. Joining a SIG (special interest group) is a great way to network with other oncology
nurses who share your particular area of expertise. So, even though summer is almost over, you
can still “surf” to your heart’s content.
Here are three things you should know (from ONS Connect):
Join the Web cast on Late Effects of Cancer Survivorship
Cancer treatment can determine a variety of late effects for
cancer survivors. This web cast focuses on such topics as
sexuality, fatigue, anxiety, and more. Enhance your
knowledge about late effects and earn important continuing
education credit.
Save Money on Various Household Purchases
Did you know that as an ONS member, you are entitled to
discounts on computers, insurance, cell phone plans and
more? The ONS Affinity Program was put together to save
you money! Check it out now!
Great Resource for Those New to Oncology
The Oncology Nursing Fingerprint website outlines
resources to help get your feet wet in the oncology
nursing specialty. Get the latest educational offerings,
articles, online resources, and networking and
mentoring opportunities to help you build a strong foundation in
our rewarding specialty.
THIS IS GREAT IF YOU KNOW A NURSE NEW TO
ONCOLOGY! JUST POINT THAT NURSE TO THIS
WEBSITE AND WATCH THE LEARNING BEGIN!
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If you plan to attend the 9th Annual Institutes of Learning, don’t forget to register by October 2 nd to
save $100. This great educational and interactive event is being held close to home this year, in
Seattle starting on November 14th. If you go, be sure to give us a report via this newsletter when
you get back.
Regional Happenings: This is the place where you can let others know what is new at your
institution/practice. For example:
 The Infusion Center at the Reno VA is now designated as Chemo Certified by OCNN.
This means that more than 50% of their infusion nurses have achieved the OCN
credential. They proudly display a plaque for all their patients, families, and colleagues to
see. – contributed by Mary Lynch
 Andi Wagner, our own chapter president, attended the ONS Mentorship Weekend held
in Pittsburgh this July. She came back with great ideas on how to re-energize our
chapter activities and membership. – contributed by Andi Wagner
 The Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center, located in our cancer center, will be
hosting monthly educational seminars on Chemo Brain and Nutrition While On
Treatment. These are the first two of four topics that will be presented monthly on the
same week each month. These topics have been identified as timely by our patients and
caregivers. They are free to the community/patients/caregivers. Chemo Brain debuts
Thursday, September 11th from 4-5 pm, with the Nutrition seminar starting September
18th in same time slot. Two more topics to debut soon. Call 445-7500 for info if you
would like to refer patients – contributed by Carla Brutico
 The NCI Partnership Program Coordinator for the state of Nevada, Lauren Slovic, has
been appointed. Her office is in the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. Lauren is available to
any cancer program in the state and can assist in programs, clinical trials challenges,
grant-writing, education, and a multitude of other ways. She can be contacted at (775)
445-7533 or by email: [email protected] - contributed by Carla Brutico
 Chapter Members who attended Congress in Philadelphia this year: Carla Brutico RN,
OCN (CTRH), Michelle Thomas RN, OCN (CTRH); Christine Nicks, RN, AOC, Betty
Palmer, RN, OCN, Faith Belding RN, AOCN (all from Reno VA).
If YOU have news to share with your colleagues about new programs, accomplishments, etc,
please contact your editor at [email protected]. Each contributor to this newsletter will
receive TWO free raffle tickets at the meeting following the contribution. We really want to hear
from our membership!
Changes in Our Monthly Meetings: In keeping with our strategic plan to involve our
membership in a more interactive way, the board has planned some fun additions to our
meetings. Watch for monthly raffles, prizes, and other ways to get to know those who attend.
SAVE THE DATE
First Annual Nevada Cancer Control Summit- December, 2008
According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts and Figures 2006, an
estimated 11,600 Nevadans were diagnosed with cancer and 4,680 cancer related deaths
occurred last year. The Nevada Cancer Council’s vision is to reduce the number of new
cancer cases as well as the illness, disability, and death caused by cancer for all
Nevadans. The Council is dedicated to evidence-based strategies and coordination of
cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, support, and research efforts to improve the
quality of life for everyone in Nevada. The Nevada Cancer Plan has set six broad goals
which are:
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Reduce the risk for developing cancer
Increase early detection and appropriate screening for cancer
Increase access to appropriate and effective cancer treatment and care
Increase access to clinical trial initiatives
Address quality of life issues for health care consumers affected by cancer
Improve the coordination and collaboration between cancer control efforts
The First Annual Nevada Cancer Control Summit, scheduled for Friday, December 5, at
the Peppermill Resort, will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the state’s
Comprehensive Cancer Plan including its implementation, progress and challenges. The
goals of the Summit are to increase awareness of national cancer control efforts, to
mobilize Nevada stakeholders to better coordinate efforts aimed at reducing new cancer
cases and cancer related deaths in the state, and to improve the quality of life for those
affected by cancer. The Keynote Speaker for the Summit will be Hala Moddelmog,
President and CEO, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
The Council encourages attendance of Healthcare professionals involved in the care and
treatment of cancer patients including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, social
workers, hospital staff and administrators. CME and CE credits are pending.
The Summit will begin Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with a VIP
Welcome Reception. All Summit registrants will be invited to attend to meet with Hala
Moddelmog and other out of state speakers. The Summit will begin on Friday, December
5, with a Continental Breakfast and Open Exhibits. The Summit sessions will be held
from 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
For more information on the Summit please contact Jeanne Tremaine at (775) 784-4782
or visit www.medicine.nevada.edu/cme. To learn more about the Nevada Cancer Council
visit http://health.nv.gov, or contact Sheila Baez, RN, MN, Council Chairwoman at
[email protected].
Something to Think About: “Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of
gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a different way to stand”.
Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine, October 2002
Contribute to your chapter newsletter by contacting the editor:
Carla Brutico
[email protected] or phone: (775) 445-7505
Editor reserves the right to edit for length and/or clarity