May is recognized as Oncology Nursing Month, which also coincides with National Nurses Week, a special time to honor and recognize the dedicated work of nurses worldwide. This year's Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress took place in San Antonio, Texas, from April 26 to 30, 2023. The ONS Congress is the largest and most prestigious conference for oncology nurses. It provides a unique opportunity for nurses to learn from experts, network with colleagues, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
The theme of this year's ONS Congress was "Rejuvenate, Refocus, Revitalize," and it reflects the commitment of oncology nurses to improve patient outcomes and deliver high-quality care. The conference featured keynote speeches, educational sessions, and workshops that cover a wide range of topics, from symptom management to new treatment modalities.
Five of our nursing team members, namely Bo Rattanadaum, Marta Czyrnek, Dina Andrejcik, Emily Rostkowski, and Shannon Woerner, attended this year's ONS Congress. Their participation enabled them to acquire new knowledge, learn from experts, and network with oncology nurses worldwide. They were re-energized and re-affirmed in their roles as oncology nurses, particularly after hearing from multiple speakers who have been or are currently oncology patients. They also gained insights into the management of treatment side effects and learned about evidence-based practices surrounding treatment administration, which could help facilitate changes in our current workflows. Furthermore, they discovered ways to establish standard protocols for infusion reactions to enhance nursing autonomy and streamline workflow changes.
One of the most prestigious certifications for oncology nurses is the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification. This certification is offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), and it is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and expertise of oncology nurses. To become OCN certified, nurses must have at least one year of experience in oncology nursing and pass a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of topics, including cancer biology, treatment modalities, symptom management, and end-of-life care.
We are proud to have our sites in Bridgewater, Edison, Jersey City, Robbinsville, and Somerset, 100% staffed with OCN-certified nurses. We hope to encourage more of our nurses to complete this certification. Astera is enrolled in the ONCC FreeTake® Certification Program, which enables nurses to take the certification exam up to two times, without personal financial responsibility. Our goal for 2023 is for all eligible nurses to achieve their OCN certification.
Nurses in oncology should consider getting the OCN certification. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field of oncology nursing. It also recognizes the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to provide high-quality care to patients with cancer. Additionally, OCN certification can lead to career advancement opportunities. Obtaining the OCN certification is a valuable way to demonstrate commitment to excellence and advance in the field of oncology nursing.
We at Astera Cancer Care recognize nurses' outstanding role in caring for those diagnosed with cancer. Our nurses are truly the mainstay of our practice. Our nurses are the reason we celebrate. They provide guidance to patients through diagnosis and treatment and offer comfort during the most challenging times. Their unwavering commitment, boundless compassion, and exceptional care are unmatched, and we are incredibly grateful for all that they do. Thank you to all of our nurses for your extraordinary work.