ONS Connect - May 2008 - (Page 15)

What Was Your Experience With the ONS Leadership Development Institute? All Oncology Nurses Should Apply for LDI Pamela J. Lofton, MSN, RN, CCRC, OCN® [OnE nursE’s PErsPEctivE] Pamela J. Lofton, MSN, RN, CCRC, OCN ®, is a research nurse associate in the gastrointestinal oncology service at the University of Chicago in Illinois. I was a new to oncology nursing—less than two years of experience—when I applied for and attended the ONS Leadership Development Institute (LDI) in 2005. During the LDI weekend, I met and networked with oncology nurses whose experience ranged from 2–25 years. The common thread linking all of us that weekend was a passion for oncology nursing. My LDI leader, Adrianne Lane, EdD, RN C, and the LDI team worked very diligently to keep each one of us involved with the activities. My most memorable experience was the “totem” exercise. As I listened to each unique introduction, every nurse communicated who he or she is as a person. Some of the fellows made us laugh, and some made us cry. But by the end of the evening, we began to form a unified group. I still keep in touch with some of the other LDI fellows, and it is always great to see one another at the ONS Institutes of Learning or ONS Congress. For my LDI project, I developed an educational tool for patients who are considering participation in a research study. In the beginning, I didn’t realize how much work would be required. As I began to develop my project, my faculty mentor, Ellen Giarelli, EdD, RN, CRNP, was readily available. I was able to contact her via e-mail, and she reviewed my project and provided constructive criticism. What I really liked about Ellen was that she would always end our exchange with a word of inspiration. LDI left me with such wonderful memories; I would encourage all oncology nurses to consider applying. It helped me to integrate into oncology nursing as a profession. Since completing the institute, I have obtained OCN® certification and attended ONS Congress annually. I developed a sincere appreciation for the profession of oncology nursing versus “just being a cancer nurse.” If given the chance, I would do it all over again. ✱ MAY 2008 ONS CONNECT 15

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ONS Connect - May 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In ONS Leadership Development Institute A Year in the Life - Month Five Web Content Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Put Evidence Into Practice to Prevent and Manage Constipation in Patients With Cancer Giant Database Allows Scientists to Share Information Calendar of Events Working for You Staying on Top

ONS Connect - May 2008

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