Nurses Caring for Cancer Patients:
From Community to Capitol Hill
ALEC STONE, MA, MPA
HEALTH POLICY DIRECTOR
ONCOLOGY NURSING SOCIETY
APRIL 24, 2015
Nurses: Most Trusted Healthcare Providers
Oncology Nurse: The Point of Contact
The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional association of
more than 35,000 members committed to promoting excellence in
oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975,
ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses,
developed evidence-based education programs and treatment
information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to
improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and
their families. Together, ONS and the cancer community seek to
reduce the risks, incidence, and burden of cancer by encouraging
healthy lifestyles, promoting early detection, and improving the
management of cancer symptoms and side effects throughout the
disease trajectory.
ONS Health Policy Agenda
Federal Policy Agenda 2015:
◦ improving cancer symptom management
and palliative care;
◦ advancing and ensuring access to quality
cancer prevention and care;
◦ strengthening nursing workforce
contributions to safeguard public health.
From Bench to Bedside
Oncology nurses work in education, evidence-based research, hospital administration, and patient care.
NINR: Research, Prevention, Care
NINR engaged the community to develop its focus and define its agenda.
The Strategic Plan describes five main areas of focus:
◦ Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
◦ Advancing the Quality of Life: Symptom Management and Self-Management
◦ End-of-Life and Palliative Care
◦ Innovation
◦ Developing Nurse Scientists
Building on the Strategic Plan, past scientific accomplishments, and current
research, four key themes have evolved. These themes include:
◦ Symptom Science: Promoting Personalized Health Strategies
◦ Wellness: Promoting Health and Preventing Illness
◦ Self-Management: Improving Quality of Life for Individuals with Chronic Illness
◦ End-of-Life and Palliative Care: The Science of Compassion
Public Health: Prevention and Treatment
Early Detection and Screening
Tobacco Cessation
HPV Vaccinations
Access to Opioids
Pain Management
Palliative/End of Life Care
Patient Navigation
Electronic Health Records
Advocacy: Hitting Capitol Hill
ONS, as an organization and as individuals,
advocate on behalf of people with cancer to
ensure their quality of life and their access to
exemplary care throughout the continuum of
life. We advocate on behalf of the nursing
profession and the oncology specialty to ensure
respect and recognition, access to education,
safe working environments, and fair
reimbursement. ONS also serve as advocates for
public policy, particularly in matters of health.
Current Legislation in Congress
H.R. 398: Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act of 2015 Rep. Renee Ellmers
S. 297: Frontlines to Lifelines Act of 2015 Sen. Mark Kirk
S. 704: Community Based Independence for Seniors Act Sen. Chuck Grassley
S. 674: 21st Century Women’s Health Act of 2015 Sen. Patty Murray
S. 473: Saving Our Next Generation Act Sen. Tom Udall
S. 205: Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act of 2015 Sen. Bill Cassidy
S. 275: Medicare Home Infusion Site of Care Act of 2015 Sen. Johnny Isakson
S. 629: Making the Education of Nurses Dependable for Schools Act Sen. “Rob” Portman
H.R. 1342: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2015 Rep. Greg Walden
H.R. 977: Making the Education of Nurses Dependable for Schools Act Rep. Aaron Schock
H.R. 1006: Building a Health Care Workforce for the Future Act Rep. Raul Ruiz
H.R. 1602: Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2015 Rep. Jan
Schakowsky
H.R. 379: National Nurse Act of 2015 Rep. Eddie Johnson
S. 578: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2015 Sen. Susan Collins
H.R. 605: Medicare Home Infusion Site of Care Act of 2015 Rep. Eliot Engel
H.R. 952: Put a Registered Nurse in the Nursing Home Act of 2015 Rep. Jan Schakowsky
H.R. 72: Breath of Fresh Air Act Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Nurses in Government
President Barack Obama meets with
nurses and Members of Congress in the
Oval Office, prior to a health care event,
July 15, 2009.
CMS Marilyn Tavenner
HRSA Mary Wakefield
6 Members of Congress
Coalitions and Teamwork
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC)
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CFTFK)
Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition (HPNEC)
National Coalition for Cancer Research (NCCR)
National Coalition for Cancer Survivors (NCCS)
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF)
Nursing Community (NC)
One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC)
Pain Care Forum
Activism in Action