ONS Connect - November 2008 - (Page 29)

ONS 2009 ELECTION my “true path”. I have worked in the profession of oncology nursing for 22+ years in many different roles and cities in the US. During these years, through opinion seeking and listening, I have learned so much from patients and the nurses who work with them. As I have evolved from the role of Staff Nurse to Director of Oncology Services, it is the depth of these experiences that has allowed me to bring many perspectives to a leadership role in ONS. Fortunately, the ONS membership has permitted me to participate in leadership roles in the past at the local and national [Steering Council] level. If elected, I will build from my life and leadership experiences to successfully fulfill the mission and vision of ONS. Director-at-Large Deborah A. DeVine, RN, MS, AOCN® Increasing professional responsibilities throughout my oncology nursing career and my commitment to the oncology nursing specialty have prepared me for a leadership position within the Oncology Nursing Society and in the promotion of the mission of ONS; “To promote excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care”. I have over 33 years of Professional Experience in Clinical Nursing (25 in Oncology) that includes 12 years of Executive Responsibility in the areas of Patient Services and Professional Resources—affiliated with a major University Teaching and Research Hospital. Practicing oncology nursing at the bedside for almost 20 years in a variety of care settings including inpatient, outpatient, home care, and hospice resulted in the decision to return to school and obtain a BSN followed by a MS in nursing (oncology clinical nurse specialist) in 1993. Practicing as an oncology CNS/ Educator, all roles of the CNS were realized with special emphasis on the education, mentorship and orientation of new oncology healthcare providers as well as ensuring clinical competence and advanced training for experienced oncology nursing personnel. Since 1995, as Patient Services Director, I have had executive responsibility for Program Development, Strategic Planning, Fiscal Resources and Budget Allocation, Personnel Management, and Care Delivery Outcomes of the following patient services: • Medical/Surgical Oncology • Cardiac/Medicine Unit • Resource Office/Float Team • Pulmonary Medicine • BMT/Hematology Oncology • Palliative Care • Staffing Office & Agency Involvement with our local ONS Chapter since 1989, Metro Denver ONS, progressively led to enhanced leadership positions and responsibilities which include; Fall Conference Planning Committee Co-Chair, Secretary, Membership Co-Chair, President-Elect, and President (2001–2004). The professional nursing and leadership experiences I have gained in each of the unique roles I have fulfilled, from the bedside direct care provider, to CNS, to MDONS leader, and now as a Nursing Director, have uniquely prepared me for an ONS Director-at-Large position and to promote the mission of ONS; “To promote excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care”. Michele E. Gaguski, MSN, RN, AOCN®, CHPN, APN-C I have always admired the many leaders found in the specialty of oncology nursing. Their passion, commitment and forward thinking are clearly evident in their clinical practice and research. As an oncology clinical nurse specialist, role modeling leadership qualities is a must for success in the role. Staff, administration, peers, and patients look to the advanced practice nurse for guidance, mentoring and clinical expertise on the crucial issues evident in cancer care. Clinically, I have been instrumental with the integration of evidence-based nursing practice into the clinical area Help Shape the Future of Oncology Nursing ONS encourages all active members to begin thinking about tossing their hats into the ring to be considered for future office. If you have been an active ONS member for at least five years and have shown previous leadership within the Society or any similar organization, you are eligible. All applications will be considered carefully. The 2010 candidate application will be available on the ONS Web site this month. Open positions for 2010 are secretary, two directorsat-large, and two Nominating Committee members. In addition, if you know of someone who you believe would make a great ONS leader, please submit his or her name and contact information to mem bership@ons.org. The information then will be forwarded to the Nominating Committee. November 2008 ONS CONNECT 29

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

ONS Connect - November 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Lean on Me You Tell Us A Year in the Life-- Month Eleven Put Evidence Into Practice to Manage Caregiver Strain and Burden Web Connect Capitol Connection Caregiver Care New Technique Monitors Patients with NSCLC Calendar of Events Working for You Staying on Top

ONS Connect - November 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.