A message from ONS President Jessica MacIntyre, DNP, MBA, APRN, NP-C, AOCNP®.
As ONS president, it is my privilege to extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to every one of you for your dedication to the oncology nursing profession. Your unwavering commitment, compassion, and expertise make an immense difference in the lives of patients with cancer, their families, and caregivers every day. You stand as beacons of hope, providing not only exceptional cancer care but also emotional support and comfort to those navigating the cancer journey.
In reflecting on our organization’s five decades, I see how oncology nurses’ invaluable contributions to the progress in cancer care have established a legacy we must carry forward. Our profession has a history of excellence, advocacy, and innovation, but we must also consider the future of oncology nursing. We have a great responsibility to mentor and inspire the next generation of nurses, fueling their passion for oncology. Together, we can ensure that tomorrow’s nurses are equipped with the clinical knowledge and emotional skills they need to continue ONS’s mission of advancing excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care.
We also must keep up with the rapid advancements in cancer care. Although they promise improved treatments and outcomes, they also present challenges for nurses to keep pace with those emerging therapies and technologies. Nurses who care for patients with cancer require ongoing professional development and upskilling. As our professional home, ONS remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting all members in their continuous development. Through our resources and opportunities for growth, we ensure that our members are equipped to meet the profession’s evolving needs.
ONS proudly represents more than 100,000 oncology nurses across the United States, with membership exceeding 35,000 dedicated professionals. With such a significant presence, the ONS Board of Directors and I are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that ONS continues to propel the profession forward and upholds our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and connection. Our aim is that every oncology nurse not only feels supported by ONS but also develops long-term connections with colleagues across the country.
Together we have the power to transform cancer care and continue to make a profound difference in the lives of patients with cancer and their families. Let us embark on this journey of transformation, knowing that our efforts today will shape the landscape of cancer care for generations to come.