Research findings and insights on telemedicine, rural care, and climate change are just some of the key topics that impacted Fred Hutch Cancer Center oncology nurses who attended the 2024 Scientific Meeting. did. Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) General Assembly.
OzThe 35,000-member professional association held its 2024 event last month in Washington, D.C., where more than 3,600 attendees networked, heard and learned from thought-provoking oncology nursing experts.
Fred Hutch nurses also presented best practices. At Fred Hutch, many of our nurses not only provide clinical care, but also participate in research, clinical trials, and implementation of evidence-based practices across specialties and multiple locations.
View the list of Fred Hutch nurses who presented at the ONS 49th Annual General Meeting.
Several themes emerged in the ONS. Read what Fred Hutch’s nurses have to say.
The importance of telemedicine in rural areas
How telemedicine is being utilized in rural areas was one of the themes that came to the forefront.
Krista McMurray, RN, BSN, said she was inspired to learn how one organization is overcoming obstacles and leveraging innovation to improve access to care in rural areas. She said, “They are using telehealth visits, coordinating chemical deliveries, even using drones, and centralizing in-person care to keep patients healthy. [do not] You must travel to as many city centers as possible. ”
Isela Sphon, RN, BSN, pointed to one of the presentations focused on the health system’s transition to a full telehealth oncology program to serve rural patients. She said, “The key to their success was multifocal, but strong relationships with smaller regional centers outside of large urban cancer centers.”
Impact of climate change on access to care
Caitlin Mills BSN, RN said she felt the most valuable sessions were those that highlighted how climate change can impact and disrupt care delivery. Stated.
“I was motivated by hearing the panel discuss the impact of climate change on patient care,” Mills said. “They talked about so many different factors about how climate change is impacting not only patient health but access to care.”
This topic resonated with other colleagues, including Amy Boswell, MSN, RN.
“I did not consider the links between climate change and social determinants of health, such as reduced local vaccination rates due to major flooding and subsequent health/cancer prevention impacts. We also appreciated proposals to reduce the negative impact of healthcare on climate change, such as sustainable procurement,” Boswell said.
Advocacy on Capitol Hill
Several Fred Hutch nurses noted that their experience on Capitol Hill was a particularly powerful experience that helped push nurse and patient policy advocacy to the forefront.
Greg Cunningham, MSN, RN, agreed: Walking around the Congressional offices and talking to elected representatives was incredibly empowering. We truly believe we have made an impact and will help move the needle in the direction of advancing policies that help patients. ”
Arlyce Coumar, RN, Minnesota, participated in a session that revealed insights into how nurses can help advance advocacy at the local level. She said, “The message I got is that it is possible to host local advocacy days across the state, and that nurses can be involved from the early stages of developing policy statements.”
Additional insights from ONS
- Brain tumor survival rate: Suni Elgar, MPH, BSN deputy chief nursing officer, said the keynote speakers’ messages in the opening session resonated and helped set the tone for the entire conference. “Kelsey Teinsch has had two brain tumors. [listening to her] This was the most uplifting way to start ONS Congress 2024. Her authentic story was the perfect mix of humor, gratitude, and inspiration. After this presentation, I felt rejuvenated and ready to get back to work with a renewed mindset. ”
- Nurses’ empathic distress: Jingwen Zhang, RN, BSN, gained new insights from a presentation focused on empathic distress among nurses. “As professional caregivers, we sometimes forget to take time for ourselves. It’s okay to work on our own health so we can provide better care to our patients,” Chan says.
- Recruitment and retention: Dana Malick, RN, Minnesota, said the session “Recruitment and Retention: Where We Are and Where We’re Going” particularly resonated. “Our work becomes even more important as we welcome all new and graduate nurses. I support each new employee, foster a positive work environment and develop their I am even more inspired to find new ways to help you succeed.”
- Radiation for oncological emergencies: Tiffany Curtis, BSN, RN, attended a presentation on radiation therapy for oncological emergencies. “As an ACE Clinic and STAT RN, I am used to assisting in the management of oncological emergencies, and I am familiar with the use of radiation and obtaining information about fluids, medications, and in some cases blood transfusions for oncological emergencies. It was very interesting to learn about the different types of radiation used, including whole brain radiation, stereotactic radiation, and external beam radiation. I learned about the differences in radiation doses, options, and nursing considerations for these patients. , and to better understand that the effects of radiation are often felt within hours but can sometimes take days, and that radiation is often used in conjunction with steroids and surgery. is completed.”
