ONS Connect - October 2008 - (Page 16)

YOuTElluS How Has Genomic Testing Impacted Your Practice? family Needs Helped me learn about Genomics y sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50, the same age as her mother was. She consulted me to see if genetic testing should be done for her daughter and granddaughter’s benefit. I, a seasoned oncology nurse of 25 years, was now professionally and personally thrown into the genomic era in cancer care. We are likely to encounter patients whose care involves the consideration of genomic information and access to genomic technology. I know I had the responsibility to educate myself in this arena, and I started with the ONS Genetics Online Education Series. By becoming knowledgeable about genomic testing, I became conversant in the pur- M pose, limitations, and potential benefits and risks of genomic information and technology, which helped to answer my sister-in-law’s question. Rita Steinbauer, RN, BSN, OCN® Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC Genomics is used in High-Risk Breast Cancers t the high-risk breast clinic associated with a large multispecialty surgical practice where I am an advanced practice nurse, I use BRCA testing as one tool to manage and educate high-risk women. I am fortunate to be in practice with a surgeon who is a recognized leader in breast care and breast surgery in the region. A BRCA testing is one of the risk-strategizing methods that guides patient management from the initial clinic visit to continuing surveillance visits. If a woman is BRCA positive, she is counseled about potential prophylactic mastectomies and oophrectomies and the potential benefits of chemopreventive medications. Often a baseline magnetic resonance imaging test is ordered. I also stress the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms. Most women appropriate for the testing are relieved that their potential for being diagnosed with breast cancer will be continually assessed. Patricia M. Way, RN, MN, APRN-BC Connecticut Surgical Group Farmington, CT ONS Is Keeping Up With the Changing Landscape of CNE I f you’ve attended ONS conferences over the years, you’ve no doubt noticed that things change from year to year. In the future, you may begin to see more than just a few changes as ONS continues to ensure compliance with the guidelines of the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. The conferences are just one vehicle for offering continuing nursing education (CNE). All CNE programs require extensive planning; ONS works with content experts and educational design experts to ensure programs are appropriate. Several important aspects of ofONS CONNECT fering CNE programs include avoiding conflict of interest, bias, and the perception of influence. For several years, ONS has worked to educate ONS members and program attendees on the importance of identifying, disclosing, and resolving any conflicts of interest related to the program. We work to safeguard against the perception of bias or influence in programs by resolving potential or perceived conflicts of interest as well. Perception of influence can extend to the way that meeting materials are packaged and the kinds of giveaways you receive at conferences. We will begin to see these differences soon. For example, giveaways containing logos or marketing messages will no longer be packaged with CNE materials. A panel discussion regarding CNE changes will be presented in conjunction with the Institutes of Learning and Advanced Practice Nursing Conference Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, November 15, at 5:45 pm. Frequently asked questions about CNE have been added to the ONS Web site at www.ons.org/ CNECentral/CNEchanges.shtml and will be in the conference syllabi as well. For more information about accreditation guidelines, visit www.nursecredential ing.org/ContinuingEducation/Accredita tion.aspx. ✱ 16 OctOber 2008 http://www.ons.org/CNECentral/CNEchanges.shtml http://www.ons.org/CNECentral/CNEchanges.shtml http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ContinuingEducation/Accreditation.aspx http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ContinuingEducation/Accreditation.aspx http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ContinuingEducation/Accreditation.aspx

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ONS Connect - October 2008

ONS Connect- October 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Up Front You Tell Us Up Close &�Professional Web Connect Five-Minute In-Service Capitol Connection Caregiver Care Straight Talk New Treatments, New Hope Working for You Calendar of Events Staying on Top

ONS Connect - October 2008

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